I believe that education is a transformative force capable of shaping dynamic thinkers, engaged citizens, and empathetic leaders. As an educator, my mission is to cultivate a learning environment where students are challenged to explore, empowered to create, and inspired to lead with purpose.
Every leaner brings unique perspective and lived experiences to the classroom, and I am committed to honoring that individuality. My teaching approach is rooted in fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, ensuring students are equipped to navigate and influence an increasingly complex world. I emphasize hands-on, experiential learning that bridges theory and practice, encouraging students to engage deeply with material, ask meaningful questions, and apply their insights to real-world contexts.
Equally vital is creating a space where all voices are heard and valued. By integrating diverse narratives and promoting open dialogue, I challenge students to examine biases, embrace multiple perspectives, and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards equity and justice. Collaboration lies at the heart of my teaching philosophy, reflecting the shared nature of knowledge creation and the interconnectedness of our communities.
As a Filipino-American director, I am deeply committed to amplifying marginalized voices and highlighting stories that reflect our collective humanity. This commitment informs my teaching where I encourage students to tell their own stories boldly and authentically. I believe that education is not only about mastering skills but also about understanding one’s power to create change.
Ultimately, my goal is to guide students in becoming thoughtful, innovative, and compassionate leaders who use their talents to build a more inclusive and equitable world. Through this work, I strive to leave an enduring impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
I am unwavering in my commitment to dismantling systemic racism and fostering equity in every aspect of education and the arts. The classroom is not just a space for learning — it is a platform for transformation, where students are empowered to challenge injustice, amplify marginalized voices, and reimagine a more equitable future.
My teaching centers on creating an environment where all students feel seen, valued, and celebrated. I design courses that prioritize diverse narratives, ensuring that historically excluded perspectives are not just included but central. Through this work, students are equipped to critically analyze power structures and actively contribute to dismantling them.
Equity is an action. I actively identify and eliminate barriers that hinder the success of students from marginalized communities, employing consent-based practices, fostering courageous dialogue, and cultivating collaborative spaces that honor and elevate every voice. I confront biases head-on, both within myself and in the systems we navigate, to ensure my teaching aligns with anti-racist values.
As a Filipino-American director and artist, I recognize the power of the arts as a transformative force for equity and justice. The arts hold a unique capacity to foster empathy, provoke thought, and disrupt entrenched systems of oppression. I center intersectional stories that disrupt dominant narratives and demand accountability. My work seeks to inspire audiences and participants to engage in reflection and action, challenging them to envision and contribute to a more inclusive world.
I mentor emerging artists to embrace their power and become leaders in creating systemic change. By encouraging collaboration and fostering spaces where diverse voices and stories thrive, I aim to contribute to a cultural landscape that uplifts historically marginalized communities and celebrates their contributions.
My commitment to anti-racism is not passive; it is a lifelong pursuit rooted in action, reflection, and an unrelenting drive to build a more just and equitable world. As an educator and artist, I stand resolute in the belief that the arts can and must be a vehicle for transformation, equity, and hope.