Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how poverty, violence, and inequality can shape entire communities. From seeing families struggle to make ends meet to losing friends and loved ones to violence, I learned that where someone is born should not determine their opportunities in life. These experiences inspired me to study political science and dedicate my life to public service. I am volunteering with The Borgen Project because I believe leadership should be used to create meaningful change, not just within our own communities, but around the world. Addressing global poverty is important to me because every person deserves access to basic necessities, safety, and the opportunity to thrive. Through this work, I hope to use my voice to advocate for policies that make a lasting impact and help build a more equitable future for everyone.