HOW DID GROWING UP IN STAMFORD SHAPE WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
Growing up in Stamford grounded me with a strong sense of community, hard work, and service. Stamford is a city with deep roots and diverse neighborhoods, where everyone seems to know someone in your family. I was raised to value tradition while also embracing change. It also gave me the opportunity to know generations of people and forge long lasting relationships that I am still honored to have today. Whether it was volunteering, supporting neighbors in times of need, or standing up for what’s right in the courtroom or at city meetings, those early lessons have never left me. Stamford didn’t just give me a place to grow up, it gave me purpose.
STAMFORD IS KNOWN FOR ITS DIVERSE COMMUNITY. WHAT ROLE DO YOU PLAY IN THAT COMMUNITY?
I’m proud to be both a product of that diversity and a provider within it. As a fourth-generation funeral director and the owner of a longstanding family business, I’ve had the privilege of serving families from every background, faith, and walk of life. In
moments of deep grief, I’ve stood beside Stamford residents with compassion and respect. In addition to my professional role, I’ve served on the Stamford Board of Finance, the Board of Education, and currently the Zoning Board, always advocating for a city where every voice matters and every family has a place.
HOW HAS STAMFORD CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
Stamford has grown tremendously over the years from a tight-knit industrial town to a bustling city with a vibrant downtown and expanding neighborhoods. As a child, I remember walking up Atlantic Street with my grandmother, stopping into local vendors, waving to the postman, and feeling a deep sense of community. Today, that same street is lined with high rises, tech companies, and new developments. The city has become a hub for business and innovation, drawing in people from all over the world, which is something to be proud of. But with that growth has come real challenges. We’ve seen small, family-run businesses struggle to survive amidst rising rents and regulations. Long-time residents have voiced concerns about affordability, safety, and a loss of connection to the Stamford they once knew. As someone who has served in city government and continues to serve the community through my family business, I believe growth is only meaningful when it honors our history and protects our neighborhoods and people.
OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I’ve always been passionate about helping people heal whether emotionally, spiritually, or physically. My life has been spent walking beside others during some of their most difficult moments, especially in my role as a funeral director. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself overwhelmed by the constant grief and loss around me. As a first responder in the death care industry, it became clear that I needed to find a way to protect and restore my own well-being so I could continue caring for others. That’s when I turned to traditional Chinese medicine. I enrolled in an intensive two-year program focused on herbal remedies and natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Through that journey, I became a certified herbalist, and I now develop natural formulas for family and friends. I’m also passionate about my long-standing support of Revolution Boxing, led by owner Ahmad Mickens and trainer Victor James. This powerful youth outreach program is one I have proudly supported for over 15 years. The experience deepened my appreciation for the mentorship, discipline, and confidence this program instills in Stamford’s youth.
WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE?
My mother, Barbara Bosak, profoundly shaped who I am today. Her life has been a testament to hard work, devotion to family, and quiet strength. She always believed there was a middle ground to every disagreement, and that everything could be settled with love and respect around the dinner table. Her grace, patience, and unwavering dedication taught me the true meaning of commitment and compassion. The second is Mrs. Ann O’Connor. Without her, I may never have discovered my passion for education. She spent countless evenings working with me at her kitchen table when I was in high school. Thanks to her encouragement, I went on to earn my master’s degree and am now pursuing a Ph.D.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT STAMFORD?
What I love most about Stamford is that no matter how much it grows, it still feels like home. There’s a deep sense of connection here between neighbors looking out for one another, of generations sharing the same sidewalks and stories.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
What's next for me is both deeply personal and professionally meaningful. I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Forensics at the Henry C. Lee College of Forensic Science, a long-term goal that reflects my lifelong dedication to justice and advocacy for victims
and their families. It’s a field that’s not only rooted in science, but in compassion and truth-seeking, which aligns with everything I’ve stood for throughout my career.
At this point in my life, everything I pursue whether in education or public service is about giving back to the community that raised me and ensuring no one is forgotten or left behind.
“No matter how much Stamford grows, it still feels like home.”
“I’ve always been passionate about helping people heal.”