I want to create a more equaitable and just society. I love the promise and the potential of using technology as a way to exponentially do good and create the greatest impact quickly. One of the greatest challenges and opportunities in using technology revolves around the conversation on data rights and privacy. I would love to develop digital media assets (images, memes, gifs etc.) and other digital collateral that can help disseminate messaging an spark conversation around implementing a "Bill of Data Rights." While many larger tech organizations such as Apple, Facebook, and Google state that the user "owns" their data...the idea and implications of this is somewhat more complex and can't really equate data to a product or commodity such as oil. Perhaps a more accurate analogy is comparing data to greenhouse gas. Just like Carbon Dioxide emitted in small amounts can be barley noticeable, erosions to privacy can barely be distinguished but over time can significantly damage the overall health of an individual, community, and society at large. Most people would agree they value their privacy just as much as their right and ability to breathe clean air. As Martin Tisné states "without a strong and vigorous data-rights infrastructure, open democratic society cannot survive." For most folks that use technology they simply do not understand the long term impact of what data is being collected on them, how it is being used, and what the unintended consequences are from developers that had good intentions when they built their platforms. Knowledge is power and helping people start the conversation around a Bill of Data Rights is a significant leap forward to minimize discrimination, remove barriers and break glass ceilings allowing people to become better versions of themselves. I want to help create a better world and find ways for others to live better lives. To summarized Tisné: "without a strong and vigorous data-rights infrastructure, open democratic society cannot survive."

Health and well-being are one of the most critical investments for us to realize our full potential and cope with the many stressors of life. My first encounter with mental health was when my aunt committed suicide when I was 8. I didn't understand what happened and I was not truly prepared for how that would impact me later in life. As I've come to my own awareness of experiencing depression and recovering from PTSD, I've learned how critical healthy relationships are to achieving mental health and well-being. The catalyst that started my healing journey was coming to learn that I had a substance use problem 15 years. I thought that because I didn't fit the stereotypical look of someone who used that I didn't have a problem. As I came to the awareness of the many past traumatic experiences I had walked through during my life I came to understand how I was trying to numb the pain in my search for connectivity, community, and healthy relationships. My journey has been painful, extremely difficult, and at times I've experienced dehumanization in the form of bias and discrimination. While experiences like that sting and don't feel good, I am grateful that I have so many tools and resources that I've reassembled over the years to help me better manage my life. Pursuing a degree and bettering my life was always on my mind. Through doing the work, reaching out, and building a support network, I completed my Bachelor's degree while working full-time. As a way to give back to my community, I joined the Americorps VISTA program and serving 3 terms with a local community-based organization. My service was recognized by President Barack Obama and I received local recognition for the positive impact on my community. I knew a bachelor's degree and improving my career was just the beginning for me. I wanted to continue to grow and improve myself and others. In 2015, I applied to the Digital Media Design program at Harvard University and eventually earned my Master's degree. This experience gave me confidence and helped me recognize that I have the potential and capacity to achieve what I put my mind to. I currently mentor other nontraditional students and learners that are looking to manage and improve their mental health and well-being. My long term aspirational goals are to better help others impacted by mental health so I can support them on their journey and help remove some of the barriers that can help them reach their potential and experience success. In conclusion, the words of Erik Erikson perhaps are even more relevant today: “Life doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that the better for us all.”