Joe grew up in Hawaiian Gardens, where he saw firsthand how communities are shaped by both opportunity and the stories told about them. That awareness fueled his passion for leadership and his belief in the power of communication. From a young age, Joe stepped up to serve.

At Artesia High School, Joe was elected Senior Class President and known for his ability to organize, motivate, and unite his peers. He balanced AP classes, dual enrollment, and extracurriculars while helping plan school events and leading fundraisers. His teachers describe him as confident, humble, and deeply committed to his community.

Outside of school, Joe interned with Long Beach Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and participated in Gen Z workshops for the Kamala Harris campaign. He also volunteered with the CASA Youth Shelter and served as a nonprofit writer, finding ways to use his voice for impact.

This fall, Joe will study political science at Cal State Long Beach with the goal of becoming an entertainment lawyer. He hopes to advocate for storytellers and protect voices that are often overlooked. For Joe, leadership is about showing up, standing tall, and creating space for others to be seen.