I want to share a bit about my journey because it’s something close to my heart. Growing up in the inner city wasn’t easy. I came from a place where the odds were stacked against me. The streets I called home were gang-influenced, and the environment was tough. But even with all the challenges around me, I always knew I wanted more for my life.
One of the turning points for me was joining the All Stars Project and their Development School for Youth (DSY). I went through a rigorous 10-week program where I learned so much about business communication and professionalism. That experience opened doors I never imagined. I earned an internship at Merrill Lynch, and from there, my career started to take shape. Eventually, I found myself working on Wall Street, right across from the New York Stock Exchange. It was surreal, but it was just the beginning.
Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say I’m the founder of Jiku.Shop, a tech startup that’s all about innovating and connecting businesses nationwide. Alongside that, I created PetraFuel, a network for fuel traders to connect, buy, and sell fuel wholesale—helping them get what they need, when they need it most. For me, this is about more than just business. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities and building something that makes a real difference.
I never forget where I came from, and I’m humbled every day by how far this journey has taken me. To anyone out there facing tough times, I just want to say—keep pushing. Your circumstances don’t define you, and with hard work and determination, you can create the future you want.