Everything we are exposed to effects how we view the world and the things we set out to change. Growing up in New Orleans, I was very happy. My parents instilled great values in me, we had more than enough to eat, and my house was the place to be for all major holidays. When things change rapidly, we make decisions based on survival. We do what we have to do so that the people we love need not worry of the harsh realities of this world. Around 12 years old, both my parents took ill due to onset strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure. Shortly after, I got to work. Budget Saver Lawn & Garden was my response to those rapid changes. Entrepreneurship is in my blood sweat and tears. At 17 I joined the Louisiana Air National Guard to pay for my education. The secondary reason was one of those exposures I set out to change. New Orleans is mainly known for two things: Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. I wanted to be one of those guys who helped people out of flooded areas; people I knew personally. My first four years were quite thrilling. I served as an electrician, traveled all over the world, and attended Louisiana State University while at home. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Psi- Beta Chi Fraternity and the Student Veterans Association at LSU. I was also a ceremonial guardsmen, tasked with the responsibility to lay fellow Airmen to rest. After a tour in Europe, I was ready to really focus on my academic career. I knew I wanted to be in the financial services industry and a job became available as a Financial Management Technician. In this role I served over 1,500 Airmen and their families. Specifically, I oversaw the travel pay and entitlements for all personnel, assisted with budgeting and fiscal close out, and provided resources on VA benefits. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2019 from McNeese State University. After a sabbatical to Australia, I launched AlkAlign. Initially it was just a tax prep firm for family and friends called Alka Financial. Managing the growth of the company while in the military was quite a challenge... especially during COVID and as an MBA Candidate at LSUS. I put my MBA on pause over the last year and separated from the military in June 2021 to focus on AlkAlign. As I develop into a stronger financial professional, I think back to why I got started in the first place. The mission has always been to make real change. While I enjoy working with clients, I am very passionate about the work we do in the community. We teach financial literacy to adults and high school students for free and offer internships at AlkAlign.