Dear Friend,
I am a proud UCF Knight, through and through.
The University of Central Florida has shaped nearly every chapter of my life. I earned five degrees there, including dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, and most recently, my PhD in Public Affairs in 2024 — all while serving in the State Legislature and working full-time in the nonprofit sector.
So when UCF students reached out to interview me for the school newspaper, it felt like a true full-circle moment. I was honored to join them at the Downtown Orlando campus and reflect on my journey, my work, and the values that continue to guide me.
You can read the full interview here.
UCF is more than where I studied. It’s where I found my voice, deepened my purpose, and built a lifelong commitment to public service. Staying connected to its students, faculty, and programs continues to ground me and inspire how I lead every day.
I hope you’ll take a moment to read the article, and if it resonates, please consider sharing it with others.
Onward,
