Meet the Conference Planning Committee

Engagement & Evaluation Head

Dana first got involved with CYFAM as part of the Logistics Committee for the 2nd Annual Conference in 2021. She is a California native living in Las Cruces, NM as an OMS-II at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dana serves as the SGA Treasurer and the Internal Medicine Club Secretary. Some of her experiences prior to medical school include scribing for cardiac electrophysiologists, working as a CNA, and moderating for an escape room company. When she isn't studying, Dana enjoys spending quality time with her husband and infant daughter.

Exhibition Member

Cheska Molina is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in psychobiology and is in the process of getting ready to apply to medical schools. Upon graduating, Cheska commissioned as a Medical Services Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and currently serves as a platoon leader for the 872nd Medical Company, Ground Ambulance. She is currently a medical assistant at Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgery Center, while also conducting clinical research. Cheska has presented her research at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Conference this past October. While she is isn't studying for the MCAT, Cheska enjoys long runs, playing tennis, and going on walks with her dog, Lilo.

Exhibition Member

Aaron Asparin is a current fourth year undergraduate at California State University, Fresno, studying Biochemistry, with a minor in French under the Smittcamp Family Honors College. He currently serves as the President of several on-campus organizations, as well as commits to his role in the Dean's Student Advisory Committee. While volunteering at a local needle exchange clinic, he also conducts research on alcoholism and neurodegenerative diseases. Aaron also has a deep passion for international culture, as he is a current semi-finalist for the ongoing selection of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Career aside, he has a deep passion for fashion, poetry, and can often be found diving deep into all genres of music.

Exhibition Member

Rachel Ablir is a 1st year medical student at Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine and earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Health at University of California, Berkeley. During her gap years, she worked in clinical research at UCSF investigating the health disparities among the deaf and hard of hearing community of San Francisco, and assisted vulnerable populations navigate the healthcare system as a clinical case manager. She also served as a Clinic Director at the Mabuhay Health Center, a free-clinic catered to mostly uninsured elderly Filipino immigrants in San Francisco. She hopes to continue to uplift and support her Filipino community and other minority populations achieve holistic healing through community engagement, community-based research, and culturally-sensitive care. For fun, Rachel enjoys hot yoga, spending time outdoors, and traveling to new countries.

Exhibition Member

Leanne Mancira is an Operating Room Assistant at Spanish Hills Surgery Center. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology with a minor in Global Health from the University of California, Los Angeles. While at UCLA, she was a part of multiple Pilipino focused initiatives and volunteered with COPE Health Scholars where she was first introduced to the topic of health inequalities. In the future, Leanne aims to participate in medical missions that raise awareness and provide aid to rural communities all over the world.

Exhibition • Workshops Member

Patricia Rose De Leon, a second-year Psychobiology major at UCLA, is deeply involved in medical and community health, driven by her passion for these fields. Her pursuits in research are highlighted by her role as a Research Intern at the Harbor-UCLA Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovations. There, she collaborates on studies of infectious diseases, mastering techniques like DNA/RNA extraction and PCR amplification. In addition to her academic excellence, Patricia plays significant leadership and volunteer roles. She is a member of the Health Education Committee at UCLA APA Healthcare, boosting community engagement and health awareness, and serves as the Director of Pilipinx American Heritage Month (PAHM) at UCLA Pilipino Council of the Mabuhay Collective, she organized and hosted a UCLA-wide PAHM campagin and a 'Palengke' Festival . Her leadership extends to the UCLA Lifestyle Medicine Club as the Head of Social Media, significantly increasing online engagement.

Logistics Member

Danny Domingo is a third year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. Concurrently, he is pursuing a Master's in Public Health at Claremont Graduate University with a concentration in Health Promotion, Education, and Evaluation. He graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Philippine Language and Literature (Ilokano). Born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, Danny's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for community and commitment to working with the underserved.

