Age: 27
Hometown: Evanston, Ill.
Current Residence: Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Political comms director
3 Words to Describe You: Empathetic, Resilient, Spontaneous
Why do you want to be part of Survivor? On top of the fact that I grew up watching with my family and was a part of a Survivor club in high school (teachers and students!), I feel like it is time to put myself first. Whether it be professionally or in my personal life, I always prioritize the needs of those around me. It’s time to be selfish. This is a game for $1 million. No better place or stakes to improve on putting my needs first.
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game?: When I was 23, I was promoted to Communications Director after one year and became one of the youngest Communication Directors ever on Capitol Hill. I quickly had to learn what information to share and what to withhold, and how to frame messaging in the most clear, concise, beneficial way possible. Survivor is identical to the world of politics.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? I identify the most with Yul Kwon. During Cook Islands, he played the game like a diplomat. He never made people mad at him; he always acted like his hand was being forced and he had no other choice.
Who do you think you will play most like? I think I will play the most like Sam Phalen. He has many different sides to him and was able to get along with just about everyone and his friendly nature.
What will you value in an alliance partner? Someone who is in the know and a good listener. What good are you to me if you aren’t getting any tea!!?? My ideal alliance partner will be someone who is so good at sleuthing they will put private investigators to shame!
Favorite hobbies: Summer softball games near the monuments in D.C., Thursday night happy hour on any patio or rooftop, inviting friends over for a pool day or to watch a game
Pet Peeves: Blocking a grocery store aisle with your cart, when people would rather Uber than walk 10 minutes, people with no self-awareness
What is something we would never know from looking at you? Almost every Sunday, I enthusiastically purchase and eat grocery sushi for dinner. Sushi snobs like to talk so much smack about my low-cost Sushi Sundays, but little do they know you can’t even taste the difference from expensive restaurant sushi.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why? My parents are my biggest inspiration because they never let haters get in their way! As an interracial couple in the ‘80s, they faced a lot of backlash. Family members even said their relationship wouldn’t last. 40 years later, they are still going strong. Others are always going to act like they know what is best for you, but you can never let these outside opinions shape who you are. Haters are always gonna hate!
Why will you be the Sole Survivor? Beyond being the “glue guy,” I’m going to be the one my teammates can’t live without! Not only am I going to have close individual connections with each of my fellow players, but I’m going to be the one putting a smile on their face when times are tough. Everyone has that one friend they go to. That’s me! And that’s going to keep me around and win me the $1 million.