Chicago Positive Impact was born out of my love for basketball, Chicago, and Chicago’s Youth. I was born and raised in the Chicago Woodlawn community, not too far from where I attended High School at Mount Carmel. Basketball has played a role in my life going back to the age of nine during my humble upbringing on Chicago’s South Side.  As a young boy growing up on the City’s South Side, I was faced with daily choices that would become the basis for the trajectory of my life.  During those critical years, I was fortunate to meet someone who I now call my mentor/role model.  He recognized the untapped potential of not only my basketball abilities but also my character. I hope to provide this same type of mentorship to the youth involved with Chicago Positive Impact.

After my time at Mt. Carmel High School, I went on to play basketball for the “Fighting Illini” at the University of Illinois under a student-athlete scholarship.  After six years as a student-athlete at Illinois, I graduated with three degrees: A Bachelors in Communication, A Masters in Sports Recreation & Tourism, and A Master’s in Education Policy and Organization Leadership. Throughout my college experience I was recognized by Home Town Heroes, for my outstanding community involvement giving back to Champaign’s  Youth.  I am excited to carry on this legacy in Chicago with Chicago Positive Impact.