Grateful for Life | West Side of Chicago, Illinois.
Just a kid from Chicago…
Welcome y Bienvenidos—I'm David Josiah, a bilingual Mexican-American doctoral researcher from Chicago whose work explores the sociology of sport, history, and culture through education and community transformation. Inspired by my parents' journey and growing up in a household filled with sports, Vibrant music, rich culture, and delicious authentic Mexican food, I found a way to combine my passions into a career that gives back to the communities I care about.
Originally from the heart of Chicago – a true sports town – I have lifelong memories of rooting for the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks, Fire and Cubs and icons like Michael Jordan, Sammy Sosa, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Jonathan Toews, Derrick Rose,Walter Payton and Brian Urlacher to name a few.
Besides sports, I deeply value my home culture. This appreciation stems from my parents, who immigrated to the U.S. in search of the American Dream despite knowing no English, and who ultimately lived paycheck to paycheck in one of Chicago’s most poverty-stricken neighborhoods.
It is because of my family's Strength, guidance and values that I discovered how to channel my profound interest in sports, culture, and community into a vibrant and rewarding profession.
My home was always filled with the vibrant sounds of music & the rich, authentic aromas of traditional Mexican cooking|Little Village, Chicago
My experience as a second-generation Mexican-American growing up in Chicago's inner city provided me with a firsthand understanding of systemic challenges such as socioeconomic disadvantage and community violence.
Like many other bilingual Mexican American students in the Chicago Public Schools,I didn't initially see college as a tangible path for myself.
Within my home, I deeply immersed myself in learning about my Mexican heritage, while outside, I navigated the challenges of participating in youth sports while overcoming violence and gang activity in Chicago. This environment made it incredibly difficult to envision a future beyond the city limits. Yet, through dedication and resilience, I managed to break free from the system.
Witnessing my family's resilience through adversity not only shaped my character but also solidified my resolve to serve my community and give back. My commitment to social change is rooted in a profound understanding of the daily struggles faced by youth, families, and communities.
The statue of Michael Jordan, also known as The Spirit, is a bronze sculpture by Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany that has been located inside the United Center in the Near West Side community area of Chicago since March 1, 2017.
As a first-generation college student, I have navigated the path of higher education with my family, forging a unique journey into academia. I hold a Master's in Sports, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Illinois and a BA in Sports Marketing from the University of Texas. Now, as a second-year PhD researcher, I explore the intersection of sports sociology, culture, and education.
As an active leader both on and off campus, I have experience leading a non-profit program, Uplifting underrepresented youth and community icons by providing pathways to success in sports, education, and arts.
As a dynamic sports management professional with several years of experience gained as an NCAA Division I Graduate Assistant. Expertise spans game operations, sports marketing, and content strategy, with additional professional exposure in the Major League Soccer (MLS), National Football League (NFL), and Major League Baseball (MLB). Proven ability to coordinate Community events, execute marketing campaigns, and develop youth programs, all while working in high-pressure environments.
Little Cubs Field | Humboldt Park, Chicago.
As an Association of American Universities (AAU) Fellow, and active member of The North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (NASSS), I am acquiring a rigorous foundation in research methodology. I am particularly excited about applying these skills to upcoming qualitative and mixed-method projects focused on building research and findings for 'Latinos in Sports:Resilience in Hispanic Youth through Sports and Education.' I continue to seek professional opportunities that leverage and build upon my academic and leadership experience.
In my free time, I enjoy world travel, attending live sporting events, and honing my cooking skills as a chef apprentice
Please feel free to reach out and connect with me to discuss collaboration opportunities and explore ways we can make a difference in our communities together.
Special Thank you
Mexico Lindo y Querido
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 (You taught us to fight and never give up). You taught us to enjoy life and help others, to be humble and resilient, and never to forget how far we've come.
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