2025 FLY PINAYS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Communicating with aging loved ones and those with dementia with Angela Costales, Rochelle-Jan Reyes, MPH & Aylin RojasBlock 1: Room 102

In this interactive workshop, we will discuss aging-related health conditions that impact communication, such as hearing loss and cognitive decline, and introduce various strategies and tools for communicating with aging parents and relatives and those in our lives with dementia. Participants will have an opportunity to share and listen to each other’s communication challenges and brainstorm ways of culturally adapting strategies for Filipina/x/o families.

Critical Love: Understanding our Cultural Values through a Decolonized Lens with Dr. Hazel BenignoBlock 1: Room 105

This workshop will encourage participants to understand cultural values in a way that encourages individual and collective well-being. We will begin by exploring cultural and ethnic identities before building a shared understanding of common values in the Filipina/x/o diaspora. We will then examine the multiple truths within each value to allow us to view them from a decolonized perspective and move toward utilizing them as tools for well-being and liberation. We will close with a personal reflection to understand how our conversation can be applied both personally and collectively.

Know Your Rights & Rapid Response Training with SIREN Immigrant Rights' Yasmine Ortiz & Salma AcevesBlock 1: ROOM 109

SIREN is a non-profit organization in San Jose and Fresno dedicated to helping communities, low-income immigrants, and refugees through community education, organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy, and direct service. SIREN’s core value is immigrant empowerment. The nonprofit also recruits youth to get involved with their community and become a part of something big. SIREN helps host workshops, internships, and programs to empower youth to work with and for the community.

Breaking the silence of our unspoken narrative: Bringing collective awareness to the impacts of sexual violence with Kim Panelo XueBlock 1: ROOM 111

This workshop will give the opportunity to speak openly about the pervasive effects of sexual violence on us as a community. Through a lecture, small dyads, and a large group discussion, we will cover how safety, stabilization, and diversified resourcing are essential to the healing recovery of trauma. This space requires our collective vulnerability and courage of heart to bring voice to our own fears and misconceptions of sexual trauma. Due to the intimate content of this workshop, we will open and close with grounding practices and a community agreement to confidentiality in order to ensure
the safety of all participating members.

Find Your Light (Or Your Lighthouse!) with Delaney BantilloBlock 2: ROOM 102

The “escape room”/“escape game”/“survival game” (whichever term participants are familiar with) comprising the bulk of this workshop is appropriate for all ages and will facilitate creativity and familiarize participants with “Innovator Mindsets” and “Design Thinking” skills. After the workshop, participants will be able to apply these essential tools inside and outside classrooms, offices, labs and studios (across all aspects of life in general). Participants will improve their capacity to “bounce back” after burnout, or prevent or reduce burnout; build power, persistence, purpose, and pride; and find or create light, courage, resilience, strength, home, and hope, no matter how difficult the times.

Know Your Rights with Asian Law Alliance's Dorothy HwangBlock 2: ROOM 105

Asian Law Alliance, established in 1977, is a non-profit organization that provides equal access to the justice system for Asian Pacific Islander and low-income populations in Silicon Valley. The organization aims to promote self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and a better quality of life for all through legal counseling, community education, and community organizing.The Asian Law Alliance has helped tens of thousands of people in obtaining decent housing, justice in the immigration process, and access to basic human and legal rights.Today, Asian/Pacific Islanders continue to be denied fundamental rights. ALA continues to keep its doors open for those individuals who are limited in English, who do not understand the legal system, who cannot afford legal fees, and who face the reality of discrimination.

Mama, A Caregiver Behind You! 💜 with Kate Viernes & Mia G. RiosBlock 2: ROOM 109

This workshop looks into how our current generation, Gen Z, can socially change the future of caregiving. Caregiving is a field of work that is overlooked in the economy and society. More significantly, mothers are not fairly compensated for their work as family caregivers, especially mothers who identify as pregnant, postpartum, single, immigrants, and/or women of color. Attendees will learn how to culturally connect with mothers, their children, and diverse family caregivers through work and personal relationships. Most importantly, attendees will discover the importance of giving care within themselves.

