Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration stems from my journey as a second-generation immigrant and the son of field workers, where I learned the value of hard work and perseverance. This foundation, combined with my experience as a therapist and entrepreneur, drives me to create solutions that bring people closer. Innovators like Whitney Wolfe Herd inspire me to leverage technology empathetically, which led to 'Vetted,' a dating app empowering users to build authentic connections through trusted relationships.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by focusing on my family—especially my daughter, who inspires me to build a better future. Her curiosity and joy remind me why I strive to make a positive impact. My wife and family’s unwavering support also keep me grounded and driven. Knowing that my work can help others build meaningful relationships through 'Vetted' fuels my passion and reinforces my commitment to creating something lasting and impactful.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would invest it directly into developing the MVP for 'Vetted.' This funding would cover app design, user experience testing, and backend development, ensuring a strong foundation for the platform. By building a functional prototype, I can demonstrate the app’s potential to investors and users, accelerate market entry, and move closer to making 'Vetted' a trusted tool for fostering authentic relationships.