August 12, 2024
For Immediate Release:
Contact:
Sarah Mae Dizon
Filipino Young Leaders Program Announces Summer 2024 Class of Tayo Fellows
The Filipino Young Leaders Program is excited to announce the selection of 40 Filipino American young leaders for its Tayo Fellows Summer 2024 cohort. Through the fellowship, Tayo Fellows will have the unique experience of contributing to the growing work of Tayo’s online misinformation and public health projects.
“We’re excited to welcome the largest fellowship cohort since the start of this program in 2020,” said Sarah Mae Dizon, Tayo Fellowship Program Manager, “In a landscape where Filipinos continue to be both underrepresented in the field of public health and disproportionately affected by the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s truly an honor to foster growth among more Filipino young leaders.”
Tayo, a project of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), is an innovative data hub that empowers Filipinx/a/o communities by collecting data, fostering partnerships, publishing culturally relevant insights, and developing leaders to create an equitable and sustainable future.
This year’s cohort marks the Tayo Fellowship Program’s fifth cohort and its largest cohort to date, nearly tripling in size to recognize the diverse talent, perspectives, and motivations of Filipino American young leaders within this year’s application pool.
This cohort consists of fellows who are in high school, college, and working professionals. This year’s cohort includes new regions represented with fellows from all over the United States and also the Philippines.
This program will allow our fellows to participate in various projects, research, events, and professional development opportunities. Some projects include web content writing, event planning, organizational development, surveys and research, audio and video production, and misinformation and disinformation tracking. These projects will directly relate to focus areas our Tayo fellows are interested in, including civic engagement and policy, solidarity across communities, mental health, and public health and health disparities.
To support this year’s cohort, the Tayo Fellowship Program Team consists of Krystle Canare (Tayo co-founder) and former Tayo Fellows, Sarah Mae Dizon and Shiela Mae Valerio, to support fellows in their day-to-day operations.
“As a previous fellow from the inaugural fellowship cohort, it is incredibly heartwarming to see the space continue and grow to meet the changing needs of the Filipino community. I’m looking forward to connecting with the fellows and strengthening our cohorts, past and present.” said Valerio, who was part of the inaugural Tayo fellows class in 2020.
“Now in its fifth cohort, the Fellowship Program continues to offer a space for Filipino young leaders to join in fellowship, share, and tackle the current challenges and realities in our communities with one another. Additionally, I’m proud to do this work alongside Sarah Mae and Shiela Mae and continue to build upon the program.” said Canare.
This year’s fellowship program will wrap up in early September.
FYLPRO’s Summer 2024 Tayo Fellows include:
Alex Argame – Anaheim, CA and Los Angeles, CA
Alex Argame is a second-generation Filipino American and third year medical student at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, CA with interest in pursuing reconstructive plastic surgery. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach in 2015 and completed a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at California State University, Fullerton a few years after. Prior to starting medical school, he worked as a Registered Nurse for 7 years in various settings. These include community health within Los Angeles county, as well as the acute hospital/peri-operative setting caring for military veterans.
One of Alex’s passions is advancing Filipino health equity. This is one of his motivations for pursuing medicine. It is also why he is excited to be involved with FYLPRO’s Tayo Fellowship Program. He is also passionate about promoting student/healthcare professional wellness. He currently serves on the leadership team for his med school’s Well-Being Committee and Exercise in Medicine Student Interest Group. He also founded the Bodybuilding Interest Group on campus, as his hobbies include competitive bodybuilding and fitness coaching.
Amiel Padayhag – Flower Mound, TX
Amiel Padayhag is a proud 1.5-generation Filipino American (or American Filipino, depending on your perspective) and an honorary iskolar ng bayan. She graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Feminist Studies from Southwestern University. In 2023, Amiel was named a Fulbright Fellow and traveled to the Philippines for nine months to research hilot panggamot, one of the Philippines’ longstanding healing traditions. She collaborated with the Department of Anthropology at the University of the Philippines Diliman to explore the challenges hilot practitioners face in providing care to their patients. She is also committed to disability justice and enjoys exploring the topic of diasporic identity, particularly among 1.5- and 2nd-generation immigrants. In her free time, Amiel loves digging through Spotify playlists, taking long walks, learning new languages, and baking cinnamon rolls with her brother.