Zines for Self-Expression, Social Justice, and Mental Health with Marissa MartinezBLOCK 2: ROOM 111

Join this creative workshop to tap into your artistic side and learn how mini-zines can be a powerful tool for self-expression and storytelling! Zines are self-published DIY booklets that can feature text, artwork, personal stories, political writings, and so much more.Marissa will walk through the history of zines in activism and share accessible writing prompts to spark creativity and reflection. You’ll create your own mini zine while delving into themes of identity, mental health, and social justice. This workshop is for everyone, no art experience is required!

Asian American recovery services (AARS) / HealthRIGHT 360

Asian American Recovery Services (AARS) provides an array of culturally competent services to the Asian and Pacific Islander and other ethnically diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area.AARS is dedicated to reducing the impact and incidence of substance use in the Bay Area. Our programs serve youth, adults, and families, and are located in San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo and Alameda counties.Instagram: @healthright360, @sistertosister_hr360

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FANHS - Santa Clara Valley

The Filipino American National Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley chapter was founded in August 1991. It is one of 33 chapters nationwide. The nonprofit shares the history and culture of Filipino Americans locally through education and enrichment programs. The chapter’s past activities include hosting Pinoytown Historical Walking Tours in San Jose, cleaning up Delano Manongs Park in Milpitas and making parols during the holidays.Instagram: @fanhs.scv

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fancy headz

We are a small Pinay-owned business based out of California and the Malay Archipelago. We specialize in making premium and purposeful headwear, outerwear and accessories.As a creative team of Asian American community organizers and public health professionals, we promote the ideals of exploration, abundance, and knowing thyself.The idea for FancyHeadz emerged through our frequent travels across the Malay Archipelago and greater Southeast Asia. During these periods, we have the privilege to study alongside local artists, jewelers, and historians to learn, observe, and develop our own artistry, style, and reinterpretations of historic, natural, and cosmological symbolism.Through our offerings, you will see strong Philippines, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Bruneian influences, which we aim to share with all of you.Instagram: @thefancyheadz

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Filipino Advocates for Justice

For more than 50 years, Filipino Advocates for Justice has advocated for immigrant and civil rights in an effort to advance social and economic justice. The nonprofit serves at-risk middle and high school-aged youth; low-wage workers vulnerable to exploitation; and the newly arrived immigrants and undocumented. Its programs are rooted in Bayanihan principles, a Filipino demonstration of social justice values where a community comes together to help those in need.Instagram: @fils4justice

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Filipino Youth Coalition

The Filipino Youth Coalition’s mission is to nurture a strong sense of cultural identity, pride, and community amongst youth while promoting social awareness, civic engagement, and personal growth. The organization’s programs are designed to educate youth in Filipino American history and culture, build community awareness and collective action through volunteer participation and civic projects, and overall to validate the experiences youth have and support them in finding positive solutions.Instagram: @fycsanjose

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LOLA X KENNETH COLLECTION

The Lola x Kenneth Collaboration is a project by Kenneth and his Lola Crescenciana. Lola made watercolor paintings and Kenneth drew her memories on top of them. When Lola passed she left her paintings with Kenneth, and he promised to finish everything she started.As a small business, they sell art prints, stickers, pins, and apparel. Also, Kenneth is available to teach meditative drawing workshops in which participants draw banigs using patterns inspired by Filipino weavings and tattoos.Instagram: @lolaxkenneth

LOLA WEAVERS

Meet Lola Weavers, the magical weaver of Filipino cultural clothing! Carissa Villacorta is the crafty companion of Ann Reginio, a talented designer who brings to life the rich tapestry of Filipino traditions through her clothing designs.Lola Weavers is a master of threads and fibers, weaving together stories and symbols that represent the diverse heritage of the Philippines. She's got nimble fingers that dance across her loom, and a mischievous twinkle in her eye that hints at the secrets she weaves into each piece. With her intricate patterns and bold colors, Lola Weavers brings the soul of the Philippines to life, one stitch at a time.Instagram: @lola.weavers