Logistics Member

Born in the Philippines but raised in San Diego, CA, Shaira is a first-year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology, and received her Master of Science from Western University of Health Sciences. Although she is still exploring various specialties, she hopes to become a provider who serves and advocates for marginalized communities and to learn more about how she can support Filipinx communities during medical school. As an avid event planner, she is excited to be a part of the CYFAM Conference Committee and to help in putting together this conference.

Logistics Member

Cheldon Ann Alcantara is currently a third-year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences. She graduated from Occidental College, earning her bachelor’s degree in Biology. After attending CYFAM's social events, she wanted to get involved in planning this year as a way to connect with the Fil-Am community. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, reading, and playing basketball.

Logistics Member

Urielle Gutierrez is currently spending her post-grad working as a Front Desk Coordinator for an oculoplastics practice in the greater Los Angeles area. She just graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles and received the Chancellor’s Service Award for her dedication and passion for community service. It is through her involvement in Pilipinos for Community Health that she found CYFAM. Both organizations aligned with her goals and passion for empowering the underserved and addressing health inequities locally and globally. In her third year with CYFAM, Urielle is beyond grateful and excited to see the family grow and create space for more Filipino-American leaders in medicine. During her spare time, she enjoys quality time with friends and family, strength training at the gym, trying out new recipes, and expanding her knowledge through reading.

Logistics Member

Mentorship Member

Angela Cabutaje is a first year medical student at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) and is part of the Seattle cohort. She earned her B.S. in Public Health-Global Health at UW, where she also served as the Co-President for the Filipinx Association for Health Careers (FAHC), the first Fil-Am organization at UW dedicated for students interested in the healthcare field. With a passion for public health, her current interests are in primary care, specifically pediatrics and family medicine, though she is keeping an open mind. Outside of academics, she loves spending time with family and friends, music, creating art, fashion, and watching horror movies/thrillers.

Mentorship Member

Keziah Hidalgo is currently an MS4 at Western University of Health Sciences. She received her Bachelor's in Science in Human Biology at the University of Southern California, where she served in many leadership roles within Troy Philippines and became a mentor for Filipino high school students in South Central Los Angeles. She helped found the Filipino American Student Association at her medical school, where she has helped health professional students in different fields find avenues for service and mentorship in the Inland Empire, facilitated meetings educating students about our culture and heritage, and built a tight-knit community for Filipino American students on campus.

Mentorship Head

Alexis Sulit is a third year undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a Psychobiology major with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP). As an ADP minor, Alexis systematically observes, records, and analyzes the holistic developmental progress of children within a child care center. With aspirations of becoming a Pediatrician, she is passionate about tying her child-care skills with community-based work, education, and mental health services in order to serve marginalized communities. Alexis saw CYFAM's mentorship component as an amazing opportunity to aid in the preparation of a mentorship program focused in the field of medicine where a lot of details about being pre-med are not discussed.

Mentorship Head • Research Member

Sophia Villanueva is currently a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles pursuing a master's degree in Physiological Sciences; it is also here where she earned her bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. She aspires to pursue an MD/PhD program after graduation with a continued focus in circadian biology research. Sophia has served as the committee head for CYFAM's mentorship committee for the last four years and co-founded the CYFAMilya Mentorship Program. She hopes to continue supporting the Filipinx community through mentorship and engagement in research-education, both of which she is passionate about. For fun, she enjoys spending time with her roommate's cats, hiking, playing video games with friends, and picking up knew skills such as knitting and bag-making!

Program Member

Logan is currently a third-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles pursuing a degree in Human Biology and Society. At UCLA, he works as a Tour Guide and volunteers with Bruin Shelter as a shelter staff member. With a growing interest in neurology, Logan is also an intern with UCSF's de Leon Lab, which is developing the CATS Battery (Cognitive Assessment for Tagalog Speakers). Recently joining CYFAM as a member of the Program Committee, he is excited to support and reinforce the Fil-Am community within the world of medicine.

