How did you find your way into entrepreneurship and 3 Day Startup?
Got into the “e-ship” scene while I was in college, worked at Capital Factory in Austin and that’s when I became acquainted with 3DS. When they approached me, I was attracted to the committed team and excited community. I had worked with Launchpad students at Syracuse so it was a similar vibe. Also, I’ve always been interested in mission-driven non-profit organizations so that drew me in.
How do you identify within the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community?
I am half-Filipino, half-white!
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My Grandma was the matriarch of my mom’s side of the family. She was a self-made woman; always had her act together and shared her space and time with her family. I think the generosity and pride she has in her background, her story, and her family definitely got passed down to me. Filipinos make do with what they have and they also share a lot even if they have very little. They like to have fun, eat, and spend time with each other and the culture is very fun-loving. It’s definitely interesting being half-Filipino because I am very “white passing”. I have a European name and I was socialized into western culture (even though I had occasional holidays/academic moments that made me acknowledge my background more). I used my Filipino-ness to connect with other Filipinos (or mixed Filipinos) and it’s kind of like a natural bond.
What is something few people know about you?
I used to be the drum major of my high school marching band of 110 people. I know how to spin a baton and mark time. Band gave me discipline and leadership experience. I’m grateful that I was a part of that group as a young person.
What brings you joy?
Being in the outdoors! Sharing a laugh. HUMOR AND KINDNESS. My family. Painting. Sharing things that move me.
What does AAPI Heritage month mean for you?
This month means sharing stories, highlighting successes for people looking for inspiration. It’s all about PRIDE really. We like to see people who look like us and are share roots with us succeed. It’s important to see people like you succeed because it makes you believe that you can do that too.
What vision do you have for the future as it relates to entrepreneurship education?
It’s time to stop gatekeeping entrepreneurship education! The OG entrepreneurs are the ones who start businesses out of necessity.
What words of wisdom do you have for young people considering entrepreneurship?
You gotta go for it! There’s no right time to get started and you learn a lot by diving headfirst into getting things done. You’re going to do a lot of experiments, and a lot of them fail. The most important thing you can do is learn by doing. Also, amidst all the chaos, take some time to reflect on what you’ve done so you can continue moving forward with a clear and present mind.
