ABOUT MICHAEL
Michael's journey began in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he was born on June 17, 1989. In the early 1990s, he moved with his family to Boston, Massachusetts, where his creative path took shape. With a deep curiosity for both engineering and the arts, Michael initially found access only to the latter. By age 14, he joined Thomas M. Menino’s Boston Mural Crew as a Teen Muralist, and soon after, began his entrepreneurial journey with Artists for Humanity.
After graduating high school in 2007, Michael moved to New York City to
pursue freelance opportunities. There, he collaborated with major media
outlets such as BET, Nickelodeon, and MTV. At 24, he launched Sandy
River Customs, a creative design studio that went on to serve hundreds
of clients nationwide. His work spanned motion graphics, advertising
design, creative strategy, graphic art, layout, and consulting.
In 2019, during the pandemic, Michael turned his focus to his second
passion: engineering. He taught himself how to dismantle and rebuild a
motorcycle, which led him to pursue formal training. In 2021, he earned
his automotive certificate from Franklin Cummings Tech.
Now a father of two, Michael is dedicated to uplifting communities.
Drawing from his wide-ranging experience, he has organized local events,
provided marketing and advertising support to non-profits, and backed
initiatives that drive positive change. As the founder of ALIVIXI™, a
brand focused on legacy-building and creative empowerment, Michael
continues to advocate for diverse communities and inspire others to
pursue their passions.
