Profiles

Class of 2026
Marketing, MIS
Hometown: Hercules, CA

What aspect of your fellowship has been most rewarding?
Through my fellowship with the City of San José’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, I learned how deeply civic engagement relies on amplifying local voices and supporting underserved communities. One of the most rewarding aspects was interviewing minority small business owners; hearing their passion showed me that their personal stories are often just as vital as the products they sell. This hands-on experience bridged my background in marketing and business with a newfound interest in journalism and community organizing. Moving forward, I am eager to continue using communication strategies to make community resources more accessible and to partner with grassroots organizations, like local Filipino social justice groups, to consistently uplift and advocate for others.