Mie Makes

Greetings from Mie Makes!!!We are so excited you stopped by :). Enjoy our apparels, weatherproof stickers, cards, and accessories/stationeries that are motivational, unique, and Filipina-inspired. Wishing you to live proudly yourself.Instagram: @mie_makes
TikTok: @miemakes

Native Sol

Native Sol is a lifestyle shop that sells handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories with the emphasis on sustainable, upcycled, and vintage pieces. The shop’s jewelry includes natural stones and crystals with mixed metal pieces that are made from both upcycled and new pieces. Native Sol also creates textile jewelry from remnant fabrics and recycled materials and mixes them with some metal work. The re:Fresh by Native Sol collection is the upcycled line using old t-shirts, recycled materials, vintage clothing, and fabric remnants to create a new, one-of-a-kind look that is beautiful and fresh.Instagram: @nativesol

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Paper Picture Mama

Paper Picture Mama began as a simple idea from Theresa Chung, a mom and artist who wanted to create meaningful connections through her love of creativity. What started with handmade cards sold at local shops quickly blossomed into a vibrant collection of products, including stickers and art prints, that spark imagination and celebrate culture. Paper Picture Mama is a joyful celebration of self-expression and cultural pride, creating fun, meaningful products that inspire connection, spark creativity, and give back to the community.Instagram: @paperpicturemama

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Sandiwa Collection

At Sandiwa, our advocacy is to empower and uplift impoverished communities and indigenous artisans in the Philippines. We are a marketplace that connects overseas Filipinos with authentic, handcrafted products, allowing them to celebrate their heritage while making a positive impact by supporting sustainable economic opportunities for the talented artisans behind these treasures.Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @sandiwacollection

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Space For Kapwa

Space for Kapwa is a team of therapists rooted in kapwa, an untranslatable word from the Tagalog language that evokes a sense of connectedness. The team offers therapy services and support groups, with a concentration on serving those with historically marginalized identities, including BIPOC, immigrants and their descendants (Filipinx and AAPIs in particular), queer and trans folks, and women. Space for Kapwa also specializes in supporting new parents (and future ones, too) to do the important intergenerational and inner-child healing work that is needed for humans to be agents of lasting social change.Instagram: @spaceforkapwa

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Your Coach, Elaine

Your Coach, Elaine was founded by Elaine Dizon, a mindset, leadership, and life coach supporting individuals who are grappling with work/life integration and want to joyously live life intentionally. From her productivity and performance management beginnings to work-life holistic coaching, she is committed to “brain training.” As someone who believes that everyone is on a hero’s journey, she is eager to support an individual’s growth using the powerful practice of pause and connect to your inner nurturer, warrior, and leader.Instagram: @yourcoachelaine

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"PADAYON, ABANTE, AGTULOY. TAKING EACH STEP WITH STRENGTH."Moving into the 9th Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit, our 2025 theme highlights the strength in each and every Pinay to uplift themselves and one another.At this year's event, we'll continue propelling our attendees, volunteers, speakers, and facilitators' personal and professional growth and celebrate our sisterhood.

From I-880 North1. Take exit 2 for CA-82/The Alameda.
2. Use any lane to turn LEFT onto CA-82/The Alameda.
3. The Alameda will become El Camino Real.
4. The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the LEFT side of the road.

From U.S. Highway 1011. Take the De La Cruz Boulevard/Santa Clara exit.
2. Turn RIGHT for De La Cruz Boulevard towards El Camino Real.
3. When De La Cruz Boulevard splits at the overpass, turn slightly RIGHT, follow the sign for Santa Clara.
4. Turn RIGHT onto Lafayette Street.
5. Turn RIGHT at El Camino Real.
6. The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the RIGHT side of the road.

For Main Parking Structure - Attendees1. From El Camino Real, turn onto PALM DRIVE.
2. Turn LEFT before the roundabout.
3. Turn LEFT for the Main Parking Garage.

