Just a kid from Chicago…

Hello! Welcome to my new website. My name is David Josiah-a bilingual Mexican-American who is passionate about the sociology of sport, history and culture in both the field of education and transforming local communities.

Originally from inner city Chicago, I grew up in a sports town rooting for sports legends like Michael Jordan, Brian Urlacher, Walter Payton and always had good music and delicious authentic home cooked Mexican food in my house.

Thanks to my parents-who knowing no English, immigrated to the U.S. in search for the American dream, and instead, lived paycheck to paycheck in one of Chicago’s most poverty stricken neighborhoods.

Thanks to them, I found a way to combine my deep passion for sports, culture and community as a career.

As a second generation Mexican-American youth from Chicago’s inner city, I understand the effects of concentrated poverty and violence in our neighborhoods.

Attending Chicago Public Schools, I was another Latino kid that seemed to never think college was a real possibility. Seemingly in my own world of learning my home culture, playing youth sports and surviving the city, it was difficult to hope for a future outside of Chicago. Thankfully, through hard work and resilience, I was able to shake the system.

Seeing my family grow through the tough times helped strengthen my decision to serve and have an opportunity to give back. My passion for social change is rooted from a deep understanding of the struggle youth, families and communities face daily. 

As a first-generation college student, navigating my undergraduate experiences has been new to me as well as my family. I am a University of Illinois alumnus with my Masters in Sports, Recreation and Tourism and have my BA in Sports Marketing from the University of Texas. Currently, I am a second-year PhD student researching at the intersection of sports sociology, culture and education.

On and off campus, I am an active leader where I help lead a non-profit program, empowering underrepresented youth and community legends through sports, education and arts. As a former NCAA Division I Graduate Assistant (GA), I have gained several years of industry experience working in sports including: game operations, sports marketing, community outreach, sports content strategy, youth sports programs development and freelance sports photography with professional opportunities working in the MLS, NFL and MLB.

As an Association of American Universities (AAU) Fellow, I am being equipped with a good research foundation and methodology and am excited about working on a few upcoming qualitative and mixed-method projects to help build research and findings for Resilience in Hispanic Youth through Sports and Education; and continue to seek professional opportunities utilizing and building upon my academic leadership skills.

On my time off, I enjoy traveling the world, watching live sports and building my cooking skills as a chef apprentice.

If you’d like to reach out about collaborating and making a difference in our communities together, please feel free to reach out.

SpecialThank you

To mis abuelos y familia-for everything you have taught and instilled in me from a young age: I wouldn’t be here without your strength and guidance. Nos enseñaron a luchar y nunca rendirse. They taught us to fight and never give up. To enjoy life and help others, to be humble and resilient and to never forget how far we’ve made it.  

To my friends, mentors and teachers-I appreciate you for always believing in me. For your unwavering help and support, words aren’t enough. Thank you!

Inspiration

Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. - Nelson Mandela