I believe every person deserves an opportunity to change the direction of their life. For me, that opportunity was chess.
Growing up in New York City as a proud Puerto Rican with roots in Spanish Harlem and a childhood spent in Brooklyn, I learned early that life does not always move in your favor. Like many kids, I faced obstacles that could have shaped my future in a very different way. Instead, I found purpose through a chessboard. The game taught me how to slow down, think ahead, embrace adversity, and understand that every setback is simply another move to learn from. Those lessons changed my life.

Today, I am a National Chess Master, Guinness World Record holder, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Pushing Pawns, a chess education company dedicated to using chess as a vehicle for learning, leadership, and opportunity. For more than 18 years, I have devoted my life to helping young people discover their potential through the game that transformed mine.
Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of coaching thousands of students across New York City and beyond. One of the greatest honors of my career has been coaching Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi, whose inspiring story captured hearts around the world and was later shared in the bestselling book My Name Is Tani... and I Believe in Miracles. Watching Tani’s journey unfold reminded me why I became a coach in the first place. Behind every child is untapped potential waiting for someone to believe in them.
In 2025, I stood alongside my friend Tunde Onakoya in Times Square to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon, playing chess continuously for 64 hours. The record was not just about endurance. It was about proving that chess has the power to unite people across cultures and raise awareness and support for children who deserve greater opportunities through education.
Along the way, I have been blessed with opportunities I never imagined. My story has been featured by The New York Times, CNN, Good Morning America, and HBO, and I have had the honor of partnering with schools, museums, nonprofits, and organizations that believe in the life changing impact of chess. Being recognized with a proclamation during the Puerto Rican Festival in East Harlem was especially meaningful. As a proud Puerto Rican, representing my community and showing young people what is possible has always been one of my greatest motivations.
But the achievement I cherish most is not a title, a trophy, or a world record.
It is my family.
I am a proud husband and father of three beautiful children, and they are my greatest source of purpose and inspiration. Becoming a father has changed the way I lead, coach, and serve my community. Every decision I make is rooted in creating a better future, not only for my own children, but for every child who walks through a Pushing Pawns program. Family reminds me every day that success means very little unless it creates opportunities for the people you love and the communities you serve.
That belief is the foundation of Pushing Pawns.
Our mission has never been to simply teach chess. We use chess as a vehicle to help people develop confidence, critical thinking, discipline, resilience, creativity, leadership, and the courage to believe in themselves. Every lesson is about much more than winning games. It is about preparing people to overcome challenges in school, in their careers, and throughout life.
I hope my story reminds someone that where you begin does not determine where you can go. No matter your background, your circumstances, or the obstacles in front of you, every move you make has the power to change your future.
Keep pushing. Your next move could change your life.