My background is rooted in a childhood shaped by challenges and resilience. Growing up in an unstable and violent environment, where my mother struggled with addiction and mental health issues, and my father, though a stabilizing force, was often sidelined in our lives, I learned early on the importance of stability, compassion, and advocacy. These experiences have shaped my character and fueled my passion for creating positive change in my community. My journey into business allowed me to develop skills in branding, marketing, and business strategy, which I now use to help other aspiring entrepreneurs through my company, Mo's Creative Solutions. In this role, I offer services ranging from business registration to strategic planning, all aimed at empowering others to succeed in their ventures. My involvement in the Aurora community has been a cornerstone of my journey. I currently work with the Good Morning Aurora Podcast, where I assist in journalism and content creation, providing a platform for local businesses and organizations to share their stories. This role has deepened my connection to the community and has given me a front-row seat to the issues that matter most to the people here. In addition to my work with Good Morning Aurora, I am inspired by political figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and State Representative Barbara Hernandez. AOC’s commitment to social justice and her fearless advocacy for marginalized communities have been incredibly motivating for me. Barbara Hernandez, who works tirelessly for our local community, has shown me the impact that dedicated leadership can have at the grassroots level. Their work has inspired me to pursue a career in policy reform, with a focus on urban planning and economics. My interest in urban planning and economics stems from my desire to address the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness, gentrification, and the lack of affordable housing—issues that I’ve seen affect my community firsthand. Growing up in a situation where stability was a constant struggle, I am acutely aware of how important a stable, affordable home is to a person’s well-being and future prospects. This has driven my passion to work on creating equitable and sustainable urban environments where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. One of my main goals is to combat homelessness by advocating for policies that provide comprehensive support to those in need, including mental health services, job training, and affordable housing options. I also want to address gentrification, which often displaces long-standing residents and erodes the cultural fabric of communities. My approach involves promoting policies that ensure development benefits all residents, not just the wealthy, and that maintain the diversity and character of neighborhoods. Promoting sustainability is another key aspect of my vision. I believe that urban planning must prioritize green spaces, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation options to create environments that are not only equitable but also resilient to the challenges of climate change. My goal is to work towards policies that integrate sustainability into the very fabric of urban development, ensuring that future generations inherit cities that are not only thriving but also sustainable. What motivates me to pursue this path is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, stable, and vibrant community. My own experiences have shown me the profound impact that a supportive environment can have on a person’s life, and I am committed to creating that environment for others. I want to use my education and my experiences to advocate for those who are often left voiceless, to ensure that they have a seat at the table when decisions about their communities are being made.

Reflecting on my childhood, there’s one question I wish I had been asked more often by the adults around me (a judge especially): "Would you like to go with your mom or your dad?" It’s a simple question, yet it holds so much significance for me because of the unstable and chaotic environment I grew up in. My mother, a young mother of five, was dating a man who was a drunk and addicted to cocaine. Our home life was full of instability, violence, and constant drinking. My mother was emotionally detached, struggling with bipolar disorder and narcissistic tendencies. As kids, my brother and I were left to navigate this turmoil on our own, never really having a voice in the decisions that affected us most. On the other hand, my father, while not perfect, was a source of stability for my brother and me. He never raised a hand to us and, despite not being the father of my three younger siblings, he was someone we could rely on in the midst of the chaos. Looking back, if anyone had ever asked us who we would have liked to go with, my brother and I would have undoubtedly chosen our dad. But no one ever did. That question, and the absence of it, left us feeling voiceless and trapped in a situation that we had no control over. The absence of that question has had a profound impact on my goals and aspirations today. It made me realize the importance of giving a voice to those who feel powerless, especially children who are caught in situations beyond their control. It’s driven me to want to pursue policy reform, particularly in areas related to family law, child welfare, and mental health services. I want to ensure that children in situations like mine are not left voiceless and that their well-being is prioritized in the decisions that are made about their lives. This experience also taught me the importance of stability and compassion. I’ve seen firsthand the damage that an unstable and violent environment can do to a child’s sense of self-worth and security. I want to work towards creating policies that provide support for families in crisis, ensuring that children have a safe and stable environment to grow up in. Moreover, it has fueled my passion for mental health advocacy. Understanding my mother’s struggles with bipolar disorder and narcissism, I’ve realized how crucial it is for mental health issues to be addressed early and effectively. I want to advocate for better mental health services and support systems that can help individuals and families before things spiral out of control. In conclusion, the question I wish I had been asked as a child—"Would you like to go with your mom or your dad?"—represents so much more than just a choice between two parents. It symbolizes the importance of giving children a voice, of recognizing their needs, and of creating environments where they feel safe and supported. This question, and the absence of it, has shaped my desire to pursue a career in policy reform, where I can work to ensure that no child is ever left feeling as powerless as I did.

