I began my adult professional career as a teacher of all subjects for an alternative high school system in NYC that catered to high school dropouts of color from poor neighborhoods.

My first was the East Harlem Music School. From there, I went on to create several of my own educational programs including The East River School, The PM Program at IS 218/SUMA/CAS, and the Alternative to Suspension Program that was implemented system-wide for District 8 in the Bronx. I ended my public school career in 2004 as a bilingual social worker.

After a short stint in two doctoral programs, I decided to return to my original love and I've been a struggling artist since.

I am still a teacher and social worker at heart, so I donate the majority of my profits to charities that support Latino and Native college students.

In essence, my work is about finding the unheard voices in my own ignored Latino community and I do this through photography, body art, puppetry, storytelling, counseling, teaching, curating and/or legal advocacy.

It really comes down to honesty for me. If you're honest with yourself and your work, something great will show up. I truly believe beauty is everywhere. Just open your eyes and look.

My work has been performed on stages including St. Ann's Warehouse, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, BAAD, and the Kentucky Opera. My art has been exhibited in galleries including Casa Frela, ARTup and Leslie Lohman. As an actor, I've appeared on the small stage, the TV screen and the big screen. My photography has been published in magazines and books including "Chulito," DNA, Display, Akut, OhlalaMag, BelloMag, TMF, AAG, Next and Eks Magazyn. And, I've done workshops and classes around the world.

I am also the founder of CHULO Underwear (www.CHULOunderwear.nyc), the cultural clothing line that donates its profits to neighborhood groups working with marginailzed youth of color.

My biggest success has been working with so many amazing people willing to share their stories. My ultimate goal is to finish my book of body art photography (and, finally complete 1 of the 3 doctorates I started, cono.).

If you're interested in modeling for me or in hiring me, please feel free to reach out and say, "Oye..."