Born on January 7, 1966, in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, this politician graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in 1984 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University in 1988, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University in 1991. With a professional background as a financial analyst, business owner, and nonprofit spokesperson, they also served as a professor at City Colleges of Chicago and Chicago State University between 2011 and 2015. They were elected to Congress as a Democrat and have been serving since January 3, 2023.

In Congress, this member is actively engaged in several committees, reflecting a commitment to diverse issues. Their assignments include roles on committees that pertain to resources, health, and urban affairs, among others. This entails a focus on legislative areas that significantly impact public health, economic development, and social equity.

The legislation they have sponsored and co-sponsored indicates a progressive approach focused on health equity, social services, and minority rights. For instance, they co-sponsored the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2023 (HB235) which mandates federal research initiatives to better understand this aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects women of color. This legislation aims to increase public awareness and improve health outcomes, suggesting an alignment with priorities that emphasize healthcare access and education for marginalized communities.

Another important piece of legislation they supported is the Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act (HB253), which seeks to allow Puerto Rico to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a state would. This bill signifies the member's inclination towards ensuring equal treatment in federal assistance programs, aiming to reduce disparities faced by Puerto Rican households.

Their legislative activity also points to a focus on climate change and environmental justice, as seen in their support for bills like the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025 (HB1135), which proposes taxes on carbon emissions to fund climate resilience initiatives. This aligns with broader Democratic goals to tackle climate change as a pressing public policy issue.

Politically, this Congress member aligns with progressive values, advocating for social equity and healthcare reform while supporting initiatives that address systemic inequalities and promote community health. Their involvement in diverse legislative initiatives illustrates a comprehensive approach to public service that encompasses economic fairness, health disparities, and climate issues, reflecting their constituency's needs and values.

Outside of politics, they maintain a focus on educational initiatives, underscoring their commitment to enhancing community resources and fostering future leaders. With a vision rooted in equity and community empowerment, they continue to contribute to dialogues surrounding critical national issues, leveraging their background in finance and education to inform policy development.

This politician's ongoing engagement in legislative efforts and committee service underscores a dedication to representing their constituents and addressing urgent societal needs. As they pursue policy changes, their actions will likely continue to reflect both progressive ideologies and a commitment to improving the lived experiences of the diverse populations within their district.