Our Annual Fly Pinays program is a p-r-o-d-u-c-t-i-o-n that begins nearly eight months in advance, and entirely the end-result of volunteer leadership, capacity, and vision. Primarily run and owned by college students and young adults from the South Bay Area, the work of Fly Pinays simply wouldn’t exist without the bold vision of our volunteer organizers. Bound by a commitment to bringing something special and distinct to our community and locked in shared conviction in its purpose: elevating and putting our community on.
Marissa Martinez
Program Director
Alma Mater: Santa Clara University
About me: Marissa is creative writer and advocate for youth and the arts, was born and raised in East San Jose. She writes plays and poetry inspired by her life as well as the lives of her close friends, family, and community.
Fave Filipino Dish? Tocilog!
Fave Movie? Moana
Why I’m involved with Fly Pinays. I want to help create a space for fellow Filipinas to connect and thrive. Plus, I feel so empowered being surrounded by driven, successful Pinays!
KATIE MENDOZA
Mentee Co-Director
Alma Mater: San Jose State University
About me: I’m from LA but love living in the Bay! I have my BA in Psychology from SJSU and hope to be going to grad school soon (-:
Fave Filipino Dish? My mom’s Sinigang na Hipon
Fave Movie? A Cinderella Story
JENN CAYANANMentee Co-Director
Current: San Jose State University
About me: I am a fourth year at San Jose state university majoring in public health and double minoring in Asian American Studies and Psychology. I love reading and have been reading a lot of Pilipino/Pilipino American books or books by Pin@y authors or books with historical context/social justice. One of my goals this year is to learn Tagalog and I’ve been watching a lot of Filipino shows/movies to help aid my quest in learning.
Fave Filipino Dish? I love Diniguan. I know people are turned off by it being pork blood but I love the taste!
Fave Movie? The Hate U Give. A super powerful movie/book that showcases a lot of experiences I may never face because of the color of my skin.
ISABEL BAGSIK
Social Media & Publicity Director
Alma Mater: UC Davis
ANGELICA CORTEZ
Fundraising & Mentor Director
Current: University of Southern California
About me: I’m a music-collecting, black t-shirt sporting, politics-following, sleepy iPhone-aficionado, with a love for travel, fervent conversation, and a great cup of cafecito.
Fave Filipino Dish? Pssh, bistek…one day later.
KATRINA FIGUEROA
Volunteer Director
Alma Mater: San Jose State University
Fave Filipino Dish? I love everything my mom cooks so it’s hard to pick one.
Fave Movie? I go to the movies almost every weekend so it’s hard to pick just one favorite. But I’m obsessed with the marvel franchise & Legally Blonde, haha.
Why I’m involved in Fly Pinays. I love that it gives a space for women to network and attend workshops to develop their professional career. It also gives them an opportunity to learn more about their Filipina identity. I attended last year and I found is very empowering so I’m excited to be a part of the team that will put it all together.
ELEAINE REYES
Current: San Jose State University
Why I’m involved in Fly Pinays. I love how the summit ties in culture and sisterhood. Growing up, I never had a safe community of women to share experiences with, so planning an event that’s centered on Pinay experiences is really fulfilling.
Workshop Director
Current: San Jose State University
About me: I am a graduating senior majoring in Social Work at San Jose State University and an intern for Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence. In my spare time, I like to sleep, watch shows, (attempt to) play ukulele, and work out.
DORYN GOMEZ
Intern
Current: De Anza College
