Carlos Watson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the second of four children. The family moved to Miami when Carlos was three, and that’s where he grew up. Money was always tight, but his parents, both teachers — Carlos Sr. and Rose — filled the house with love, high expectations, and constant encouragement.

Carlos’s love of reading began in local libraries and bookstores and continued through school. He thrived as both a student and as an athlete before heading to Harvard College. He graduated with honors, then later attended Stanford Law School, where he became Editor of the Stanford Law Review and President of the Student Government.