About Teresa

A strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit, philanthropy, and social justice sectors. My work focuses on building communications infrastructure that actually functions, brand systems, digital strategies, and campaigns that translate complex ideas into clear, actionable narratives.

I'm a second-generation Chinese American from the San Gabriel Valley and a queer woman. These identities shape how I approach my work: with attention to whose stories get told, how communities are represented, and whether our communications build solidarity or reinforce division. During the Stop AAPI Hate movement, I watched narratives get weaponized to pit communities against each other. That experience deepened my commitment to storytelling that builds bridges rather than barriers.

Currently, I serve as Communications Director at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP), where I lead content strategy, digital marketing, and communications infrastructure for a national network of foundation leaders and nonprofit executives. Previously, I led communications for Social Justice Partners Los Angeles during its transition from venture philanthropy to a justice-centered model, work that required translating systems change concepts for diverse stakeholders while maintaining organizational clarity.

I'm a strategist who executes. I build the systems, write the copy, manage the platforms, and track the metrics. I care about doing this work well because I believe communications can shift how communities understand and support each other.