LIVED EXPERIENCE

Mabuhay! 👋🏽 My name is Malaya, and I am a Filipina-American trans woman. I am a proud daughter of immigrants. I was born on land native to the Tamyen Nation (also known as Santa Clara, CA). I spent most of my childhood in Northern California, on the native land of the Wintu, Achomawi, and Yana people (also known as the Redding Rancheria tribe). I am currently residing on the native lands of the Nisenan people, Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains Miwok, Patwin Wintun peoples, and the people of the Wilton Rancheria (colonially known as the Greater Sacramento Area).

Passions & Interests

My work is deeply inspired by the many generations of queer, transgender, Black, Indigenous, people of color (QTBIPOC) ancestors, revolutionaries, trailblazers, visionaries, movement leaders, healers, and dreamers who have paved the way for me.

After my career in social work, I have become passionate about research and implementing research to drive policy, social impact, and change. I am a Research Assistant at the University of Michigan and part of the Community Research on Identity and Technology (CRIT) Lab led by Dr. Oliver Haimson. My research areas of interest include LGBTQ+ health, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, LGBTQ+ youth, sexual health, mental health, stigma and medical mistrust, harm reduction, and substance use and treatment.

Recently, I have been very interested in cybersecurity, and I am currently a Fellow at Hacking the Workforce, currently studying for the CompTIA Security+.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking, jogging, or spending quality time with loved ones.

EDUCATION

I earned my Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from New York University - Silver School of Social Work, and my Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration - Management from San Diego State University.