Program Head

Jerome Labao was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, California and is currently in his pre-medical gap years gaining experience as a medical scribe. He began his college education at Los Angeles Mission College, where he then transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to receive his degree in Psychology. While at UCLA, Jerome found a community with the Pilipino Transfer Student Partnership (PTSP), serving as Bayanihan Project Coordinator, where his efforts contributed to empowering aspiring Filipino American youth in their non-traditional academic journeys. Post-graduation, Jerome continued studying the social determinants of health and worked on a number of research projects surrounding topics such as youth mental health at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, elements of equity, diversity, and inclusion within mobile mental health treatments, as well as experiences of microaggressions within staff and faculty communities at UCLA. Jerome ultimately sought involvement with CYFAM to reconnect with the Filipino community, and to join the inspiring mission of promoting the representation of Filipino American leaders and culture in health.

Program Member

Lauren Velasquez is currently a 2nd year medical student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Harlem, NY and is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has been deeply involved in community work throughout her college and gap years as a clinic intern at UC Davis' Bayanihan Clinic and UCSF's Mabuhay Health Center, and she worked as a medical assistant at Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic. She is now the Diversity Task Force Chair on TouroCOM's Student Government Association and serving on CYFAM's General Board as a Community Engagement Chair. In her free time, she loves to work out and create through writing and painting.

Program Head

Aloha, my name is Jonathan Ibanez and I am a first-year resident in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the VA in Loma Linda. I was born and raised on the island of Maui, completed my ungraduate education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and completed my medical training at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, California. My research interests are in diabetic limb salvage and diabetes prevention. In my free time I enjoy reading historical fiction, exercising, and going to the beach. Agyamanak unay for attending our conference!

Program Member

Jessica Rachel is a second-generation Filipina American from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. During her time at UCLA, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry while nurturing her passion in medicine through immunology research, Pilipinos for Community Health, and the UCLA Health Care Extender program. In addition, she explored her Filipinx identity through Samahang Pilipino, ultimately serving as a leader in the respective retention project (SPEAR) to foster student academic and holistic growth and empowerment. Presently in her growth year, she is continuing her research efforts as a full-time Senior Research Associate at Maureen Su and Melissa Lechner Lab, researching the autoimmune mechanisms of immunotherapy induced type-1 diabetes. As a type-1 diabetic herself, she hopes to pursue a career as a pediatric endocrinologist.

Publicity Head

Charysa Santos graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. She was involved in community health outreach through Pilipinos for Community Health (PCH), and has a special interest in health disparities and preventive health. She is currently a clinical research coordinator at UCSF, where she manages multiple projects which aim to improve diagnostic testing and clinical management of pancreatic and endocrine cancers.

Program Head

Hi! I am currently a medical student, and I am currently an MS3. I am currently interested in internal medicine with a possibility of going into geriatrics. On my free time, I love being in the outdoors, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Publicity Member

Alexander Andrew Argame is a second year medical student at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, CA. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015 from California State University, Long Beach. After graduating, he worked as a Registered Nurse in various settings including Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Interventional Radiology, Same Day Surgery, Intensive Care Unit, and Community Health. His nursing experiences motivated him to pursue medicine and he attended California State University, Fullerton to compete a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program. As a career changer, having worked as a nurse for 7 years before starting med school, he is very aware of the demands of the healthcare field, and so serves as an executive member of the Student Council Well-Being Committee. Additionally, his passion for bodybuilding and fitness led him to founding the medical school’s Bodybuilding Interest Group and leading the Exercise in Medicine Student Interest Group. His specialty interest at this time is surgery, with his current research focused on addressing surgical health disparities amongst the AAPI population, and other leadership role as an executive member of his med school’s Surgery Interest Group.

Research Head

Angela Rose David is a first-generation Filipino American, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, with familial ties to Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a B.S. in Biology and a double minor in Spanish and Public Health. After spending two years interning with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on projects related to public health education and COVID-19 preparedness, she completed a yearlong research fellowship at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Utilizing these research experiences, Angela Rose now works at UCLA full-time as the project manager for a lab that explores health disparities affecting the Filipino immigrant population.

