Aro

I’m Aro, and I’ve spent more than a decade working as a program manager at a major aerospace company.

My work is detailed and serious. I hold security clearances, work in classified spaces, and carry a lot of responsibility every day. I’m proud of that, because it says something about the kind of trust people place in me. My mom worked at the same company before I did, so in a lot of ways this is a second-generation family story. It means a lot to me to be building my life in a place where hard work, trust, and dedication matter.

I’m also a transgender man, and that is simply a real part of who I am.

My family has been a huge part of my life. They love me and support me, even though there were questions and concerns at first. That’s part of being a family — learning, growing, and staying connected. We spend as much time together as we can, especially outdoors, hiking, camping with our dogs, and enjoying the quiet moments that help us feel grounded.

Having the support and care I needed helped me grow into the person I am today. I know not everyone gets that same kind of support, and that’s painful to think about. Everyone deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, and valued for who they are.

At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves his family, his work, and the outdoors. Being transgender is one part of my life, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m a neighbor, a son, a worker, and a person trying to live a good life.

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