Andrea Eleazar – Baltimore, MD
Andrea Eleazar, a master’s student studying Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, is an aspiring chronic disease epidemiologist and science writer guided by a commitment to health equity. Born and raised in New Jersey, Andrea graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Public Health and certificate in Writing & Publishing from Drexel University (‘23). She is dedicated to deriving insights from data and championing scientific and health literacy through accessible storytelling.
An interdisciplinary researcher, Andrea’s interests lie at the nexus of global nutrition, cardiovascular disease, urban health, and food systems. With her Filipino American identity, she is also passionate about developing socioculturally-grounded solutions to disparate health outcomes and systemic barriers to healthcare access within AAPI communities. She hopes to eventually do work related to global implementation and evaluation of diet-related initiatives addressing CVD in cities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia region.
Elsewhere, you might find Andrea in the violin section of orchestras, playing bandurria with the Philippine Folk Arts Society Rondalla in Philadelphia, learning languages, playing video games, café hopping & ranking restaurants, engrossed in a book (perhaps writing her own someday), perusing stationery shops, or hosting cozy virtual coworking spaces for productivity enthusiasts.
Angela Falconi – Brunswick, OH
Angela Falconi is a graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU) with a degree in Public Health, a minor in Spanish, and an interest in health policy. She has explored this interest by working for the Ohio House of Representatives as a legislative page and constituent aide and as a legislative intern for the United States Senate. Angela is a research assistant for OSU College of Public Health’s Consumer Access Project where she conducts a secret shopper survey which studies the experiences of Medicaid and ACA Marketplace consumers seeking to access medical services. She is also a fellow for the Cleveland Clinic’s Medical Observation and Scribe Training (MOST) program where she is gaining more firsthand clinical experience with patients and conducting research! Angela is taking 2 gap years while preparing to apply to medical school. In her future career, she hopes to explore the intersection of medicine and health policy to create a better healthcare system for all.
Angelica Garcia – Ann Arbor, MI
Angelica Garcia is a rising Junior at the University of Michigan pursuing a major in Data Science (pre-law), interested in minoring in Public Policy. Passionate about the intersection between educational equity, data, and technology, Angelica aims to combat education policy barriers to ensure quality higher education for all AAPI students. Her involvement in academic and data industries has been explored through her 4+ years of mentoring and teaching, alongside her participation with U-M’s Student Organization Allocation Council, where she assists in funding and grant disbursement for student organizations. Angelica’s collaboration with the AAPI community can also be seen through her involvement as ASPIRE’s Youth Leadership Coordinator, her founding of the nonprofit API Perspective, and AAPIConnect’s Director of University Initiatives, through which she seeks to educate, uplift, and advance AAPI communities as a whole.
Angelina O’Connor – Boston, MA
Angelina O’Connor (she/they) is a current senior at Simmons University majoring in Communications (with a focus in integrated media) and minoring in Web Design & Development and Design. She is a creative, designer, and community-oriented leader based in Boston, MA. They currently serve a board director on Philippine-American Mainstream Advocacy for Nonpartisan Associations, Inc. (PAMANA), are conducting research on colonization’s impact on sexual health resources within the Asian diaspora, and stand as a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar from studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand this past spring. She enjoys creating graphics, editing content, watching films, and learning more about the world around her through media. Angelina is open to all creative endeavors that cross their path and hopes to find new avenues that challenge her comfort zone.
Bianca Barcelo – Los Angeles, CA
Bianca Barcelo (she/her/hers) was born in Quezon City, Philippines, but moved to Los Angeles, CA when she was 3-4 years old. She graduated from UCLA in 2022 with a B.S. in Psychobiology and a minor in Global Health. During undergrad, Bianca enjoyed learning more about her Pilipinx identity and was involved in organizations dedicated to improving access to higher education and student retention for Pilipinx identifying students. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Resident Director for UCLA Residential Life to oversee community programmatic implementation. Bianca is currently within her gap years gaining experience in community health before applying to a Master’s in Public Health. During her free time, Bianca enjoys running, hiking, and trying out different coffee shops!
