Our People

At a young age, Charles instantly developed a passion for helping people out. During a school fieldtrip he noticed poor conditions where garbage amassed the streets. “I wanted to help do something. I wanted change.” Charles grew up in the Daly City and South San Francisco areas and spent years as a undergrad student and masters student at San Francisco State University. There he achieved his undergraduate degree in Health Science and Criminal Justice. And he also attained a masters degree in Public Health. Charles’ dedication to creating change has transcended through organizations such as the League of Filipino Students at SFSU, Pilipino American Collegiate Endeavor, Health Education Student Association, Asian American Recovery Services, Junipero Serra Elementary School and Laguna Honda Hospital. Charles believes “Its great working in a community that I have grown up in for most of my life.”

Alan is full of creativity and talent.  Originally from the East Bay, Alan moved to San Francisco to pursue a degree in Liberal Studies and Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University.  Along with his work with the Pilipino Youth Coalition, Alan is also volunteering his time with the Pop/Lock Movement with the Kalayaan School for Equity.  His work in the community also resonates within organizations like the Pin@Y Educational Partnerships and League of Filipino Students.  “Sometimes, we have to be the ones who step up and give back.”

Vic’s work within the community began while attending Skyline College and taking classes through the Kababayan Program.  He is also one of the co-founding members of the Filipino Student Union.  Victor is currently a student at San Francisco State University and pursuing a degree in Asian American studies.  Some spaces Victor has contributed to includes the Liwanag Kultural Center, Daly City Parks and Recreation, League of Filipino Students, Skyline College and South San Francisco High School Band.  Victor is a wonderful friend and community advocate who would make a great companion.  Ladies he’s single!

Born in San Francisco to a first generation Filipino family, Riza was raised primarily in Daly City and South San Francisco. With two brothers, and three sisters, the household she grew up in was never quiet! Riza is currently working on her masters in social work and dedicates some of her time working with youth. “Volunteering builds a sense of family and helps people to realize their own potential in what they can do to help others. “ She’s also worked with Volunteer with Hands on Bay Area and SFSU Community Involvement Center. On her free time, Riza enjoys reading, organizing, walking her dogs, air hockey, spending time with friends and family and playing sports. “I also enjoy immensely the feeling of helping others in any way I can; community-building is my anti-drug.”

Sergio is Southern California transplant and a current Daly City resident.  He is taking a break from teaching and the classroom to focus on building Liwanag Kultural Center and Kalayaan School for Equity.  Sergio is a founding Board Member of the Filipino Community Center (FCC) of San Francisco and an accomplished visual artist and musician who has toured the United States, Japan and Europe with his band, From Monument To Masses. Ask him to do the Humpty Dance.

Liza is an English professor at Skyline College in San Bruno and founder of the school’s Kababayan Program, a learning community that focuses on the Filipino and Filipino-American student experience. She also serves as the Faculty Advisor of Skyline’s Filipino Student Union. Liza has appeared in and served as crew for several Bindlestiff Studios production including “The FOB Show” and “Love Edition 2″. She shreds at Guitar Hero 1 and 2 and lives in a bookshelf.

Matt is a recent resident of the Bay Area and Daly City. He moved to this area in order to start his Graduate School career at San Francisco State University where he is obtaining a Master’s of Science in Counseling with a Specialization in Schools. He is currently completing his internship program at Oceana High School. Matt believes that it is important for the community to create its own space where its members can feel safe. Matt states, “We need to give back to continue to move forward.” When he is not in class, working with youth, or at LKC, you can find Matt running through the back country of Australia, reading a book, exploring the world around him, listening and experiencing music, dancing, or engulfed in Hip-Hop.

Codella is the Kalayaan School for Equity’s newest member!  She is a recent graduate of UC Berkeley and made her way to the Liwanag Kultural Center via the internet and mutual friends.  An aspiring teacher, Cordella found her fit with KSE and is looking forward to working more with its programs in the future.  KSE and LKC are fortunate to have her!

Leizel is a resident of Daly City.  She currently works with youth in San Francisco.  When she’s not in the community scene, you will find her performing at community events and concerts.  If she’s not singing, you can find her on the basketball courts beating all the boys!

Amy was born in Portland, Oregon and at the tender age of nine moved to Walnut Creek , California. She became a San Francisco resident when she came to study at San Francisco State University. During her days at SFSU, Amy was very involved in the Asian Student Union and Japanese American Citizens League. She eventually made her way to Daly City and is now a teacher in a 1^st – 3^rd grade Special Education class at Franklin D. Roosevelt Elementary School in the Jefferson Unified School District. She molds young minds everyday in the classroom and older youth during Kalayaan School for Equity Tutoring Sessions. Amy also teaches a mean Zumba workout class, biking, swimming, running, knitting, and baking cupcakes! She’s your all-around talented woman and LKC is lucky to have her on staff!

Joal was born and raised in the SOMA district of San Francisco. After finishing up his Single Subject Teaching Credential in English at San Francisco State University, he moved to the city of Daly City and landed an incredible job at Westmoor High School where he gets to interact with local Filipino youth on a daily basis. He is the Faculty Advisor for the Fil-Am Barkada student organization, as well. At the Liwanag Kultural Center, Joal is also actively involved with the Kalayaan School for Equity. He sees that his teaching job extends beyond the classroom walls, and sees his passion for being an educator is also stemmed in the work that he does as a community member. When time permits, you can find Joal drawing, playing basketball, on stage performing and expressing his love for hip hop music, enjoying a friendly game of basketball, or catching blockbuster films worthy of watching on opening night. Don’t forget to get a copy of his new CD!

Brian is a bay area native, born in Redwood City and raised in Hayward. His college career converted him to a Daly City resident and is currently a student at San Francisco State University, majoring in Asian American Studies and minoring in International Relations. Brian aspires to teach at the community college level in the future. Brian was compelled to assemble with others who felt that there was a need in the Daly City area. He is Co-Coordinator and a Founding Member of the Downe Organizing Project, a group of men who identify as Downe and are working together to address the needs of Downe men in the community. In his free time, you can find Brian buried in a book, exercising, or behind a set of turntables.

Johnny is a resident of San Francisco and works within the healing arts and alternative medicine.  As he continues to further his skills he also volunteers within the community through means of health education and peer counseling on safe sex issues.  Johnny’s current work in the Liwanag Kultural Center is building the Downe Organizing Project.  “I think of community like a plant. It needs to be nourished and cared for so it can be self sustaining and fruitful.”