Born in Brownsville, Texas, near the northern border of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, he is a first-generation American whose parents came to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream.
From an early age, he had the opportunity to travel throughout the Americas, living in different countries and meeting people from a wide range of backgrounds. These experiences broadened his global perspective and helped shape his understanding of different cultures and communities.
He takes pride in his heritage and the community he comes from while recognizing that his circumstances have afforded him opportunities that many others have not had. Several of his relatives, including his parents, lived as undocumented immigrants for decades, while some continue to face that uncertainty today. His experiences have given him a personal understanding of how much being a U.S. citizen from birth has influenced the opportunities and meaningful experiences throughout his life.