LEADERSHIP COORDINATOR
she/her/hers

I work alongside the community's emerging leaders to find their leadership styles, figure out what their passions are, and practice essentials skills to advocate for ourselves and our community. 

A born and raised 818 valley girl! SFV is where I learned the importance of culture as i was surrounded by a diverse community that introduced me to more than my own. I bring experiences and knowledge as a past youth advisor for high school students, peer counselor for college students, and caseworker for unhoused individuals. I graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor's in International Development Studies and double minors in Global Health and Pilipino Studies. Looking forward to being in community!

COMMUNITY HEALTH NAVIGATOR & HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALIST she/her/hers

Your go-to girly for health education, connecting to resources, and turning “where do I start?” Into a clear plan, one conversation at a time.

I am originally from Lāhainā at Maui, Hawai’i with cultural ties to Raois, Ilocos Sur, in the Philippines. I hold a B.S. in Health Sciences with a Leadership Minor from Chapman University and am currently pursuing my M.S. in Applied Life Sciences with a concentration in Community Medicine Research from Keck Graduate Institute. In my free time, I enjoys reading and writing stories.

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER
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I am our key strategist and overseer of SIPA’s programs.

I was born in Quezon City, Philippines and immigrated to LA & the San Fernando Valley as a 2-year old in 1987. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Ecology and Minor in Psychology and Social Behavior from UC Irvine, and a Masters in Public Health in Community Health Education from CSUN. My background and passion for public health and wellness is reflected in the work and roles I’ve held throughout my career with organizations like Senior Director Of School Based Programs at Peer Health Exchange, Project Coordinator of Substance Abuse and HIV Intervention at Children’s Hospital of LA, and Health Education Specialist with the LA LGBT’s Center for Homeless Youth Program.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, baking, and going to Disneyland.

FINANCE & OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
she/her/they/them

I’m the glue that ensures nothing slips through the cracks, whether it be tracking down receipts, scheduling interviews, or reminding people to sign into the building!

My background is in client-facing work and technical support, so please feel free to ask me anything. I’m also the staff baseball fanatic, so expect to see Dodger blue at the office!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS COORDINATOR
she/her/hers

I lead and support community education, outreach, and resource navigation efforts by guiding a team, building strong community partnerships, and turning big-picture ideas into impactful, well-organized programs that serve the community.

I hold a Master in Public Health degree (MPH) with a concentration in Community Health Sciences from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration with a minor in Health Science from Cal State Long Beach (CSULB). I currently serve on the Los Angeles County CHW/P/R Advisory Committee and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Community Partner Network.

I discovered my passion for community health at an early age through my work in diabetes prevention and education, which inspires my commitment to health equity and supporting underserved communities.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, cycling, attending live shows, dancing, and solo traveling.

DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL ROOTS & LEADERSHIP
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I help serve youth by overseeing SIPA's cultural enrichment and leadership programming so that young people within HiFi and LA county have a safe space to connect, learn and grow into  self-actualized, empowered community members. 

I received my BA in Asian American Studies and Liberal Studies from San Francisco State University, MA and English Teaching Credential from UCLA and completed Actor's Conservatory Training from Pacific Conservatory Theater. I taught Ethnic Studies and Dramatic Arts in the Bay Area and Los Angeles public schools and did work in higher education/student affairs. I enjoy iced coconut milk lattes, catching sunsets and get a kick out of reading social media comments much more than the content itself. 

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
she/her/hers

I’m our expert yapper and chief storyteller with a knack for turning passion into philanthropy. I’m the mother of the legendary Barangay Awards & Gala and the iconic Giving Greens Golf Tournament. I also oversee our marketing & communications.

Born & Raised in Los Angeles, I am dedicated to uplifting the city and community that raised me. Over the course of my 12+ year career in the public sector, I have worked for various LA-based nonprofits championing causes from education, at-risk youth, and health equity while also earning my Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University and eventually my Master of Public Administration from Cal Baptist University.

