Image: Michael and San Francisco rapper Rocky Rivera standing side by side holding a raised fist.
Tell us a little bit about your background before joining The Key team.
Hello! My name is Michael and I was born/raised in a small town in the East Bay Area called Antioch. I graduated in 2019 from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where I majored in journalism and minored in ethnic studies. I also worked for their student-run newspaper, Mustang News, and was involved in the school’s Pilipino Cultural Exchange. I even helped write a play!
I’m a huge sports fan and I play music (guitar, drums, piano, turntables) to get my creative juices flowing. I also enjoy dancing and singing despite not being that great at either. I like reading anything involving history, philosophy, and social justice and I love spending quality time with family and friends.
Describe your work style in five words.
Efficient, Collaborative, Supportive, Focused, Thoughtful
What are your favorite kinds of projects to tackle?
I like working on anything collaborative and creative as much as I like projects that require organization and research!
What’s your proudest moment at work (here or elsewhere)?
When I worked for a San Luis Obispo non-profit called RISE, I played a role in organizing their inaugural event called RISE Up and Rock, which was a benefit concert that raised money for people experiencing or have experienced intimate partner violence. I promoted the event through social media, created relationships with local businesses to recruit them as sponsors, posted flyers in various towns throughout SLO county, and recruited notable public figures to participate in a fundraising contest that took place during the event. RISE Up and Rock raised tens of thousands of dollars that went towards resources helping those affected by domestic violence. I’m proud to say that I was able to use my professional skills to successfully help people within my own community!
What makes you the most excited to be at The Key?
I am excited to learn more about what it takes to have a successful professional career and get results, all while maintaining my personal values and sense of self.
Lightning Round:
Favorite snack while you work? Almonds
Badass role models? Apo Whang Od, Gabriela Silang, Assata Shakur, Angela Davis, Marsha P. Johnson, Rocky Rivera
Power song? Miracles by SAULT
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Healing & Laser vision
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