Caleb Embig – Irvine, CA
Caleb is a rising sophomore at Brown University studying public health on the pre-med track. Born in San Francisco, he now resides in Irvine, California. Caleb joined Tayo in the spring of 2024, working primarily on the literature review and annual report projects, and is now excited to contribute to future projects for this summer and beyond. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, spending time with his dogs, and trying new food.
Christina Cabading – Delano, CA
Christina Cabading is a Master’s in Public Health candidate at Yale School of Public Health, holding a B.S. in Health Science from Cal State Long Beach. She is passionate about advocating for the health and wellbeing of underserved populations, centering her research and health communications initiatives around health education and disease prevention. With extensive experience in public relations, social media content creation, and qualitative research, Christina is dedicated to promoting health equity and effective health communication strategies.
Clarielisa (Lisa) Ocampo – Azusa, CA
Clarielisa (Lisa), the proud daughter of Filipino parents from Bani, Pangasinan, was raised in Santa Maria, California. A PhD student at UC Riverside, she is dedicated to education and community service. As a graduate student advisor at the Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC), she has guided pre-health students and mentored high school students through AVID, Math CEO, and EAOP. Lisa also serves as a marketer and outreach person for UCI’s Filipino Association Alumni Committee and works with AAPI Data as a Graduate Student Researcher, linking her academic skills with policy work. Additionally, she is a general member of FILCHA and now joins FYLPRO, continuing her advocacy for Filipinos. Always eager to try new activities, Lisa is a lifelong learner passionate about helping others.
Clyds Bautista Manzano – Waipahu, HI
Hi everyone my name is Clyds Bautista Manzano, and I am currently a senior at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa majoring in Public Health with an interest in the field of international development and global impact investments. A lot of my interest draws into my life back home in Ilocos Norte, Piddig where I grew up as a rice and tobacco farmer. My career goal is to help bridge the gap between smallholder farmers in agricultural communities around the world to supply chains while emphasizing nature-based solutions in their farming and agricultural practices. Aside from my career, I enjoy cooking, cloud watching, and trying different cultures’ food. Fun Fact: I try to travel to new places every year and enjoy staying in hostels.
Dylan Cablayan – Honolulu, HI
Aloha mai kākou, my name is Dylan Cablayan, and I’m a rising senior at W.R. Farrington High School, I was originally from Narvacan in locos Sur but now reside in the Kalihi neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawai’i. I serve as a Public Relations representative for the Filipino Curriculum Project, who developed the first high school course on Filipino history and culture in the state of Hawai’i. I am an incoming intern at NASA and the University of Texas Center for Space Research (CSR), with prior experience at the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in medical imaging (AIMI). My future plans include a career in public policy, focusing on AI regulation and its societal impacts.
Elaine Pajanustan – Milwaukee, WI
Hello! I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a B.S. in Health Promotion Health Equity and minors in Asian American Studies, Global Health, Health Policy, and Japanese Communication. Reflecting my academics, I am interested in serving culturally underserved and underrepresented groups in health, especially Asian Americans. This stems from my time volunteering at a Filipino run free health center for uninsured patients and working as a CNA in high school, both helping me realize first hand the importance of the social determinants of health and health equity work for BIPOC communities.
Ethan Pajanustan – Milwaukee, WI
I’m Ethan and I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and currently go to school at University of Wisconsin-Madison. I’m majoring in data science and am passionate about helping people in my community. In my free time I love being active and spending time with my family and friends.
Fasha Banson – Weymouth, MA
Fasha is a passionate second-generation Filipina American nursing student committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare and beyond. Driven by her Filipino heritage and a strong sense of community, she is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and creating inclusive environments.
As a proven leader in cultural organizations, Fasha has honed her skills in event planning, community engagement, and advocacy for DEI. She brings to FYLPRO a wealth of experience in collaboration, communication, and leadership, always focused on achieving shared goals.
Fasha’’s dedication to making a positive impact extends to her future career in nursing and healthcare. She is passionate about utilizing her diverse skill set to promote health equity and cultural competence, ensuring that all patients receive the highest quality of care, regardless of their background. As a FYLPRO intern, she is excited to contribute to the organization’s mission of advancing the Filipino people and building a thriving future for the global Filipino community.