From I-880 South1. Take exit 2 for CA-82/The Alameda.
2. Take the ramp on your RIGHT onto CA-82/The Alameda.
3. The Alameda will become El Camino Real.
4. The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the LEFT side of the road.

From I-2801. Take I-880 North toward Oakland.
2. Take exit 2 for CA-82/The Alameda.
3. Use any lane to turn LEFT onto CA-82/The Alameda.
4. The Alameda will become El Camino Real.
5. The main entrance to Santa Clara University will be on the LEFT side of the road.

For Benson Parking Lot - Speakers, Staff, VendorsFrom north on The Alameda
1. Turn LEFT to stay on The Alameda.
2. Continue down The Alameda.
3. The parking lot is on the LEFT, where The Alameda intersects with Market Street.From south on El Camino Real
1. Turn RIGHT onto The Alameda.
2. Continue down The Alameda.
3. The parking lot is on the LEFT, where The Alameda intersects with Market Street.

On Campus

The main reception for Fly Pinays 2025 will be located at Santa Clara University in the Benson Center's CALIFORNIA MISSION ROOM, on the basement floor.Free parking for attendees & volunteers will be available the day of the event in the MAIN PARKING STRUCTURE.Free parking for speakers, vendors & staff will be available the day of the event in the BENSON LOT.Workshops will be located at KENNA HALL.Parenting rooms & access needs will be located in BENSON HALL A on the first floor.

Ginger Conejero Saab

Ginger Conejero Saab is a reporter for NBC Bay Area. She typically covers the day’s headlines in San Francisco and the North Bay for NBC Bay Area’s news platforms. Notable coverages include the Nima Momeni trial, the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, destructive winter storms and the recent 2024 local election. She also joins the “Today in the Bay” team as a substitute anchor.Prior to her role at NBC Bay Area, she was an ABS-CBN anchor/reporter in the Philippines, where she began and developed her career for a decade. There, she covered a range of stories, including the Papal visit to Manila and the transition to power for the Duterte family, as well as a host of entertainment stories.

Shaina Renee Manlangit is a marketing, PR, and event strategist committed to amplifying diverse voices. With over eight years of experience, she began her career in Hollywood, crafting campaigns for top talent, major entertainment studios, and leading streaming platforms. As the Founder and CEO of Industry’s Finest, Shaina represents a diverse roster of talent and brands to bring underrepresented stories to the forefront. Beyond entertainment, she collaborates with the Philippine Department of Tourism to promote cultural exchange through influencer marketing and curated group trips. Passionate about community impact, she bridges industries and cultures, creating meaningful dialogue, visibility, and leadership opportunities for the next generation.

JC Laraya developed a deep appreciation for dance as she was inspired by her two sisters’ passion for it. Her sisters grew up, trained as dancers, and gained extensive stage experience. Initially hesitant, JC yearned to express herself through movement. About 7 years ago, she found a dance class and discovered the immense joy of dancing.In 2019, JC embarked on a teaching journey by starting the same dance class she had attended in 2017. In August 2024, her dream came true when she performed as a backup dancer for an international artist. Later that year, JC had the honor of performing in the halftime show for the Warriors vs. Nets game at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.JC recently performed at the Chase Center during the halftime show of the Warriors vs. Knicks game on March 15, 2025.

Chriselle Raguro (she/her/siya) serves as the Director of Pro Bono and Strategic Partnerships at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF). In this role, she drives the organization’s vision to grow and strengthen its pro bono program, mobilizing over 1,000 volunteers to challenge systems of oppression and foster a more equitable society.Previously, Chriselle held leadership positions at the Tahirih Justice Center – SF Bay Area as Managing Attorney and Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney. There, she launched the Silicon Valley Pro Bono Immigration Network, co-led the Tech Access Project, and designed initiatives like the Border Project. She also served as Executive Director of the Filipino Community Development Corporation, advocating for affordable housing through community-driven efforts.Her career includes extensive legal and advocacy work with organizations such as Oasis Legal Services, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Asylum Access Thailand, the Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons, NEEDeed Foundation, and API Legal Outreach. Chriselle’s commitment to justice is rooted in a global and community-focused perspective.

