Community Leadership and Violence Prevention
After losing my brother to gun violence, I didn’t wait for someone else to act, I helped co-found Guns Down, Love Up (GDLU), a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing gun violence through prevention, healing, youth engagement, and restorative community solutions. GDLU is not just a slogan, it’s an organization that:
- Works with youth to break cycles of violence through education, peer leadership, and media projects.
- Partners with local government, public health advocates, and community coalitions to develop meaningful solutions.
In fact, in past gun violence cases, including efforts to bring justice after shootings that impacted children in Minneapolis, I worked with community partners and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to push for accountability, healing, and closure for grieving families, including supporting efforts that led to arrests and community tips.
Click on the photo to watch the profile of Guns Down, Love Up’s work to end gun violence:🔗 KARE11 News, “Guns Down, Love Up campaign works to end gun violence” (Video & article on community organizing)
Small Business Leadership
I’m a local business owner, running Heritage Corporation, a food and beverage company rooted in community culture and economic opportunity. My business experience isn’t abstract, I’ve built something from the ground up, created jobs, navigated regulatory challenges, and seen firsthand what entrepreneurs in District 65 face every day.
This real-world business experience deeply informs my campaign priorities: helping local businesses grow, expanding access to capital, and building an economic ecosystem that works for people, not just corporations.
Clic the links to discover more about my business:
https://rollingout.com/2018/05/09/award-winning-heritage-tea-house-boutique-is-a-community-gem/
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/st-paul-tea-house-celebrates-black-history/89-523575271
A Voice for Families and Children
My work is grounded in advocacy for families, especially the parents and caregivers who don’t have time for politics, but who deserve leaders who serve them. I’m running to make sure your children have safe schools, well-funded classrooms, strong child care support, and the opportunities you worked so hard to give them.
