I’m an accomplished policy expert and legal counsel with nearly 20 years of experience working in both the government and private sector. Along the way, I’ve developed a knack for working across party lines and finding common ground in order to get things done. I’m a people person who loves connecting with others in order to maximize results.
Before joining Lot Sixteen, I served as the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration. Never one to shy away from a challenge, I was the first non-Spanish speaker and the second non-native Puerto Rican to hold this position. Here, I developed and implemented legislative strategies that led to key federal victories for the island, including increased emergency appropriations of nearly $1 billion for Puerto Rico’s Nutritional Assistance Program; a historic funding level for the island’s Medicaid program of nearly $6 billion for two years; and a temporary expansion of Medicaid to cover an addition 200,000 residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I spent over 10 years of my career on Capitol Hill, most recently serving as Legislative Director and Counsel for Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH). I also worked for former Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), the first woman to serve as Chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, in both her personal office and on her appropriations committee staff. Working in both Chambers of Congress taught me that a lot can be accomplished with hard work, open and honest communication, and the right amount of compromise -- especially as critical deadlines approach!
I’ve also practiced law as an associate at Lowenstein Sandler, LLP, the largest law firm in New Jersey. I was a member of the Environmental Law and Litigation and the Class Action Litigation teams, and worked on complex litigation matters where our federal environmental laws were front and center. I maintained an extensive pro bono portfolio and was part of a team that successfully obtained asylum for an individual from Syria. I am licensed to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia.
Originally from New Jersey, I graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Political Science, and from The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law with a JD. Washington, DC is home, where I live with my girlfriend and our cat, Dolly (Pawton). On the weekends, you will find me reading a good book, checking out the newest restaurant in DC, or planning my next travel adventure.
