About Me
Beyond my engineering career, I am a passionate advocate for mental health and violence prevention. Having overcome childhood domestic violence, my personal experiences have fueled my determination to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges.
Born in New York to Ecuadorian immigrants, I grew up in a dysfunctional household. My father was an alcoholic and a domestic abuser, a situation unfortunately not uncommon in my culture and extended family.
When I was 2 years old, my family fled our home in New York to New Jersey. With no job, my mom found a nearby shelter, Center for Hope & Safety, where we stayed for over 2 years. My father eventually re-entered our lives but continued with his alcoholism and abuse.
Eventually, my parents divorced, but the emotional scars endured. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college in February 2022, that I began therapy and started addressing my mental health in a meaningful way. The free university counseling services were a lifeline, providing me with the tools and support to process my trauma. This experience motivated me to help others who might feel the same isolation and helplessness I once did.
For me, mental health engagement is more than just a personal journey; it’s a mission to help others find the resources and support they need to heal while dismantling the stigma that so often prevents people from seeking help.
