Josh is an activist and community organizer - born, raised, and rooted in the indigenous CHamoru islands of Guam and the Marianas. In 2013 he moved to Portland (OR) to study secondary education at the University of Portland, intending to return home as a public school teacher. Josh eventually learned of the enduring impacts of colonization in the US-occupied territories, and instead finished his degree in political science. He became active in the decolonization movement and committed to helping Guam and the other territories exercise their internationally-recognized right to self-determination. He'd go on to earn a master's degree in public policy from Portland State University, all the while gaining experience in public affairs, community engagement, and grassroots organizing. In 2023 he was one of 13 people appointed to Portland's first-ever Independent District Commission (IDC), and served as a co-chair. The IDC, empowered by voter-approved ballot measure, was tasked with the design and adoption of city council voting districts. These ranked choice, multi-member districts are the first in Portland's history, and is part of a historic transition to a new, more representative form of city government. In his own time Josh co-chairs the Board of Directors at Next Up, a youth-led non-profit amplifying the diverse voices and leadership of the rising generation to build political power. And he remains engaged in Guam's decolonization movement.