Germaine Lindsay Saladino Juan – Honolulu, HI
Germaine Lindsay Saladino Juan is a scholar-activist who is passionate for decolonial futures rooted in cultural empowerment, Indigenous sovereignty, and demilitarization. Currently, she is a Ph.D. student in American Studies at University of Minnesota. Her work aims to weave conversations between contemporary diasporic identity formations, cultural production, and social movements of Filipinos in Hawaiʻi with transnational digital conversations around Filipino heritage, nationalism, representation, and belonging.
She comes from a lineage of five generations of first-generation immigrants from Ilocos Norte, Philippines settling in the ahupuaʻa of Kalihi in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, through her maternal lineage. Motivated by her experiences facing anti-Filipino immigrant sentiments growing up, her work aims to uplift perceptions around Filipino people and culture in Hawaiʻi.
Prior to her doctoral studies, she attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she received her B.A. in Ethnic Studies and Philippine Language & Culture (Ilokano) with a minor in Computer Science. She organized with and served in executive boards for multiple Filipino organizations on campus: Timpuyog Organization, a student organization dedicated to the preservation of Ilokano culture; and Anakbayan Hawaiʻi, an anti-imperialist Filipino student and youth organization, in which she was a founding member.
Jake Rivera – Columbus, OH
Hi! My name is Jake Rivera (he/him). I’m a rising third-year Marketing student at The Ohio State University, and I’m currently based in Columbus, Ohio. I’m excited to grow professionally and network with great people through the Tayo Fellowship program! I enjoy going to coffee shops, thrifting, and getting boba. Feel free to reach out anytime!
Jasmine Sarmiento – Edison, NJ
Hi! I am Jasmine Sarmiento and I am a recent graduate from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) with a Speech-Language Pathology major and Deaf Studies minor. My time at the college gave me the opportunity to find my voice and be in tune with my identities through student organizations and work with the Division of Inclusive Excellence.
Through TCNJ Barkada, I not only found my second family, but I found myself wanting to give back to an organization that helped me remember and appreciate my roots. The community played an integral role for continuing my journey in advocating for and showcasing Filipino culture.
Now that I have graduated, I’m still trying to figure out life, however my experiences made me realize that I love being both an educator and learner.
Kamille Angeline Magante – San Diego, CA
Kamille Angeline Magante is an environmental health enthusiast currently working on her Master of Public Health at San Diego State University, focusing on how air pollution affects Pilipinx-American health in San Diego County. She graduated from California State University, Dominguez-Hills with a degree in Biology and minors in Sociology and Asian Pacific Studies.
Kamille has a diverse work background, currently interning at the City of San Diego and previously at San Diego State University, where she tackled food safety, chemical monitoring, and regulatory compliance. At TriLink Biotechnologies, she has held multiple positions from Production Chemist II to mRNA Production Planner, honing her skills in safety, compliance, and resource planning.
She is passionate about her community, co-founding the Pilipinx-American Public Health Conference (PAPHC) and leading the Southern California Pilipinx American Student Alliance (SCPASA). Kamille has also published research on health disparities among Filipinx populations and has been actively involved in cultural and health education initiatives.
Outside of her professional life, Kamille loves traveling, hiking, and has a mini schnauzer named Aiko. She also practices Hula at Kūhai Hālau O `Ilima Pā `Ōlapa Kahiko in Oceanside, blending her interests in culture and physical activity. Her dedication to both her work and hobbies reflects her vibrant and multifaceted personality.
Karen Manalac – Sacramento, CA
Karen is a first-generation Filipino American raised in the Bay Area. She currently resides in Sacramento serving as a mental health coordinator focusing on optimizing and enhancing care for the community. She earned her master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Southern California with a concentration on Community Health Promotion and a bachelor of science from San José State University with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development. She is a member of Sister’s in Public Health in the Bay Area chapter connecting and empowering women in Public Health across the country. With her previous experiences working with different organizations promoting mental health, organizing community events, and providing educational programs, she strives to continue on expanding and serving for the Filipino community.
Kirsten Salonga – Kalamazoo, Michigan & Alexandria, Virginia
Kirsten has been teaching science for English Learners (ELs) for seven years. As a first-generation Filipino American, she emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in science. Her classes are a unique mixture of scientific content and English language development, and she has created much of the EL science curriculum that many teachers use.