Athena Sanchez (she/her/siya) is a Contra Costa fourth-generation Filipina who graduated in May 2024, earning a BA in Sociology with a minor in Political Science. Currently, she is a Sacramento State Graduate through a fellowship called the "Capitol Assembly Fellows Program." Athena enjoys engaging with the communities around her and takes on various roles to help bring people together and foster collaboration. She is excited about her new involvement with Fly Pinays as the Communications and Outreach Coordinator and looks forward to meeting and interacting with everyone at the Summit. She began her career in politics through an internship at the Governor's Office and Capitol Hill. Her focus is to learn how to serve and advocate for greater representation of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

Angela Pedrigal (she/hers) is a second-generation Filipina-American residing in the East Bay, holding a BS in Biology from UCLA. With her healthcare background, she is a strong proponent of environmental and housing justice as a means of improving health outcomes in her community. Witnessing health disparities unfold in her immediate family and the broader Filipino community has inspired her unwavering commitment to advocate for underserved communities, like the one she came from. Currently, she serves as the Communications & Outreach Aide for Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Dương, who represents District 2. Driven by a genuine passion for community engagement and advocacy, Angela’s mission is to amplify FilAm voices and honor the rich tapestry of Filipina/x/o heritage and history.

Valerie Petrache Fernandez-Alejandrino (she/her/siya) is a community-engaged teacher organizer who has served San Francisco’s SoMa and Excelsior neighborhoods for almost 20 years. Committed to Ethnic Studies, she began her educator journey with Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP). She organized and mobilized networks to provide support for striking teachers across multiple districts in 2019. Valerie has taught as a lecturer at both SFSU and USF. A doctoral candidate in SFSU’s Educational Leadership program, her research project, BUSOG, explores teacher wellness through curated gatherings where educators share kuwento around food. The daughter of Filipino immigrants from Bicol, she is also a proud sister of Kappa Psi Epsilon. In her free time, she documents the intersections of the Filipino diaspora, art, food, fashion, culture, and music.

Patricia (Tricia) Advincula (she/her) is a social science researcher specializing in social welfare, public policy, and program evaluation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychology from UC Irvine and her master’s degree in Justice Studies from SJSU. Currently, Tricia works as a research analyst at Pacific Clinics, a statewide nonprofit organization focused on mental health. Passionate about social change, she aims to leverage her research expertise to uncover solutions that address social inequalities and empower communities with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

Noëlle Rábago Boesenberg serves as Corporate Outreach Officer for the City of San José Office of Economic Development, supporting San José’s top employers and strengthening key industries. When the COVID-19 pandemic paused her 20-year career in the conventions industry, she turned a hobby into social impact by launching TherapyBaking LLC. Through bake sales, she raised funds for local non-profits, including HeroTent, B.L.A.C.K. Outreach San José, and the Asian Law Alliance. In 2022, Noëlle established the Rubino Park Neighborhood Association and later joined New Leaders Council Silicon Valley’s 2023 cohort, furthering her civic leadership knowledge. In 2024, she joined the SJSU Filipino Alumni Network board as Gala Director. She also leads the Larry Itliong Way Project, a grassroots effort to rename a street after the Filipino-American civil rights leader. Outside of work, Noëlle enjoys time with her mother, children Mia (21) and Joseph (19), and cooking for friends alongside her boyfriend, Alex.

Grace “Gray” Gomez (they/she) is a student scholar-activist, educator, and community organizer born on Ivilyuqaletem land (SoCal’s Inland Valley) with Kankana-ey/Pangasinese lineage from the Philippines. They are concurrently pursuing a B.A in Asian American Studies and an A.A in Philippine Studies at both San Francisco State and City College of San Francisco, respectively. Gray has been volunteering for LEAD Filipino’s Fly Pinays summit since 2022, alongside student activism work at several organizations across both campuses. When they’re not engaging with their community, Gray is focusing on their academic research in uplifting the Igorot American experience within Filipina/x/o American Studies.