Research Member

Gabrielle Pascua graduated from UCLA in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology & Society and a minor in Theater. Throughout her undergraduate education, she volunteered with UCLA’s Mobile Clinic Project as a Caseworker and Health Education Committee, bringing street-side clinic access to those in West Hollywood, and the Child Life Zone at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, ushering therapeutic play and learning to young patients. She was also an intern at the UCLA-Iris Cantor Women’s Health Education & Research Center, and is now working during her gap year as the Center's Program Coordinator. She also currently volunteers with UCLA’s Companion Care, which seeks to build sustainable bridges between people experiencing homelessness and the existing health and social services network in Los Angeles. Gabrielle is particularly interested in maternal and child heath, genetics, and reproductive health, rights, and activism.

Research Head

Zena is a 3rd-year MD-PhD/Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) student at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. Currently, she's diving into her PhD studies in immunology, investigating the regulation of pituitary immune cells and their role in hormone secretion, particularly in reproductive diseases like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). An immigrant from the Philippines and an alumna of the University of the Philippines and UCLA, she aspires to become a physician-scientist who can improve women's health by merging immunology with studying endocrinology-related conditions. Beyond her academic pursuits, Zena enjoys exploring diverse cuisines and traveling. Through CYFAM, she hopes to increase the involvement of the Filipinx community in health-related research and mentorship.

Research Member

Amanda Piring (she/her) is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UCLA majoring in Human Biology and Society with a minor in Public Health. She is an intern medical assistant at a pain management clinic, an orthopedic scribe, and a clinical research associate through the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at UCLA. Amanda joined CYFAM to find a community of Filipinx Americans and she is very excited to help celebrate Flipinx researchers and scientists as a member of the Research Committee this year. Following graduation, Amanda hopes to pursue an MD and MPH.

Research Member

Rovika is a Filipina immigrant and a second-year medical student at Boston University (BU). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Spanish at UCLA, spent her gap years investigating transcriptional dependence in cancer progression at the UCSF Okimoto lab, and is currently conducting research in cancer disparities at BU and Massachusetts General Hospital. She also serves as a patient navigator at the BMC Refugee and Immigrant Clinic and as a peer mentor for several programs catered towards underserved students. At CYFAM, she hopes to increase Filipinx visibility in research and serve as a resource and pillar of support for other Filipinx students interested in pursuing medicine and research.

Social Head

I am a pre-med 3rd year Human Biology and Society B.S. major at UCLA with an interest in public health and the cultural aspects to medicine! I am in two research organizations, one with human and animal welfare and another with formerly incarcerated individuals. I also have two jobs because, why not? I am a serious foodie, trying-new-restaurants connoisseur, and outdoor adventurer and I hope to contribute to a rewarding, fun and safe learning and social environment while being part of CYFAM!

Social Member

Geoff is a recently graduated M.D. and researcher, working on growth stage digital health investments at Vive Collective. In January, he will be joining BCG as a consultant in their healthcare practice. He plans to complete an internal medicine residency + fellowship in the future, while continuing to drive impact in fields adjacent to medicine. Geoff enjoys golfing and bowling with friends, trying new cuisines, listening to hip hop/EDM music, and watching cinema of all forms. As a former college athlete in the sprints and hurdles, he is contemplating re-lacing up his spikes to compete again.

Social Member

Misha Samonte is currently applying to medical school for the incoming class of 2024. He received his Bachelors in Communications Technology Management from the Ateneo de Manila University. He has been the Fundraising/Development Chair of CYFAM since 2022. In his spare time, Misha enjoys going to concerts, bouldering, and finding the next great brunch place.

