Not only do I call the San Francisco Bay Area home, but I am also a former student of the California State University (CSU) System. I earned my B.S. (2008) and M.S. (2010) degrees in kinesiology at CSU East Bay. I earned my Ph.D. (2014) in sociology at Texas A&M University.
An interdisciplinary academic background has led to my success working inside and outside of academia. My kinesiology education has aided my successful journey working in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer, fitness and club manager, as well as collegiate experience as an assistant track and field coach. My sociology education gave me a broader understanding of health and what it means to different people, communities, and society as a whole. Whether for physical, mental, social, and spiritual objectives or diversity, equality, and social justice concerns, my education equipped me to reach and teach more individuals the importance of a healthy society.
My personal and professional experiences illuminated a realization that many social problems exist throughout society. I wanted to use these experiences and my education to highlight and change these social injustices. It seems fitting that the academic context is one of the best places to promote change, given this is where many of our future leaders reside. Through my primary academic strengths and interests, as a researcher and lecturer viewing and analyzing society through a critical social justice lens, I strive to shed light on social issues and inspire others to contribute to social change.