Kina is the program director of Gender Hive.

Kina is a parent of two children, one of whom attends school in the Bend-La Pine Schools District and another who will (hopefully) begin Kindergarten in Bend-La Pine Schools’ phenomenal Spanish Dual Immersion program. Kina and their siblings are first-generation college graduates. Their father enlisted in the U.S. Air Force directly after graduating from high school and later retired after serving for more than 20 years. Kina’s mother emigrated from the Philippines and eventually earned her GED while raising three children and working full-time. Kina has always been acutely aware of the dedication, perseverance and sacrifices that had been made on their behalf. It is this grit and these values that drive Kina’s passion for quality public education and access for all.

As someone who is biracial and part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, Kina has been on the receiving end of discrimination and harassment. They know what it feels like to be excluded. On the contrary, Kina has also had pivotal moments when Black and Brown teachers saw something in them and went out of their way to ensure Kina felt heard, seen, and empowered. These moments of belonging fuel Kina’s passion for elevating youth in our community. Students experience these remarkable moments at celebrations like Juneteenth and at programs like the Youth Equity Leadership Summit. This is why Kina volunteers their time to plan and host these life-changing events for students.