Dr. Angelica Cortez (she/her) is an organizer with a background in public policy and advocacy. Voted as a Silicon Valley Woman of Influence and 40 Under 40, she is the mind behind multiple civic campaigns and cultural initiatives across California. From founding LEAD Filipino in 2015 to co-establishing the statewide Filipinx Igniting Engagement for Reimagining Collective Empowerment (FIERCE) Coalition and launching the Asian American Voter Empowerment Project in Los Angeles, her efforts continue to create pipelines for civic leadership and social activism for Filipinas/xs/os and broader communities.She spent over a decade in local government and advocacy, where she worked on statewide campaigns and drove coalitions to advance health equity and civil rights for all Californians. In addition to serving as LEAD Filipino’s Executive Director, she also oversees justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion strategy at Pacific Clinics. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Sacred Heart Community Service and advises the Santa Clara County Asian American Pacific Islander Oral Activist Project and San Jose Spotlight on matters of community engagement. She holds her doctorate from the University of Southern California.

Workshop: Communicating With Aging Loved Ones and Those With DementiaRochelle-Jan (RJ) Reyes (they/she) is a research associate in the de Leon Lab at the University of California, San Francisco, and a lecturer in the Public Health Department at San Francisco State University.Angela Costales (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student at San José State University (SJSU) majoring in CDS and minoring in Deaf Education. She is also a research assistant at the SJSU Dementia and Aphasia Research and Equity Laboratory.Aylín Rojas (she/her/ella) is a first-year SJSU master's student in Speech-Language Pathology and research assistant in the SJSU Dementia and Aphasia Research and Equity Laboratory.The de Leon and DARE Labs both aim to improve dementia care for people with diverse cultural and language backgrounds through culturally tailored educational outreach and community-centered research.

Workshop: Critical Love: Understanding Our Cultural Values Through a Decolonized LensDr. Hazel Benigno (she/they/siya) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, 1.5 generation Pinay, and an academic-artist-activist. Her professional and personal interests center on decolonization and multigenerational healing as she seeks to educate and agitate herself and others in the process. Dr. Benigno is currently a consultant specializing in mental health, well-being, and fostering trauma-responsive systems for systems, schools, and organizations. Dr. Benigno also serves on the Board of Directors for Parangal Dance Company of San Francisco and Kapwa Kultural Center in Daly City. She is passionate about addressing structural inequities and is fueled by desserts, nature, and her loving family.

Workshop: Know Your Rights & Rapid Response Training by SIREN Immigrant RightsYasmine Ortiz & Salma Aceves represent SIREN Immigrant Rights, a non-profit organization in San Jose and Fresno dedicated to helping communities, low-income immigrants, and refugees through community education, organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy, and direct service. SIREN’s core value is immigrant empowerment. The nonprofit also recruits youth to get involved with their community and become a part of something big. SIREN helps host workshops, internships, and programs to empower youth to work with and for the community.

Workshop: Breaking the Silence of Our Unspoken Narrative: Bringing Collective Awareness to the Impacts of Sexual ViolenceKim Panelo Xue (she/her) has specialized training and clinical experience working with diverse populations impacted by sexual violence for over 10 years. She has served as the Volunteer and Intervention Manager for the Rape Crisis Center, YWCA Silicon Valley overseeing the volunteer advocate program, facilitating the 40-hour state certified Rape Crisis training, and supervising the peer counseling staff. Kim currently serves as an Advisory Board Member of Santa Clara University’s School of Education and Counseling Psychology graduate programs.

