UCSD - University of California - San Diego

05/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/04/2026 15:56

‘I Have So Much Pride to Be Filipino’

Published Date

May 04, 2026

Article Content

Deeply rooted in her Filipino heritage and driven by a belief in the power of representation, Pacific Islander and Asian American Staff Association (PASA) Co-Chair Chelsea Largoza shares in her own words how she brings that same passion for inclusivity to her work.

I like to describe my job at UC San Diego as being part of a high school's Associated Student Body, without the homework.

I'm originally from San Diego and after graduating from UC Berkeley, I found my way to UC San Diego, starting in the Department of Music and Marshall College before landing my current role as a special events and outreach coordinator in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the Jacobs School of Engineering.

In my role, I coordinate multiple department events and work with the ECE student organizations. It's a lot of fun! I get to learn about the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering through all of the innovative work by our students and faculty.

College should be a well-rounded experience, learning in the classroom and applying what you learn to the outside world. The student organizations on campus, especially in our department, do exactly that. Even though the work of campus event coordinators is not directly related to classroom learning, it's still a big contribution to the overall student experience. It's very cool to play even a small part in the big futures that I know our students are going to have.

Related content

APIA Heritage Celebration

This May, UC San Diego celebrates the 20th anniversary of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, a vibrant, month-long tribute to APIA identities, cultures and contributions. Through dynamic events, lectures and seminars that honor the month's theme - "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together" - we honor the profound impact of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans on U.S. history, culture and innovation.

The kickoff luncheon and awards ceremony is on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Price Center Ballroom West. The event will feature a keynote address by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Gene Luen Yang, as well as exciting cultural performances by campus student groups Polynesian Dance Club and Zor and an awards presentation honoring outstanding UC San Diego students, faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, reserve a table or donate, contact [email protected].

Largoza has been performing traditional Filipino dance since she was a child.

A New Network

It took me eight years before I joined the Pan-Asian Staff Association, now called the Pacific Islander and Asian American Staff Association (PASA), though I had always been aware of PASA; I was watching from the sidelines, waiting for the right time to join.

That time came in 2021 when Margaret Marshall, someone I had gotten to know through the UExplore professional development program, became the new co-chair. When I saw she was the organization's new leader, I thought, 'This is my opportunity.' I was scared to join and be a fresh face, but it helps when you already know someone and have made that initial connection.

From the moment I joined, I was immediately welcomed. I met people from every corner of campus, forging a network I didn't have before. Eventually, I became part of the leadership team and eventually became a co-chair. PASA also oversees Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Celebration (APIAHC), so it's a big role.

While that network has made a huge difference in my life at work, it's also made me more efficient at my job.

Recently, a student organization I work with was having a hard time hearing back from a campus partner that one of our PASA board members works directly with. Because of our connection, I was able to reach out and see if she could help this student organization. It's moments like that that showcase how my volunteer commitment supports my work.

Largoza's work with ECE at Jacobs School of Engineering (left) and PASA (center, right) tie into her passion for representation.

Carrying it Forward

Outside of work, I have a big, busy life deeply rooted in community, and that sense of belonging is something I hope for everyone.

My family is from Bicol, a region in the Philippines. A lot of Bicolanos ended up in San Diego because of the U.S. Navy, like my own family. The Bicol Club of San Diego County was where I first learned traditional Philippine folk dance growing up and it is still my family's community. They set the foundation for me, both as a performer and in life.

Now, I keep my passion for traditional Philippine folk dance alive with PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company. I believe so strongly in the importance of representation and of passing down our Filipino culture and heritage to the next generation.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Celebration, and the two Chefs de Cuisine from Saltaire who have curated our menu, Chefs Jill Aniban and Josephine Lagrimas, are both Filipino. To see our culture's food represented at the luncheon means everything. When people see their cultural traditions honored in a shared space, like the APIAHC luncheon, it fosters pride and sends the message that they're valued and respected for who they are.

I have so much pride to be Filipino American, to be Asian American, to be a member of the Asian and Pacific Islander American community, and I hope that others are just as proud of who they are and where they come from.

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on May 04, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 04, 2026 at 21:57 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]