I am a current student Ed.D doctoral candidate at St. John's University in New York City where I am studying Higher Education leadership and administration. I was raised in Flushing - located in Queens, N.Y.C. which is considered the most diverse place on the planet. I currently work for the City University of New York (CUNY) as an academic advisor and professional development counselor for a graduate school of social work scholarship program for working professionals. This program has functioned to increase access to graduate study in social work for front line human service professionals traditionally underrepresented in graduate social work studies. I hold a graduate degree in Public Affairs from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College and a graduate degree in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. I work to address issues of access and equity in education as well as macro level social justice reforms and restorative justice for historical disenfranchisement. I am a Puerto Rican woman who was born and raised in New York City. I am also a poet and spoken word artist.