Losing my father to drug addiction was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. It left a hole in my life that I’m still learning to navigate. Watching my mother struggle with her addiction has added to that weight, making the path forward seem uncertain at times. But through all of this, I’ve learned more about myself than I ever imagined possible. The emotions I’ve dealt with have been all over the place—grief, anger, frustration, and even moments of hopelessness. But in the midst of all that, I’ve also discovered a deep well of resilience. I realized that I could let these experiences negatively define me or use them to fuel a purpose bigger than myself. That’s where meditation and journaling came in. They’ve been my lifeline in many ways. Meditation helps me find some calm when everything feels too overwhelming, and journaling allows me to process my thoughts and emotions. Writing things down has allowed me to make sense of what’s happened and helped me find clarity in moments of confusion. These practices have shown me that there’s a way to see light and keep moving forward even in the darkest times. One of the biggest things I’ve learned from all this is compassion's importance. Seeing my parents struggle made me realize how critical it is for our society to understand and support those dealing with addiction. This realization has sparked a passion in me for policy reform, especially when it comes to mental health and addiction services. I want to go to college to study policy reform and work on creating better support systems for people like my father and mother so that others don’t have to go through what my family has. I’ve found much inspiration in people fighting for change, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Barbara Hernandez, our local state representative. AOC’s courage to speak out and fight for what she believes in, even when it’s unpopular, has been incredibly motivating. She’s shown me that one person can make a significant impact if willing to stand up for what’s right. On the other hand, Barbara Hernandez has shown me the importance of local leadership and how much of a difference you can make in your community. Seeing her work to address issues that matter to people here in our area has made me realize how much power there is in being connected to the people you’re serving. Both AOC and Barbara Hernandez have lit a fire in me to pursue a career in policy reform. They’ve shown me that real change is possible, but it takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to fight for what you believe in. They’ve also taught me that it’s okay to be passionate and to care deeply about the issues that matter most to you. Ultimately, I want to go to college to get a degree and equip myself with the knowledge and tools I need to make a difference. My experiences have shaped me into someone ready to take on policy reform challenges, and I’m eager to start that journey. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m prepared to work hard and keep pushing forward, just like AOC and Barbara Hernandez have inspired me.