Kirsten is passionate about accessibility and experimentation. As a 2010-2020 Fulbright Scholar, she utilizes her experiences teaching English at Universidad Nacional (Bogota, Colombia) to create and implement content that is accessible and rigorous. As the recipient of multiple educational grants, she solidifies concepts learned within her classes through Project-Based Learning. Her focus has allowed students to transition from vocabulary-dense memorization to independent researchers, regardless of their language level, and has earned her the 2024 Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award from the National Science Teachers Association and named her a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow in partnership with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions.
Outside of the classroom and Science Department Chair duties, Kirsten is always outside: running with her dogs (Zorro and Kida), backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering. She is also a Research Teacher at the Kellogg Biological Station through the Conner Lab, in association with Michigan State University.
Lauren Saraspe – Franklin, WI
I am currently a student at Milwaukee Area Technical College working on my general education courses and planning to transfer to UW-Madison to major in Neuroscience. Later on in my academic journey, I wish to pursue psychiatry and the betterment of the lives of those with mental health issues. In my free time, I work with the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation (PCCCF) and provide aid in multiple manners – from photography and social media management to registration and organization of events.
LJ Canonizado – Berkeley, CA
Born and raised in Southeast San Diego, LJ is a rising senior at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Nutritional Science: Physiology and Metabolism with a minor in Asian-American and Asian Diaspora Studies. They are also pursuing a community health certificate focusing on the Asian-American community at UC Berkeley. LJ is deeply interested in health-related issues within the Pilipinx community, particularly diabetes, as well as broader public health topics such as sexual health and education, holistic healings, and traditional indigenous medicines. They aspire to earn an MS in nutrition and an MD in the future. On campus, LJ is actively involved in the Filipinx community, serving as the rising executive internal director for the Pilipinx Association for Health Careers (PAHC). They are passionate about supporting Pilipinxs in various health sectors and academia. Outside of campus, LJ works as a research assistant at the UCI School of Medicine, where they examine Asian Americans’ experiences with advanced and metastatic cancer. LJ has also supported health education services as a health educator and a health coach at Mabuhay Health Center located in San Francisco. Additionally, LJ is very interested in music and is a bassist in their slowcore/shoegaze band, Towhead.
Louis Medel – Washington, DC
Louis Medel, is a digital marketing professional and Filipino American based in the Washington DC area. Previously he was an EPYC Ambassador for NaFFAA as well as a Digital Marketing Volunteer for NaFFAA. Currently, he is a Demand Generation Manager for TechnoMile and is looking forward to advancing the Filipino American community! In his spare time, you can find him breakdancing, playing basketball and ping pong!
Ma. Krystelle Margarette Awacay – Bacolod, City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
I am Ma. Krystelle Margarette Awacay an aspiring leader and volunteer in my local community with a passion for service, the environment, and animals. Currently residing in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines – I am a recent graduate and an upcoming college freshman at The University of the Philippines – Visayas. Formerly, as a senior high school student, I utilized my time outside academics to volunteer in local and national organizations, often affiliated with my passions, helping with social media publications.
Marc Clemente – Chicago, IL
Martin Bombase – Upland, CA
Martin Bombase is a public health registered dietitian. He completed his undergrad at California State University Long Beach and his masters at The University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, Texas. Martin is currently a dietitian at an inpatient hospital where he addresses malnutrition and provides nutrition education to prevent hospital readmissions. His passion for nutrition stems from wanting to prevent chronic diseases his family faces. He believes all Filipino food is valid and can be a part of a healthy diet that prevents and manages chronic diseases. His goal is to create culturally appropriate public health nutrition programs for Filipino Americans. He also wants to address systemic issues facing Filipino Americans because he realizes that there are other factors besides inadequate nutrition and lack of exercise that lead to chronic diseases.
Matt Paolo Vistacion Malabanan – Staten Island, NY
Maurelio Cabo Jr – Greensboro, NC
I’m Maurelio Cabo Jr., originally from the Philippines and currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Nanoscience at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. My journey into the realms of science and engineering began with a Bachelor’s degree in Laboratory Technology at the Technological University of the Philippines-Manila, where I developed a strong foundation in analytical skills and scientific inquiry.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I embarked on a career path that led me through various roles in quality management and business outsourcing processing. My experiences as a Claims Adjudicator/Internal Auditor at Accenture Philippines and later as an Associate at PROPLE BPO provided me with invaluable insights into operational efficiency and strategic analysis.
