ABOUT PICK
A new voice with a fresh perspective
that will champion and advocate for all
who live, work, or visit El Segundo
When I moved from suburban Philadelphia to Southern California, it was important to me to find a place that felt like home. In other words, it needed to be a small town where I could easily get a Philly soft pretzel. Happy to say I finally found that – and a lot more in El Segundo.
I found a tight-knit community with small-town charm, excellent schools, safety, and economic opportunities. I want to continue to build my life here and one day start a family with my partner Sean.
My commitment to El Segundo runs deep. I co-founded the Sweat Equity Alliance, a community organization in town that’s committed to making El Segundo a more inclusive place. While representing SEA Change, I persuaded the City – for the first time ever – to issue a proclamation celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month in El Segundo and to light the City’s iconic water tower in rainbow lights in June. Both are now annual traditions and paved the way for Gundo Pride, an event I co-organized with fellow community members and many local businesses.
In 2023, I was appointed to the El Segundo Arts and Cultural Committee (ACC). After just a few months, I was elected Chairperson of the committee. In my role on the ACC, I interface with business leaders in El Segundo who pay into the City’s one percent fund for the arts. I work with City staff and my fellow committee members to deliver engaging programming for the community like the Art Walk, Festival of Holidays, and the Poet Laureate Program. I also serve as the liaison for the ACC on the Parks and Rec Renovation Sub-Committee.
This drive to uplift and support marginalized or underrepresented groups has been a part of my identity long before I moved to El Segundo. In my senior year of college, I volunteered to teach English and Math to incarcerated individuals working toward their GEDs. I later volunteered with Back on My Feet, a non-profit organization that empowers people to achieve economic independence through fitness and community. It was through experiences like these where I learned to become more empathetic, an active listener, and an agent of change.
I’m eager to bring this type of leadership to our City Council. Leadership that champions and advocates for all who live in, work in, or visit El Segundo as we take on the most important challenges facing our community in the years to come.
When I’m not running for office, I’m probably actually running. In 2019, I won the 10k at El Segundo Run for Education, setting the course record at the time. For the last two years, I was the runner up in the 5k in what were both course record-breaking races. Another notable running achievement came in 2017 at the Los Angeles Marathon I where I was the first American finisher and tenth place overall. Professionally, I coach cross country and track at Loyola Marymount University. I previously was a volunteer cross country coach at El Segundo High School.
Prior to coaching at the NCAA level, I've worked as a writer and in support staff roles on a number of shows, including Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Goldbergs, and had a remote gig on Saturday Night Live where I was a freelance joke contributor on their Weekend Update segment. I also put my writing abilities to use in other arenas. I've been published in various media outlets like HuffPost, OutSports, and in the local press where I've written primarily about social and political issues.
When I run for office, I run for office. I entered the race for City Council because El Segundo wants a change of pace. As you can see, I campaign a little differently. And I'll govern differently too in that I'm ready to go the distance to ensure all voices, especially those long-ignored, are finally heard and empowered when it comes to the most important challenges and issues facing our City.