Balancing the responsibilities of work and caregiving has been a defining aspect of my life, shaping both my personal growth and career ambitions. My journey began at the age of 18 when I became a mother. I had my first daughter at 18 and my second by the age of 20. While the experience of becoming a young mother was daunting, it also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and determination. The challenges I faced in juggling my role as a caregiver while striving to build a career have profoundly influenced my aspirations and goals. From the moment I held my first child in my arms, I knew that my life’s purpose had changed. My children became the driving force behind every decision I made. I was determined to provide them with a stable and nurturing environment, despite the obstacles that lay ahead. The demands of motherhood required me to develop a strong sense of time management and prioritization. I quickly learned to navigate the complexities of raising young children while also pursuing my own professional ambitions. At the age of 18, I took a leap of faith and started my own business. This decision was born out of necessity and passion. I needed to create a source of income that would allow me the flexibility to care for my children while also pursuing something I loved. The early days were challenging, as I juggled the responsibilities of being a new mother with the demands of building a business from the ground up. There were countless late nights and early mornings, as I worked tirelessly to balance my dual roles. However, the experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of perseverance. One of the most significant challenges I faced was the constant struggle to maintain a work-life balance. As a young entrepreneur, I had to wear many hats—accountant, marketer, strategist, and caregiver. Each day brought new challenges, from managing finances to developing marketing strategies, all while ensuring that my children were cared for and loved. The experience was often overwhelming, but it also fueled my determination to succeed. I realized that by building a successful business, I could not only provide for my family but also serve as a role model for my children, showing them the importance of hard work and dedication. The experience of balancing work and caregiving has shaped my career goals in profound ways. It has reinforced my belief in the power of entrepreneurship as a means of creating opportunities and building a better future. My goal is to empower others, particularly young mothers, to pursue their dreams while also fulfilling their caregiving responsibilities. I want to use my experiences to guide and support others who are facing similar challenges, helping them to realize that it is possible to achieve success in both their personal and professional lives. Through my business, I have had the privilege of helping other aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from minority backgrounds, to start and grow their own businesses. I have also worked as a consultant, assisting individuals and businesses with their marketing and branding strategies. My journey has taught me that success is not just about financial gain, but also about making a positive impact on the lives of others. I am passionate about using my skills and experiences to support others in achieving their goals, just as I have worked to achieve mine.

Growing up, my life was intricately shaped by the challenges my mother faced as a teen mother. At just 15, she became pregnant with my brother, who was born with a disability. By the time she was 24, she had given birth to five children, including me. Watching her navigate the complexities of raising a family at such a young age profoundly impacted me. Her journey was not just a story of struggle but also one of immense strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. These qualities, which I observed in her day after day, became the foundation upon which I built my own life and career. From a young age, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices my mother made to provide for us. Despite the overwhelming responsibilities that came with raising children, particularly those with special needs, she never gave up. She worked tirelessly to ensure we had everything we needed, even if it meant putting her dreams and aspirations on hold. This selflessness and dedication instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and an understanding of the importance of hard work. I learned that nothing in life comes easy, but with determination and resilience, anything is possible. When I found myself in a similar situation at the age of 18, pregnant with my first child, I was determined not to let history repeat itself. I wanted to break the cycle of struggle while building on the lessons of resilience my mother had taught me. Raising my first daughter at 18 and welcoming my second by age 20, I knew that my career choices would have to be driven by stability, passion, and the desire to create a better future for my children. I was determined to give them the opportunities my mother had worked hard to provide me. This experience led me to start my own business at 18, driven by the need to provide for my family while pursuing something I loved. The demands of being a young mother required me to become resourceful, resilient, and strategic—all qualities essential in entrepreneurship. My business provided financial stability and allowed me to build a career that I am passionate about, one that offers flexibility and the opportunity to create a legacy for my daughters. Through this journey, I discovered my true calling: helping others turn their dreams into reality, just as I had done for myself. My mother's journey and my own have taught me that teen motherhood does not define one's limitations but rather highlights the strength to overcome adversity. This realization has fueled my commitment to empower other young mothers through my work, helping them see their potential despite their challenges. I want to show them that being a young mother is not the end of the road but rather the beginning of a new journey filled with endless possibilities. Through my business, I have worked with other young mothers, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Whether helping them start their own business, offering guidance on career development, or simply being a source of support and encouragement, I am dedicated to making a difference in their lives. By lifting each other, we can create a community of strong, empowered women who are not defined by their circumstances but by their determination to rise above them.

