Si’asinno’ak. Who am I.
Born and raised in a rural village in the Philippines, we moved to California when I was young. We followed our extended families in what is now an over-century-long Ilokano caravan that made its way to the Americas at the turn of the 20th century when my antecedents were colonial subjects of the United States. My destiny stands on their weary, stooped shoulders. I managed to skip two grades in secondary school and then received university degrees in biology and business management that became the foundation for a career in biotechnology.
In this space, I’m a writer, advocate, translator, and storyteller. I reside in northern California.
Mangged ken agbulontario. Work and volunteering.
Senior Regulatory Affairs Professional
My contributions to research and science are rooted in the intersections of the biotech and pharmaceutical industries and the quality and regulatory pathways by which treatment and technological innovations reach patients. As a 25+ year veteran of the industry, my impact comes from shepherding research products through the product lifecycle. I’ve worked and consulted with partners and regulatory agencies globally, and broadly with biologics, combination medical devices, and drugs.
Board of Directors, GAPA Fund
In 2019, I contributed to the establishment of the GAPA Fund, a 501(c)(3) charity focused on arts and culture, building upon the rich legacy of community and social welfare cultivated by GAPA, now the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving as GAPA's Treasurer from 2016-2022, I transitioned to the GAPA Fund board, undertaking roles as treasurer, secretary, and interim chair as needed. The Fund enriches the LGBTQ+ American Asian and Pacific Islander community through integrated chorus and theater programs, emphasizing the importance of representation. My involvement extends to performing in the choir and contributing to our theater, and creating and managing their website, championing the visibility and celebration of our narratives in the arts.