Hello everyone!

I’m proud to be running this marathon in support of South Bronx United, an organization that helped shape who I am today.

As a member of the Class of 2022, I’m a living example of SBU’s impact. Through soccer, academic support, mentorship, and leadership development, SBU gave me opportunities, guidance, and a community that pushed me to grow both on and off the field. It wasn’t just a program; it was a foundation for my future.

Founded in 2009 to address a lack in youth athletic programs in the South Bronx, the organization's programs have grown to combine soccer with academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, leadership development, health and wellness programs, immigration legal services, and other family and youth supports. The SBU Academy has a 100% high school graduation rate and 97% college matriculation rate. College-readiness rates of graduates are three-times the rate of their peers.

South Bronx United (SBU) is a nonprofit youth development organization with a mission to use soccer as a tool for social change. More than 1,900 young people, beginning at age four and all the way through college, will have participated in programs this year on the soccer field, in the classroom, and in the community.

After graduating, I chose to stay involved by coaching youth soccer and volunteering with SBU because I believe deeply in giving back to the same community that invested in me. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this organization is in changing lives, including my own.

Now, I’m taking on this marathon as another way to support the next generation of young people who deserve the same opportunities I had. Every donation helps provide soccer programs, academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, and family support to youth in the South Bronx. I'm not just running 26.2 miles, I’m running for the kids, for my community, and for the organization that helped make me who I am.

This cause is very dear to me, and I appreciate support in all amounts! Together, we can make a difference!