Social Member

Jaelyn Otomo is currently in a gap year, working and studying for the MCAT. She earned her bachelor's degree in Human Biology and Society with a minor in Disability Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles where she worked with the Pilipinx/Pilipinx-American American community as president of Samahang Pilipino to help others learn about their culture and create new connections! With her experience working two years at a partial inclusion day-program for adults with developmental disabilities, Jaelyn hopes to continue supporting and advocating for people with disabilities by contributing to person-centered research and care that can help inform and improve medical care. In her free time, Jaelyn enjoys cooking, going to concerts, fashion, and listening to new music!

Workshop Head

Elizabeth Sangalang is a second year medical student at ATSU in Phoenix, AZ. She has volunteered with CYFAM's Workshop Committee for the past two years and currently serves as a co-chair for CYFAM's Desert Mountain Region. She has found a supportive community while attending and preparing for the CYFAM conferences, which has inspired her to uplift the Filipinx community and provide meaningful mentorship. Elizabeth is a Bay Area native, loves to hike with her dog Potato, and cheers on the 49ers in her free time.

Workshop Head

Annalyn Diaz is currently a first year medical student at Western University of Health Sciences -- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Throughout her undergraduate years at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Annalyn was heavily involved in advocacy work for improving equity and access to both higher education and preventative health resources for marginalized communities in the Greater LA region. During this time, she became more involved with CYFAM after its inaugural conference in 2020. Following her graduation in 2022, Annalyn attended Georgetown University for her master's and graduated the following year in 2023, during which she volunteered in projects to serve the underserved in the DMV area. Now as a medical student, she strives to keep community at the center of her work as she progresses through school, remaining committed to improving access to care for the medically underserved.

Workshop Member

Zarina Balde is from Orlando, Florida, and is currently a second-year medical student at Nova Southeastern University - Dr. Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM). She started her undergraduate studies with B.S. Biology at University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Philippines. She completed her B.S. Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Health Services Administration at the University of Central Florida in 2018 and completed her M.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Nova Southeastern University in 2021.

Fun Fact: She lived in the Middle East for 15 years, since both her parents were OFWs in Saudi Arabia. During her free time, she likes to learn new songs in the Ukulele, or explore local coffee shops in the area."

Workshop Member

Joselyn is an OMS-II at Western University of Health Sciences, COMP in Pomona, CA. She is originally from San Francisco, CA and now adapting to life in Southern California. She graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2019 with a B.A. in Economics and B.S. in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. Before medical school, Joselyn worked as a medical assistant at a private practice ophthalmology clinic and volunteered with the Mabuhay Health Center to help serve the Filipinx population in San Francisco. She joined CYFAM’s Workshop Committee in hope of finding Filipinx camaraderie, amplifying Filipinx voices, and helping to uplift the newest generation of Filipinx leadership in medicine.

Workshop Head

Danielle is a premedical student from Daly City, CA. She is a fourth year majoring in Human Biology and Society while minoring in Asian American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). At UCLA, Danielle is involved in Pilipino for Community Health (PCH), Samahang Pilipino Advancing Community Empowerment (SPACE), and the Arthur Ashe Student Center. As a Medical Outreach Director at PCH, she actively organizes fundraisers to fund the medical mission to the Philippines in hopes of addressing health inequities in underserved communities. Danielle joined CYFAM because she is inspired by the network of Filipinx Americans in the medical field and hopes to grow more holistically with the organization. During her free time, Danielle enjoys reading books and snowboards during the winter season.

Workshop Member

Alexandra Nevins is currently a Research Associate at Cedars-Sinai studying heart failure. She earned her bachelor's degree in Physiological Science from University of California, Los Angeles in 2022 and has been taking gap years before applying to medical school. At UCLA, Alexandra participated in a competitive dance team as well as volunteered as a peer advisor for a Filipino-focused outreach program to help high school students and community college students with their post-secondary goals. She one day hopes to work with community-based organizations and nonprofits to reach out to underserved and under-resourced communities and provide them with low-cost medical care. In her free time, she loves listening to music, trying restaurants around Los Angeles, and seeing her friends.