IMPORTEDFROM THE PHILIPPINESImported from the Philippines.

I'm pursuing my MBA at Berkeley Haas while working in both for-profit and philanthropic organizations. I want to use my education to help scale businesses in the Philippines and to launch successful ventures in the United States.

My focus is on building businesses and getting things done. I believe that people and effective teams are the heart of an organization. Managers should empower and support their direct reports through values-led leadership. A good leader is consistent with their word and practices what they preach.

I'm also a big fan of the newest technology and tools. I'm quick to find new ways to implement automation, AI, or innovative platforms to amplify my impact and streamline everyday work.

My background is in community organizing and social impact, especially at the grassroots level.

When I moved to the Bay Area, I was exposed to a strong community of Filipino American organizations. I started volunteering with the Filipino Community Center in San Francisco. From there, I became active with Laya Migrant Youth for Change and Action. We organized multiple community events ranging from open mics and disaster relief fundraisers to educational discussions and advocacy campaigns. I then started my time at Skyline College where I finally received culturally relevant education, specifically through the Kababayan Learning Community.

That work followed me to UC Berkeley where I pursued a major in Social Welfare, with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. I was actively organizing with the on-campus Filipino American / Pilipinx community as well through PASS.

I still carry that with me. As a Filipino American, it's important to me to give back to my community, especially with my professional skills. That's why I've started projects like Pamana Wealth and continue to serve as an advisory board member for the Kapwa Kultural Center in Daly City.

I've tried a lot of different things. Back in a past life, I attended trade school for audio recording and worked as an audio engineer in Los Angeles. In my early 20s, I opened a small recording studio with friends and tried launching different clothing brands. Back in 2013 when podcasting was still a budding industry, I started The Filipino Garage and highlighted local Filipino American leaders and community members. I even launched my own music album under the stage name of KuyaChris.

I love creativity and learning new things. I've even written and performed a lot of poetry.

While I'm all about business and entrepreneurship, I'm also a man of different quirky interests and hobbies. That's the beauty of life.