Born in Washington D.C., Hugo Mendoza served as an Ammunition Technician (2311) in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is an Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm Veteran. 

After being discharged from the Marines, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English from George Mason University and later a master’s degree in journalism and public affairs from American University.

He's had a career in technology. 

Still gets dirty, still rides his bike through mud. 

He jogs, walks, and hikes the many trails found throughout the DMV. He currently lives in Northern Virginia with his family.