Workshop: "Find Your Light" (Or Your Lighthouse!)Delaney Bantillo (she/her/they) (DEL-LAY-NEE BAN-TILL-LOH) is a storymaker, bridge builder, and paradigm shifter of the 2SLGBTQIAP+, nonbinary, neurodivergent, disabled, spoonie, Mixed, Asian, Filipino, woman-of-color, and person-of-color families. In, with, for, and strengthened by community (our ancestors, elders, contemporaries, and future), Delaney leads, learns, acts, writes, innovates, designs, activates, energizes, and equips to facilitate immediately impactful nourishment and co-cultivate a more sustainable, healthy, compassionate, kind, peaceful, inclusive, joyful, safe, well, and loving world.

Workshop: Know Your Rights by Asian Law AllianceDorothy Hwang has served as Supervising Attorney at Asian Law Alliance since October 2017, following a role as Staff Attorney there. Previously, Dorothy held the position of Immigration Staff Attorney at Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach from May 2017 to October 2017. Her experience also includes serving as Staff Attorney at The Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center from June 2011 to July 2015, providing legal services to low-income Asian immigrants. Her earlier positions include Trafficking Litigation Fellow at Human Rights USA, where legal research was conducted on civil claims related to human trafficking, and Community Legal Advocate at House of Ruth Maryland, providing advocacy for domestic violence victims. Dorothy Hwang earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from American University Washington College of Law and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from The Johns Hopkins University.

Workshop: Mama, A Caregiver Behind You! 💜Kate Viernes (she/her) was born on the Kānaka Maoli island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi and descends from emigrants from the Ilocos and Cagayan regions of the archipelago known today as "The Philippines." She is actively learning how to decolonize her mind, activities, parenting, and small group psychotherapy practice based out of Tamien and Ohlone territory (aka San José, CA). She enjoys using "parts work" on her personal healing journey as well as with her therapy clients, and she loves karaoke.Mia G. Rios (she/her) is a 23-year-old Filipina from San Jose, CA. She currently attends San Jose State University for her Master's in Social Work, in hopes of becoming a community social worker. Her social work interests include intergenerational trauma healing, family relationships, and multicultural mental health. Aside from being a grad school student, Mia is a singer-songwriter, poet, and performer. She has performed at various events across San Jose, such as LEAD Filipino’s FAHM Jam, Jeepney Jam, Fly Pinays, Flag Raising Ceremony, and SJ Made’s Pinoytown Artwalk. Mia is also a social justice advocate, being involved with Malaya Movement South Bay and LFS-SJSU, as well as an avid reader for political literature in her free time.

Workshop: Zines for Self-Expression, Social Justice, and Mental HealthMarissa Martinez (she/her) is a playwright, arts advocate, and nonprofit communicator born and raised in East San José. With over ten years of experience in event coordination, youth workshops, fundraising, and communications, she is committed to sharing stories and uplifting underserved youth and communities. Inspired by her experience as a second generation Latina-Filipina, she writes about identity, mental health, friendship, and fruit. She writes plays and poetry and makes zines to express herself and share the importance of social justice.

Sassi Fran is a San Francisco-based drag performer who burst onto the scene in 2017. She has performed at local shows across the city and participated in multiple collectives, earning the titles of Little Mx Monster 2021 and High Princex 2024. She is also part of the Filipinx drag group FiliPINX.Cherry Pinays is a project cover group connected by their love of dance, P-pop, and Filipino heritage! Its members are K-Pop-Up, a K-pop dance class and group based in San Francisco.

Lyshia Megan is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Milpitas, CA. Growing up with a family who played live music at family parties, she has developed a passion for entertaining and connecting with people through music. Since then, Lyshia has performed in a band and as a solo artist for 6 years and recently released her newest original “Dawn” on Spotify and Apple Music.

DJ Jazzy is a multifaceted artist, open format DJ, and a founding member of @ladies1stdjclub.bayarea. She has curated memorable experiences for community events, including Pinayista Summer Jamz Picnic, PARE pop-up MexiPino Fest, LEAD Filipino’s FAHM Jam & Fly Pinays Summit, and Healing Puso’s MAHAL.In 2018 Jazzy hosted her weekly college radio show, Daydream, on 90.5FM KSJS at SJSU. After graduating in 2021, she joined Ladies1st, a community of DJs whose objective is to align, grow, evolve, and empower womxn through DJ education, equity, and sisterhood. You can find Jazzy spinning in the Bay Area to Sacramento, or producing events with @creativetransitagency & @rhythmsectionoak.