When I’m not asking for donations (I don’t accept “No’s”, only “Yes’s” and “Maybe Next Time’s”) I’m most likely golfing or traveling the world with my husband and dog.

MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN

she/her/hers

I create safe and supportive spaces where people can explore their stories, process their emotions, and move toward healing.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in social justice and my Master’s degree in Social work with a concentration in community mental health. My work centers on providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, with a passion for supporting Asian American and underserved communities.

Outside of work, I practice what I preach about self-care, often recharging through concerts, conventions, playing video games, and spending time with my family & friends.

COMMUNITY HEALTH NAVIGATOR she/her/hers

I support community with resource navigation & outreach.

My name is Abigail but I also go by Abby. I graduated from Cal State Long Beach with my Bachelor’s in Community Health Education. My favorite things to do on my free time are watching kdramas and going to concerts.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
she/her/siya

I am our Chief Everything Officer (CEO, nonprofit edition)

I am a mother, daughter, sister, and Pinay with a 25-year career in youth serving organizations from the BAY to LA.

My academic background in Ethnic Studies at UC Irvine and SF State has brought me to many meaningful spaces includingthe Cross-Cultural Center at UC Irvine, Pin@y Educational Partnerships at SFSU, and as the Executive Director at Confluence Rising and Peer Health Exchange LA. On behalf of SIPA, I serve as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of AAPI Equity Alliance. My past public service includes a Mayoral appointment to the inaugural Ethics Commission as well as the Equity & Human Relations Commission for the City of Long Beach, where I have made my home with my family.

COMMUNITY HEALTH NAVIGATOR - OUTREACH SPECIALIST
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I am on a mission to connect people, open doors, and make social media actually social. 

I am Quezon City–born, Los Angeles–raised migrant turning lived experience into community impact. From working with organizations like Lakas Mentorship, Genesis Healing Institute, Hixon Higher Education Mentorship, NAFFAA, and Kapwa Kabataan, to my role as a Para Professional II at La Cañada Unified School District, my work centers on connection, access, and advocacy. Off the clock, you’ll find me training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai—because growth doesn’t stop when the workday ends. 

CASE AND DATA COORDINATOR
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I support families and parenting growth while keeping a close eye on the data.

Born in Lemery, Batangas, Philippines, I immigrated to the United States at age 10. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a focus on Health Policy and Management Sciences from UC San Diego, and later completed my Master’s in Public Health at the University of Southern California. I have experience in outreach and supporting diverse populations, including homecare patients, school-age children, and individuals living with HIV across Los Angeles County.

HIFI COLLECTIVE CUSTODIAL MANAGER
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DIRECTOR OF SANA/WELLNESS
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Directing community care across outreach, education, navigation, and therapy. 

Graduated from CSU Northridge with a BS in Public Health (Go Matadors!) and UCLA with a Masters in Public Health (Go Bruins!) with an emphasis on Epidemiology. I love playing competitive video games, Kuromi, and journaling. 

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS
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I help ensure SIPA’s operations and systems run in ways that support both our staff and the communities we serve.

I began my career in the public sector in 2016 and feel deeply connected to the work we do at SIPA. In my role, I focus on strengthening financial systems, improving staff supports, and translating financial data into clear narratives that connect staff and client experiences to our decision-making processes. Outside of work, I’m known for being a team player who will always step in to support others—and step on the court to break some ankles.

HIFI COLLECTIVE SECURITY GUARD
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I protect the people and spaces that make impact possible.

I’m a security guard and my goal is to ensure the safety of the staff and the community. I graduated from LA Trade Tech College and a formal public ally. I am just a few credits away from earning my AA degree in Community Planning. Despite all the bravery I hold in my daily role, I am terrified of heights but really enjoy roller coasters and theme parks.

CULTURAL ROOTS AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM MANAGER
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I oversee all operational, programmatic, and staffing deliverables of SIPA's flagship Cultural Roots and Leadership Program, to ensure the future generations slay!!

I graduated UCLA with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Education. In my free time, I like to spend time with my husband, friends, and family!