As a Filipino-American artist, I am deeply committed to destigmatizing mental illness and celebrating underrepresented voices through all artistic mediums. In an industry constantly striving for increased equity, my goal as a creative is to contribute to fostering inclusive and accessible spaces for artists. I believe that storytelling is not just an art form. It is a powerful tool for educating audiences, building community, and increasing empathy. It allows us to see one another more clearly, preserve cultural memory, and imagine a better future.
Growing up, performing on stage ignited my passion for building immersive worlds, breathing life into vibrant characters, and crafting resonant narratives. That passion led me to earn a degree in Film & Television from the School of Cinematic Arts at DePaul University in Chicago where I honed my skills in character analysis and storytelling, both as a screenwriter and a playwright.
at the soft-launch of OTV Studio (2022)
photo by Felton Edward Kizer
In 2021, I joined Open Television’s Fellowship Program, where I received a production grant to bring my pilot "ManicMan!" to life. The project later premiered at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Through that experience, I saw firsthand how funding access, institutional support, and intentional storytelling intersect. I also witnessed how difficult those pathways can be for artists navigating systems not designed with them in mind.
During my fellowship with OTV, I studied the nuances of intersectional storytelling and its ability to echo diverse and complex perspectives. The fellowship underscored for me the importance of intentional artistic expression.
at #OTVTonight: A Return to Fellowship (2023)
photo by M Lamourt
As a graduate student in Northwestern University’s Leadership for Creative Enterprises (MSLCE) program, I am deepening my understanding of how artistic vision and organizational strategy must work together. I am especially interested in grant writing, donor relations, and impact measurement as tools for building stability within arts and culture nonprofit organizations.
I founded Mauve Media & Communications because artists and grassroots nonprofit organizations deserve funding structures that honor their integrity, labor, and lived experience. My goal is not just to secure grants or cultivate donor rosters. It is to help build systems that reduce burnout, increase access, and allow creative communities to thrive for the long term.
on the set of 'ManicMan!' (2022)
photo by Lucas Byron
Between the creative beats, you can find me indulging in my love of immersive theatre, strong coffee, and good food. With an insatiable hunger for the unconventional and the authentic, I am always on the hunt for my next great story to tell.
