Shawn (he/him/his) is a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines. Moving was constant in his life as he and his family relocated frequently to escape a hostile home environment. Immigrating to the Bay Area provided a sense of true home. Growing up with a single mother, Shawn became her right hand in caring for his siblings while navigating school, work, and responsibilities as the eldest. These lived experiences inform the core of Shawn’s work. He carries a deep commitment to public service and policy, with particular interest in immigration, labor rights, equitable access to education, and community building.
He began his higher education journey at City College of San Francisco, where he worked in frontline customer service roles and served as a student and community leader. He is now pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was elected to serve as a Student Body Senator. As a first-generation student, he has been actively involved in student organizations supporting low-income and first-generation students across California, connecting students with resources to thrive in higher education. Shawn’s dedication to educational equity led him to contribute to research under Dr. Jose Eos Trinidad, focusing on how historical, organizational, and institutional forces shape education policy. Shawn has interned across federal, state, and local offices, supporting casework, researching policy, and writing talking points and memos reflecting legislative and community priorities. While volunteering with nonprofit organizations, he has interpreted and translated for immigrants navigating legal and social services, helping bridge linguistic and cultural gaps to increase access to critical resources.
As a DreamSF Fellow, Shawn is honored to work with API Legal Outreach. He is excited to assist with legal casework and deepen his understanding of defending and protecting the rights of immigrant and vulnerable communities, support community outreach and education, contribute to legislative advocacy, practice client-centered work, and build his skills in nonprofit operations.
Grounded in the values of collective power and cross-community solidarity, Shawn is immensely grateful to his peers, mentors, and communities for believing in him, and he hopes to do the same for many others. In his free time, he enjoys conversations about everything under the sun, going outdoors, music, concerts, trying out different food spots, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
