Born in Chicago, Illinois, I moved when I was nine years old from the urban center to a small town—Eustis, Florida. Raised in a multi-ethnic, multinational family, I was faced with adversity that shaped my development, social activism, and education. Working at the Smithsonian American Art Museum during the United States Congress’ Culture War on the National Endowment of the Arts, I was empowered to use my artistic voice to create opportunities for dialogue and to address modern day concerns. As an artist and educator whose mixed media and fiber pieces integrate hand and machine-constructed processes, I encourage viewers to reflect on social justice while encouraging people to think about their own privilege and how they might affect change.