I grew up in San Jose, California, a diverse and magical city that shaped all of who I am today. Attending Notre Dame San Jose, an all-girls Catholic school with a strong social justice-based curriculum, provided me with a foundation in advocacy and community engagement that has guided my academic and personal journey. The values of empathy, equity, and leadership I gained at Notre Dame are principles I carry with me in everything I do, from my involvement in global justice initiatives at Pepperdine to my approach to problem-solving in my studies.

As a biracial individual—Black, Chinese, and Filipino—my upbringing gave me a unique perspective on identity, culture, and community. Growing up in the Bay Area, surrounded by diversity and progressive values, I learned early on the importance of representation and the power of embracing multiple cultures. My heritage has deeply influenced my academic pursuits, particularly my passion for global justice, human rights, and data-driven solutions. Whether through my involvement with the Sudreau Global Justice Institute or my internships, I am constantly seeking to blend my background with my skills to create meaningful impact in the world. These experiences continue to shape my vision for the future as I prepare to take on new challenges and opportunities post-graduation.