Leadership & Service

Leadership & Service

Through leadership, service, and perseverance, I’ve committed myself to creating meaningful change in my community. These experiences have not only strengthened my character but have also fueled my passion for leading with purpose and serving others. I’ve found that the more I give—my time, energy, and heart—the more I grow as a servant-leader, inspired by the impact we can make together.

Read below to see how these experiences have shaped who I am and who I strive to be.

The First Tee

For the past four years, I have served as a youth golf coach with The First Tee, a nonprofit affiliated with the PGA Tour. Volunteering in this role has allowed me to blend two important parts of my life: serving my community and sharing the skills I developed as a competitive junior golfer.

Golf is often described as a powerful metaphor for life, offering lessons and skills that transcend age, background, and circumstance. Through this intersection of service and athletics, I actively champion inclusivity and accessibility, especially for those facing unique challenges—whether physical, socio-economic, or neurodivergent. Too often, these individuals are overlooked and lack the support and confidence needed to reach their full potential.

The First Tee is a youth development program, established in 1997 under the umbrella of the PGA Tour, that teaches life skills and character development through golf. Created as a joint initiative among leading golf organizations—including the PGA Tour, LPGA, USGA, and the Masters Tournament—its mission is to make golf accessible to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

Through its curriculum, The First Tee weaves Nine Core Values—including honesty, integrity, and perseverance—into every lesson, empowering participants to grow both on the course and in life.

First Tee Offers:

Golf & Life Skills Training – Teaching golf fundamentals alongside confidence, respect, and leadership development.
Chapters Nationwide – Operating through local chapters across the U.S. and internationally.
School & Community Programs – Partnering with schools and youth centers to introduce golf to more students.

This deeply meaningful experience has shaped not only how I coach but also how I approach leadership and advocacy in every aspect of my life.

How Coaching Inspired My Congressional Award Journey

My experience as a youth coach with The First Tee became the driving force behind earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal—the highest honor the U.S. Congress bestows on youth. The Gold Medal requires a minimum of 400 hours of volunteer service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a five‑day expedition, all completed over at least 24 months.

I set an ambitious goal to become one of the youngest Gold Medal recipients in the program’s history. Though it felt nearly impossible at times, I was determined. I began my journey at 13½ and achieved the award exactly two years later. Along the way, I discovered the vast opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my community and beyond. The more I committed to this work, the more passionate I became.

Earning the Gold Medal also inspired me to start a club at my school to encourage others to participate in the Congressional Award Program. I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in growing a new generation of servant leaders—and I know there is still more work ahead.

Volunteering and pursuing the Congressional Award have shown me the power of persistence and the incredible change that can come from dedicating yourself to the betterment of others.

About The Congressional Award

Established by the United States Congress in 1979, The Congressional Award recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in young people. This bipartisan program was sponsored by Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming and Congressman James Howard of New Jersey and operates as a public-private partnership funded entirely by the private sector. Since its creation, every U.S. president—from Jimmy Carter to Donald J. Trump—has supported the program, ensuring its lasting impact.

My Congressional Award Gold Medal Achievement

I am honored to be a recipient of The Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress bestows on youth. Each year, Gold Medalists are celebrated in Washington, D.C., where Members of Congress, public and private partners, and civic leaders recognize their achievements during a multi‑day event.

Earning this award reflects my dedication to over two years of goal-setting, personal growth, and community service. To receive the Gold Medal, I completed at least 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and successfully planned and completed a five‑day, four‑night expedition or exploration.

This experience has been transformative, reinforcing my commitment to leadership, perseverance, and making a positive impact in my community.

I look forward to the opportunity to join a community that values purpose-driven leadership and meaningful impact.

These experiences have shaped who I am and strengthened my commitment to leadership, service, and community. I am excited to bring this dedication to a college environment where I can continue to grow, collaborate, and contribute to making a positive difference.

Ribbons of Service

For the past two years, I have proudly served as a committed participant in the Ribbons of Service program through the National Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA), a philanthropic initiative supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through this program, I’ve combined my passion for equestrian sport with a mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children battling life-threatening illnesses.

Recognizing the power of community, I took the initiative to launch a Ribbons of Service at my Saddlebred barn and its sister location, focusing on raising awareness, driving local involvement, and expanding the program's reach. Since its inception, my efforts have increased participation by over 300%—a testament to what grassroots effort and shared purpose can achieve.

In my role, I have not only fundraised independently—reaching the prestigious Diamond Level, the highest tier of participation—but have also acted as an advocate and ambassador for the program. I’ve marketed the initiative within and beyond the equestrian community, organized volunteer opportunities, and inspired fellow riders to channel their skills toward a cause greater than themselves.

To date, UPHA’s Ribbons of Service program has raised over $1 million for St. Jude, and I am honored to be part of that legacy. I presented a check for $200,000 to St. Jude at last year’s UPHA national conference in New Orleans. Through this experience, I’ve learned that leadership is about more than results—it’s about creating impact, inspiring action, and serving with heart.