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 an early riser, curious, and constantly moving. In his free time, he walks, hikes, runs, and bikes the many trails found throughout the DMV. He lives in Northern Virginia with his family.