Growing up, soccer was a main vehicle for connecting with friends, family, and my heritage. On a personal level, soccer was a way for me to build resilience, leadership, and build relationships with people from all walks of life. The opportunity to be able to contribute to building toward a similarly enriching environment for youth in The Bronx has been the privilege of a lifetime.

South Bronx United (SBU) is a nonprofit youth development organization with a mission of using soccer as a tool to uplift youth and families in the South Bronx. More than 1,900 young people--beginning at age two and all the way through young adults navigating college and careers--will have participated in programs this year in the classroom, on the soccer field, and in the community.

Founded in 2009, the organization's programs have grown in scope combining academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, leadership development, health and wellness programs, immigration legal services, and other youth and family services with soccer programs. The organization's core program, the SBU Academy, has a 100% high school graduation rate and 94% college matriculation rate. College-readiness rates of graduates are three-times the rate of their peers.

This summer, SBU girls and boys will walk out with national team players at every FIFA World Cup match at MetLife Stadium. A select group of SBU youth leaders will also represent at Festival '26 in Boston, and SBU is hosting the Bronx Block Party World Cup Festival for the USA vs. Australia game on Friday, June 19th. Anyone who donates at least $100 to my campaign will get VIP access to the festival!

South Bronx United's impact is significant and its mission is very dear to me. Because of that, I became Team Captain for the #PowerOf11 Campaign. I hope you will consider making a donation to support the campaign and help me reach my goal!  I appreciate support in any amount! Together we can make a difference!