Eager to deepen my technical expertise, I pursued a Master’s degree in Smart Manufacturing Engineering at Changwon National University in South Korea. Here, my research focused on developing hybrid eco-thermoset resin from epoxidized corn oil, a project that earned me the Excellence Award for Thesis and fueled my passion for sustainable materials.
Transitioning into the realm of advanced research, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Graduate Research Assistant and Principal Investigator in programs like NASA L’SPACE. My work has been published in respected journals and presented at international conferences, contributing to the advancement of bio-based materials and sustainable technologies.
Now, at UNC Greensboro, I am focused on exploring innovative applications in nanoscience, aiming to make meaningful contributions to the field of materials science. My journey continues to be driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Mona Yadav – Boston, MA
Moninisha (Mona) Yadav is a rising junior at Phillips Exeter Academy from Boston, Massachusetts. She is active in Exeter Pinoy Society and Asian Voices on campus. Mona is passionate about community building, climate justice, and public health with a focus on serving historically marginalized groups. As a first-generation student, she is particularly interested in Asian American advocacy and intersectionality and looks forward to further studying public health. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, learning languages, and studying the classics.
Natalie Badillo – New York, NY
Natalie Badillo, a proud Filipina and lifelong New Yorker, embodies a unique blend of passion for STEM, the arts, and community activism. With a background and degree in biomedical engineering, she is currently a medical student at Weill Cornell Medicine on a research gap year as a clinical and translational research fellow before her fourth and final year of med school. Natalie integrates her multifaceted interests to forge innovative, interdisciplinary opportunities and her ongoing research leverages human-centered design thinking to improve innovation and processes in healthcare. Outside of science, she makes and sells jewelry through her shop, ShopNiNatalie. Her creations draw inspiration from her Filipino heritage and scientific expertise, resulting in one-of-a-kind handmade pieces. Natalie holds leadership roles within the local NYC and national Filipino community, serving as an active executive committee member of the Association of Filipino Scientists in America (AFSA) and the Council of Young Filipino Americans in Medicine (CYFAM). She is active in advocacy efforts for quality accessible healthcare, Filipino sovereignty and representation, and equitable biomedical innovation. Natalie is deeply passionate about consuming and creating art, cooking for others, and finding ways to make people’s lives a little bit easier.
Nereca Capuano – Naples, FL
Hi, all! My name is Nereca. Currently a 4th-year student at Emory University, I am deeply passionate about human physiology, physical activity, and their profound impact on overall well-being. My academic journey has been dedicated to understanding how nutrition, mental awareness, and physical activity synergize to enhance holistic health. I believe in leveraging these factors to reduce inequity in health outcomes, ensuring everyone has access to the resources and opportunities necessary for optimal well-being.
My specific focus is on studying mental health within Southeast Asian countries and among Southeast Asian-Americans. This interest has driven my aspirations to pursue an MPH, aiming to collaborate closely with organizations advocating for mental health awareness and resources tailored to these communities. I am committed to fostering initiatives that promote mental wellness and empower individuals to thrive, overcoming cultural or socio-economic barriers.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy playing the guitar and drums, fishing, line dancing, karaoke, and supporting local businesses. These activities not only enrich my personal life but also provide a balance that fuels my passion for community engagement and cultural enrichment.
Olivia Bragitikos – Philadelphia, PA
Hey everyone, my name is Olivia Bragitikos (she/her)! I’m honored to be one of this year’s FYLPRO Tayo Fellows to connect more with my Filipino roots and continue uplifting the Filipino community. As a half-Filipino woman, I’m always eager to engage with fellow Filipinos and community members to learn more about our culture and what that means in the context of the ever-changing society in the United States.
I am from Philadelphia, PA, and attend Vassar College as a rising junior majoring in anthropology and Chinese language and culture. Traveling, writing poetry and songs, and finding any opportunity to pet dogs are some of my biggest passions. I recently traveled to Ilocos Sur with my family to visit my mother’s birthplace which was a life-changing experience as it was my first time traveling to the Philippines and eating great Filipino food, line dancing, and talking with many family members in person.
