From Act Six Scholar to OY Champion — and Why I Need Your Help Today

At 17 years old, as the eldest daughter of a Filipina immigrant and the first in my mother's family to pursue a college degree in the U.S., I didn't have a roadmap. What I had was Act Six. As a proud PLU Cadre 1 Scholar, the program gave me something no financial aid package could — supportive adults and peers who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. That mentorship helped me navigate college applications, financial aid, and a future I could barely picture yet. It led me to Pacific Lutheran University, finding my call for social justice advocacy, to graduation, and eventually to a career in Tacoma serving opportunity youth — the very same kids I wrote about wanting to help when I was a teenager who didn't yet have the words to describe the work.

Here's what moves me most: at 17, I wrote in my Act Six application that I wanted to support kids my age in staying in school and graduating. Years later, that's exactly what I do every single day. Act Six didn't just change my life — it gave me the language, the network, and the confidence to live out that dream. I am the leader, the mother, and the community member I am today because someone invested in me.

Now, the last cadres of Act Six Scholars are close to the finish line — and they're at risk of losing the very support that made all the difference for me. Budget shortfalls for non-profits in the region are threatening the mentorship and guidance these young scholars deserve. I'm asking my fellow Act Six alumni, my friends, and my Tacoma community to help me make sure they don't have to cross that finish line alone.

Every dollar you give keeps a young scholar supported, seen, and moving forward.

Donate what you can. Share this page. And know that your generosity is part of a legacy that started with people who believed in students like me — and now continues with students who need us to show up for them.

I'm personally matching the first $500 in donations — so give now and double your impact!

Every donor who gives $50 or more to my personal fundraising page will also be entered into a drawing to win one of two gift baskets packed with my favorite treats from local Tacoma businesses. It's a win for the scholars, and maybe a win for you too! I'll announce the winners at the end of April :)

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!