Ellen emigrated from the Philippines to Canada and then again to Gainesville, Florida where she received her Interior Design and Architecture Degree from the University of Florida. The experience of moving internationally with her family gave her a deep understanding of what it is like to look for a new home, in a new place and belong.

Living in Gainesville, a small city with a handful of hospitals and many clinics, she worked in the public and private sectors of the medical arena as a former business owner. Before becoming involved with real estate, she also worked in the community college and university setting where she mentored and educated students on diversity and inclusion.

An advocate for building community, she co-founded the UF Filipino Student Association while in college and continue to be active in international organizations. Just recently, she also founded the Young and Young at Heart Chapter of Brighter Lipstick, Bigger Earrings, a non profit organization that focus on inter-generational gathering for a cause. Some of her hobbies include quilting, jewelry-making, gardening and wood working.

Her Affiliations:

Secretary, PAGASA- Philippine American Association of Gainesville and Surrounding Areas

Member/Photographer, Fiber Arts Bee of the Quilters of Alachua County Day Guild

Member/Photographer, Tree City Quit Guild Member, Quilters of Alachua County Day Guild

Founder, Young and Young at Heart Chapter of Brighter Lipstick, Bigger Earrings, Inc.

Alumni, Co-Founder, UF Filipino Student Association Co-Founder, previous member of UF Asian Faculty and Staff