Angela Pedrigal (she/hers) is a second-generation Filipina-American residing in the East Bay, holding a BS in Biology from UCLA. With her healthcare background, she is a strong proponent of environmental and housing justice as a means of improving health outcomes in her community. Witnessing health disparities unfold in her immediate family and the broader Filipino community has inspired her unwavering commitment to advocate for underserved communities, like the one she came from. Currently, she serves as the Communications & Outreach Aide for Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Dương, who represents District 2. Driven by a genuine passion for community engagement and advocacy, Angela’s mission is to amplify FilAm voices and honor the rich tapestry of Filipina/x/o heritage and history.

Ann Reginio (she/hers) is an educator, Filipino American community organizer, and historian. She is a passionate teacher and has taught elementary-aged children for 14 years. Ann received her MA in Education (Administration and Supervision) from San Jose State University. If Ann is not teaching she is community organizing and has dedicated to working with the Filipino American community locally and nationally for over 20 years.
Ann is the founder of Bayani ng Kabataan-The Filipino American Cultural and Social Justice School of San Jose for elementary-aged children. She is also a chapter administrator of the Filipino American National Historical Society's Santa Clara Valley chapter (FANHS-SCV), which documents and promotes the Filipino American experiences in Santa Clara County. She also works closely with FANHS National. She is a founding organizer of Pinoytown San Jose, where she commits her work to continue telling the stories of San Jose’s earliest Filipino community through walking historical tours and Delano Manongs Park San Jose. It is important that our narratives are told and we continue to preserve the history of Filipino Americans.Ann is currently pursuing an Educational Doctorate from Seattle University’s Educational and Organizational Leadership and Learning Program. Ann, as an educator, one day hopes to open up more Filipino American cultural schools for future generations and continue to shape young minds to be future world changers!

Camille Valerio (she/her/hers) is the lead organizer behind Fly Pinays 2025.She is a second-generation Pinay born and raised in the Bay Area. She graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Management Informational Systems. During her time at SJSU she was heavily involved with AkbayanSJSU, where she was introduced to LEAD Filipino’s Annual Fly Pinays Leadership Summit. She later joined the Awareness in Action Program (AAP) in 2019 where she became motivated to be more involved with the organization and joined the Fly Pinays Planning Committee for the 3rd Annual Summit. Beyond her work with LEAD Filipino, Camille is a visual designer. She hopes to combine her passion for community and design to create solutions that will help her address inequity, accessibility, and inclusivity. Camille supports our organizational calendar, partnerships, and collaborations in addition to leading our Redistricting and Stop Asian Hate listening sessions.

A message from Foresight Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is a personal journey. You deserve support that helps you feel seen and heard and confident about where you’re headed.Foresight is a full-service mental health care organization that offers psychotherapy, better known as “talk therapy” or simply “therapy,” and psychiatry/medication management, as well as intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs (IOP/PHP), testing and evaluation, and nutrition counseling.We value in-person care, and offer it in select locations, while also recognizing that telehealth is just as effective and oftentimes more convenient. Our goal is to offer the right setting for each person, with care that aligns with their needs.By accepting insurance, we make mental health care more accessible and affordable in an industry often dominated by cash-pay services, meeting you where you are with high-quality care that fits your life and schedule.

For additional information, please visit Foresight Resources

Resources from Asian American for Community Involvement

Resources provided in collaboration with AACI & funded by the Santa Clara County Public Health DepartmentAbout AACI - Founded in 1973, AACI serves individuals and families with cultural humility, sensitivity, respect, advocating for and serving the marginalized and ethnic communities in Santa Clara County.

For additional information, please visit AACI Resources