Born and raised in a low-income community in the San Diego area, Ray’s childhood was shaped by the strong spirit and resilience of his family, especially his mother, who raised him and his three siblings on her own. At 15, he began working to help support his family and help raise his younger sister and nephew which gave him a deep understanding of sacrifice and perseverance at such a young age. His family was profoundly affected by how his two older brothers were impacted by the justice system. These experiences instilled in him a sense of purpose and a commitment to advocating for others in similar situations which is why he works in the non profit sector today.
He says, “Growing up in a place where I often saw more barriers than pathways, I became driven by a desire to create connections that could open doors for others. I am deeply interested in mentorship, community development, and equity. I love being involved in work that amplifies the voices of those who are often unheard and helps create opportunities for people to thrive against the odds.”
With the help of Greenline, Ray was recently able to purchase his first home in the Atlanta area. He says, “Homeownership means finding a place that reflects our values and supports our ambitions—a place that fosters love, resilience, and joy… It’s about anchoring myself while reaching for even greater possibilities ahead.”
We couldn’t agree more.