What Could Go Wrong? In the hush of dawn, as the world sleeps still, I sit in quiet, where dreams distill. My thoughts drift back to times long gone, To my parents’ journey and the battles they won. They came from afar, with hopes held high, Under foreign skies, with a tear in their eye. Language is a barrier, work is never done, But they never wavered, always fought on. I remember their stories, whispered at night, Of struggles, of hardships, but never of fright. Their courage, their strength, in silence, they bore, So I could have more, so I could soar. Now, as I cradle my daughters in bed, Their tiny hands resting, their cheeks flushed red, I think of the future, the life they’ll lead, And the seeds of hope that I must feed. Each day is a challenge, a mountain to climb, With two little ones, there’s so little time. But in their eyes, I find my grace, A tender love I cannot replace. I see their futures, bright and clear, But in my heart, there lingers a fear. What could go wrong? I ask with dread, As worries swirl inside my head. Motherhood, it’s a winding road, With a heavy heart and a loving load. Sleepless nights and endless days, Yet in their joy, my spirit stays. Their laughter, pure, a melody sweet, Guides me through each difficult feat. They are my anchor, my guiding light, In their warmth, I find my might. But still, the shadows linger near, The whispers of doubt and fear. What if I falter? What if I fail? These questions haunt me like a ghostly trail. Yet, I know deep down, in the core of my soul, That love will carry me, make me whole. For every stumble, every fall, I rise again; I stand tall. I dream of justice, a world made right, Where voices are heard, and wrongs take flight. For those who are silenced, for those in need, I carry their hopes; I plant the seed. What could go wrong? I softly ask, As I take on each daunting task. But in their smiles, I find my peace, In their embrace, my fears are released. I see a future, one that’s kind, Where my daughters’ dreams will not be confined. A world where they can freely soar, Where their potential is not ignored. But the path is long, and the journey tough, The road ahead is rocky and rough. Yet, I press on, with love as my guide, With hope and faith standing by my side. In moments of doubt, I look above, And remember the power of a mother’s love. For it’s not the fear that makes me strong, But the will to keep moving along. Through every challenge, every storm, I’ve learned to bend, but not conform. For, in the end, it’s not the fall, But how we rise above it all. Each step I take, each choice I make, Is for my daughters, for their sake. I want them to know, to see, to feel, That their dreams are valid, their futures real. I think of my parents, their endless fight, And how they gave me this precious light. A legacy of strength, of resilience pure, A foundation solid, a heart secure. As the days turn into years, I’ll face my doubts; I’ll face my fears. For what could go wrong? It doesn’t matter, When love and hope are what I gather. The world is vast, with twists and turns, But inside, a fire burns. A desire to see justice done, To fight for those who cannot run. And so, I carry on, with dreams held tight, With my daughters’ future burning bright. For every challenge, every strife, Is just a part of this beautiful life. In the end, it’s love that wins, Through every hardship, it begins. A journey long, with steps unsure, But with every breath, I feel secure. For what could go wrong, when love is near? When do hope and faith replace fear? In my daughters’ smiles, I see the truth, The endless possibilities of youth. I’ll teach them strength, I’ll teach them grace, To meet the world with a fearless face. For in their hearts, I see my own, A legacy of love that’s deeply sown. What could go wrong? It fades away, As I embrace the light of each new day. For in their joy, in their laughter bright, I find my path; I find my light. So here I stand, with dreams in hand, Ready to face what life has planned. With love as my compass, hope as my guide, I’ll walk this journey side by side. And when the road gets dark and long, I’ll find my strength; I’ll sing my song. For what could go wrong? It’s just a thought, When love and dreams are all I’ve sought. In the end, it’s not about the fall, But rising up above it all. With hearts full of love, with dreams in flight, We’ll find our way through the darkest night. For what could go wrong, when love is here? When hope and faith are always near? In their laughter, in their light, I see the world; I see the fight. And so I journey on, with love so strong, Knowing deep down, it won’t be long, Until the day when all is right, When dreams and love take flight.