I was born and raised in the Salinas Valley, California.  My hometown, Greenfield, is a predominantly migrant, Mexican-American community.  This agricultural hub is home to many farmworkers, including many of my family members.

I discovered philosophy at Hartnell Community College, in Salinas, California.  It was during my first college semester that I decided I would get a PhD in philosophy.  I accomplished this in 2016.  I have since then reconstructed and expanded the argument of my dissertation; the result of this effort is a series of publications, including my recently published monograph. 

Inspired by the many excellent professors that I've had the joy of learning from, and collaborating with, over the years, I have cultivated a strong passion for teaching.  Facilitating those eye-opening ("aha") experiences for students are always the best.  My teaching and research objectives come together at this juncture: my primary pedagogical objective is to demonstrate the relevance of philosophical thinking to issues that impact people of color.