If you’ve ever felt like life handed you a lottery ticket — not the kind that wins money, but the kind that gives you opportunity — that’s my story. I was born in one of the most impoverished areas of the Philippines — a place where daily life was about survival and dreams were a luxury. At the age of nine, I found myself in the United States, surrounded by possibilities I could barely imagine as a child. Looking back, I often think how perfectly things aligned for me — as if every step, every twist of fate, led to this life of purpose and impact. That opportunity shaped who I am today. As Executive Director of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis and General Partner of an AI Tech Fund, I see every day how access, community, and compassion can change lives. I’ve made it my mission to use my platform to open doors — for the Asian community, for this region, and now, through this event, for those facing mental health challenges. Mental health affects all of us, yet it remains one of the hardest conversations to have — especially in the Asian culture, where silence too often replaces seeking help. That’s why I’m dancing — not because I’m a dancer, but because I believe in what the Independence Center stands for: hope, dignity, and recovery. Over the next three months, I’ll be training with a professional dancer for my performance on January 24, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis. My goal is to raise $50,000+ to help the Independence Center continue its life-changing work.