I first began organizing for social justice during my time with the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It was an exciting time for the country, this was in 1997 - 3 years after Mandela's release, and as an undergraduate at Yale Univeristy a very exciting time for me.

During my time in South Africa, I realized the awesome potential people have once they organize themselves and the even greater potential of young people fighting for justice.

After South Africa, I went on to work on issues of social justice and inclusion in other parts of Africa, including Ghana and Liberia, the Caribbean, including Cuba and Jamaica and Southeast Asia. It was during these experiences that I realized just how important it is for those most affected to be actively involved in advocating for change to their situtations.

After Hurricane Katrina hit the U.S. in 2005, I understood that a lot of the issues I was working on around the world were plaguing the country that I love and call home -- the U.S. Hence, I began The One World Foundation, with Dana Olds and Charles Chear, in the aftermath of Katrina. Our mission is to both develop leadership in the young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the U.S. as well as develop leadership in their counterparts in the developing world.

We've been successful thus far, despite our very meagre means, and hope to continue to make a difference.