MY 40TH BIRTHDAY: A LIFE TESTIMONY
I can’t believe I’m 40 today. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and everything I’ve built.
As Rise Preparatory Academy enters its ninth year, we have helped students—not student-athletes—attend prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, the University of Chicago, Howard University, the University of Florida, and the University of Miami. Two years ago alone, five of our non-athlete seniors were admitted to the University of Miami.
Before COVID made online education widely accepted, Rise Prep was already pioneering the online-school model in South Florida. Since then, the academy has been recognized by the Miami Herald as one of the leading private schools serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties and featured by 247Sports. My work has also led to interviews with 1Chance1LifeTV and Grant Miller on Miami’s Community Newspapers’ CNEWS TV, where I discussed education, athletics, and developing future leaders.
Although Rise Prep does not offer sports, our academic structure, advancement opportunities, and college guidance have helped student-athletes reach the highest level. In one year alone—not over nine years—42 football players, three baseball players, and one soccer player signed with Division I programs. That is 46 Division I signees in a single year, including multiple four- and five-star prospects—a milestone few, if any, schools in South Florida or across the country have accomplished.
Over the past four years, Rise Prep has helped more than 100 student-athletes sign with Division I programs. Their success reflects more than athletic talent; it demonstrates the academic preparation and guidance that helped them qualify, graduate, and advance.
Rise Prep was created for flexibility and advancement. Through our dual-enrollment partnership with Miami Dade College, two seniors earned associate degrees in our first year, followed by 10 last year. This year, at least 20 seniors are on track to earn associate degrees while completing high school—advancing according to their abilities instead of seat time.
Rising Stars is my independent football scouting and media platform—not a school. It has helped countless high school football players gain exposure, become nationally ranked, and earn college scholarship offers. Rise Prep provides academic opportunities, while Rising Stars provides football exposure. They are separate organizations with distinct purposes.
Long before establishing my school, I was an honors mathematics teacher at ASPIRA Leadership & College Preparatory Academy and a special education teacher at the Carrie Brazer Center for Autism and South Florida Autism Charter School. I also served as team manager for the Miami Dade College women’s basketball team.
While attending Florida International University—before I ever considered teaching or owning a school—I helped more than 100 students secure junior-college placement, completely free of charge. Helping students find opportunities has always been part of who I am.
I am a first-generation college graduate who earned degrees from Miami Dade College and Florida International University. From navigating education and learning the sports business to becoming a school owner, I had to teach myself every step of the way.
Becoming self-made wasn’t easy. As a product of West Perrine, Florida, I had no blueprint, connections, or guidance. I had to learn, overcome every obstacle, and create my own opportunities—but I did it.