Our Story
1980’s
A Mother’s Influence
My mother was a soprano in the church choir, a talented hairdresser, and an artist who sketched the beauty she saw around her, my mother carried music and artistry as part of her daily life. Her greatest role, however, was as an educator. She devoted 38 years to public school classrooms, long before “arts integration” and “culturally responsive teaching” had a name. She infused every lesson with visual and performing arts, and culturally relevant histories to her minoritized students, offering them a more impactful way to learn.
When I was just three years old, my mother noticed a spark in me. She enrolled me in classical piano lessons and encouraged me to perform hula dancing, a gesture that kept me connected to my father’s Polynesian roots. Those seeds of expression—music, movement, and storytelling—became the foundation of my identity.
1990’s
Finding My Voice
Music and movement became my greatest teachers, connecting me to something deeper: my family, my ancestors, and my purpose. The arts were where I felt most alive—yet they were also where I faced some of my greatest challenges.
My milestones were significant: graduating from IU’s Jacobs School of Music, originating a role on Broadway in Paul Simon’s The Capeman, and becoming a three-time champion of the Hispanic Youth Showcase. But beneath those accomplishments were experiences of marginalization that shaped me just as profoundly.
2007-2021
Creating Brave Spaces
Early on in my career, I founded an arts integration program for adult immigrants in Washington, DC. It was a space where art became a bridge: a bridge to empowerment, expression, and connection. Together, we elevated queer initiatives, amplified the voices of trans immigrants, and supported language learners in writing and performing their own stories—including performances at the Kennedy Center.
This work sparked something greater. I moved into executive leadership, overseeing a public arts nonprofit and later transitioning into consulting. I had the privilege of working with creative companies like Google and Paramount Writers Rooms, as well as facilitating for some of the most esteemed theaters, museums, and arts organizations across the United States and Canada.
At every step, I was reminded of my purpose: to create spaces where creativity, equity, and authenticity thrive. Spaces where marginalized voices are heard and celebrated.
A Return to Roots: The Vision
Since 2021, life has continuously stripped away from me, calling me back to my roots—music.
I returned to teaching music part-time, a familiar path that felt both new and deeply grounding. Upon returning, I was surprised to hear young girls saying similar things that I said decades ago.
Music curriculum has not drastically changed. Instrumental teachers are still primarily men. Ear training and rote isn’t as highly valued as Western compositions.
I founded Trinity’s Music Center to disrupt traditional spaces, as they can feel intimidating or exclusive, especially for young girls, empaths, and artists from underrepresented communities.
This studio exists to change that.
Join Us
Whether you’re taking your first music lesson, seeking inspiring mentors, or rediscovering your love for the arts, Trinity’s Music Center welcomes you. Together, we’ll create, grow, and carry forward a legacy of artistry, resilience, and joy.✨