Apart from traveling, I have a great love for all things music. I love listening, dancing, and creating music. I also love to sing in choirs and a cappella groups and attend as many karaoke events as I can! I can’t wait to get started with Tayo!
Piper Berbano – Torrance, CA
LA-based, Manila-raised: Piper is a multidisciplinary creative and storyteller whose passion is found at the intersection of business, design, and technology. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in 2023, moving to Los Angeles soon after, where she is currently building a career in marketing. Her work in brand, digital, and influencer marketing has since made an impact in startups and multinationals across various industries.
Growing up with a fascination for art, Piper would share her work and engage with fellow artists online. This sparked a lifelong interest in the different ways people can collaborate, wherever they are in the world—from creating fictional worlds in writing, to experimenting with software for digital art, and communicating with others in different languages.
Recognizing the internet as a powerful catalyst for creativity and shared experiences, Piper seeks to leverage digital spaces to bring content and diverse communities together. Outside of work, you can find her watching movies, playing video games, and looking for the best places for bubble tea.
Raphael Bartolome – New York, NY
My name is Raphael Bartolome and I am an MS2 at CUNY School of Medicine. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from CUNY City College. I grew up in Westchester County, New York and now currently reside in NYC for school. My dream is to be a physician for the Filipino community and to be an advocate for the health and rights of all people. I recently became a conference coordinator for the Council of Young Filipino Americans in Medicine, and helped the Association of Filipino Scientists in America lead NYC’s first ever Filipino Community Health Fair in Jackson Heights, Queens. I’m inspired by my community’s energy in advocating for our people, and I work hard every day so I can match that energy and give back to the culture that has given me so much. I hope to make my family and girlfriend as proud as possible of my work! My interests outside of medicine include cooking, cycling, weightlifting, and video games.
Rochelle Cordero – El Monte, CA
Rochelle Cordero is a Community Health Worker through AmeriCorps with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. A former golden eagle from Cal State LA, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health in 2023. She is excited to return to her alma mater in the fall to continue her education and be in graduate school to receive her Master’s in Public Health.
Samantha Guinto – Ewa Beach, HI
Aloha! My name is Samantha Guinto and I’m originally from Bulacan, Philippines and now based in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. I’m an incoming freshman at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa – Shidler College of Business. I served on the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Student Leadership Board working on civics & work-based learning and as a Media Head for a nonprofit teaching youth about business and finance virtually. I also recently participated in the University of Hawaii’s Law and Justice Program learning about criminal law and legislature. I am interested in working in business marketing, journalism, and political science to provide more resources for my community in different aspects such as education and government assistance!
Vida Ntem-Mensah – Manchester, CT
Vrielle Guevarra – Hackensack, NJ
Vrielle Guevarra is rising senior at Bergen County Academies (BCA) high school in Hackensack, NJ. She is studying computer science at the Academy for Technology and Computer Science (ATCS) within BCA. Vrielle has a passion for sharing and raising awareness on Filipino culture and her heritage, which led her to apply for the FYLPRO Tayo Fellowship. At BCA, Vrielle is the Founder and President of Filipino Club and the Head of Filipino International Day of Acceptance (IDA), the one and only Filipino cultural dance group. Outside of the Filipino community at BCA, Vrielle is a varsity swimmer at Indian Hills High School, representative for ATCS in student government, and peer leader for Sharing Perspectives Amongst Real Kids (SPARK). In her free time, she loves listening to beabadoobee, playing Nintendo video games, and baking desserts for her friends and family. She absolutely adores OPM, and her favorite bands are APO Hiking Society, Eraserheads, and Rivermaya!
About Tayo
Tayo, a project of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), is an innovative data hub that empowers Filipinx/a/o communities by collecting data, fostering partnerships, publishing culturally relevant insights, and developing leaders to create an equitable and sustainable future.
For more information, visit tayohelp.com.
About Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO)
FILIPINO YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM (FYLPRO) is a network of high performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries.
We continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora. By connecting them to the motherland, we foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the global Filipino community.
For more information, visit fylpro.org.
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