Growing up in Greenspoint, Houston, I faced a challenging environment marked by stigmatization and limited access to opportunities. As a child, my ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score highlighted the numerous hardships I encountered, from family instability to exposure to crime. These experiences could have easily set me on a path of despair and defiance, evident in my frequent school suspensions and brushes with the law. However, instead of being defined by these adversities, I chose to rise above them. My high ACE score became a testament to my resilience and determination. It fueled my passion for community enrichment and inspired me to establish the Wise Up To Rise Up Foundation, aimed at transforming lives in underserved communities. Today, I stand not as a product of my environment, but as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that even the most adverse beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements and a life dedicated to empowering the next generation.