About Me.
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In Filipino culture, being a Kuya means more than simply being the older sibling—it means being a positive role model. My parents often reminded me that a good Kuya leads by example, and this mindset encouraged me to be mindful of my words and actions. From a young age, I embraced this responsibility and saw how my leadership was rooted in everyday choices and the relationships I nurtured.
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This foundation was reinforced during my early high school years when I began practicing karate. Karate became much more than a sport—it was a discipline that taught me perseverance, respect, and self-improvement. My sensei emphasized that success required hard work and that there were no shortcuts to excellence. Through rigorous training and feedback, I developed a mindset of continuous growth. Although karate is often viewed as an individual pursuit, I learned the importance of being a good follower—someone who listens, receives feedback openly, and strives to improve with humility. I began to see feedback not as failure, but as a gift that guides us toward excellence.
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After high school, I enrolled at Tacoma Community College and made the bold decision to leave my full-time job in a warehouse to pursue a student leadership position in student engagement. I joined a small but impactful team under the Multicultural Education division, where we planned events celebrating cultural identity and diversity. From keynote speaker series to educational workshops, our goal was to build a more inclusive and vibrant campus. This role taught me how leadership can be intentional, community-oriented, and deeply rooted in shared learning experiences.
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At the same time, I continued to explore leadership through creative expression. Coming from a family of dancers, I naturally found my way into dance. I helped lead a dance club at school where we hosted open practices, taught choreography, and performed at events—both on campus and in the wider community. One of my favorite memories was performing at a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial event in Tacoma, which led to an invitation to perform and teach at a local elementary school. As club president, I focused on encouraging dancers to overcome fear and pressure by staying present and leaning into joy. Through dance, I discovered how leadership could be expressive, uplifting, and deeply collaborative.
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During the summer, I worked as an inline skating instructor and summer camp mentor. Teaching kids and adults how to skate required clear communication and patience. We adapted our teaching strategies to meet the needs of each age group—using games to engage younger kids and simplified steps for adult learners. This experience highlighted the importance of confidence-building and breaking down challenges into approachable steps. I saw how strong leadership can guide people from uncertainty to capability, simply by believing in their potential and providing the right support.
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My leadership journey took another step forward when I joined Trader Joe’s in North Town Spokane. There, I experienced leadership in a fast-paced, team-oriented retail setting. Our Mates (managers) and Captain set the tone for every shift through energizing team huddles. What stood out most was how they used storytelling to inspire and connect with the crew. These stories turned routine work into moments of purpose and connection. When I transferred to the University District Trader Joe’s in Seattle, I noticed a different energy and recognized an opportunity to bring the leadership lessons I’d learned into this new space. I decided to train to become a Mate, learning how to delegate effectively, motivate teams, and lead huddles that inspired and informed.
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Through this course, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect deeply on these diverse leadership experiences. I now see the common threads that define my personal brand: a commitment to building up others, a passion for inclusive communities, and a belief in leadership as both service and storytelling. I lead with both structure and heart—grounded in discipline, but always focused on helping others thrive.
In every role—whether it’s mentoring a young skater, leading a performance, or managing a team—I strive to be the kind of leader who bridges gaps, builds trust, and empowers growth. This course has helped me put language to those values and sharpen the lens through which I view leadership. My journey continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: I lead not just to direct, but to uplift, connect, and inspire.