I graduated from Boone High School with a High School Diploma and an Associate's Degree simultaneously. Furthered my undergrad studies at Florida State University, where I studied English with a minor in Education. I graduated from the Honors College with Summa Cum Laude distinction. Now I'm in my gap years before law school, helping the youth through teaching.

My name is Gabrielle Calicdan, but I go by Gabby. I turned 20 this year and recently graduated from UCF with a degree in Political Science. At the age of 18, I also earned an AA degree from Valencia with a focus on government and philosophy. I've always been active in my community, particularly at the Juvenile Detention Center, and I was the president of the Law and Government club, which organized meetings with government officials to speak with high school students about their careers. I currently work as a legal assistant for Manley Deas Kochalski LLC, where I handle real estate matters. I intend to start law school next year and then join the Air Force JAG program to practice military law. Some of my hobbies include Kung Fu, gardening, and watching K-Dramas.

Why MUV initiative is important to me: 

As a Filipino American, I am aware of the challenges facing Asian Americans in our nation. Although it's the typical Asian immigrant story, my family, in order to provide a better life for themselves, immigrated from the Philippines and worked arduously to advance in their careers to become professionals. My Uncle, a well-known retired psychiatrist and professor at Colombia's medical school, served as a Lt. Colonel in the Army and has dedicated his life to bringing my father and the rest of his siblings to the United States, the country of opportunity. While merely attempting to work to improve their situation, they have experienced ongoing discrimination in New York around the 1980s. They resisted speaking up or making an effort to defend themselves out of fear for what might happen next. There were an abundance of Asian American hate crimes once COVID hit the United States. After the reported incidents, I was continuously concerned about my parents' safety as well as the safety of my older aunts and uncles because I knew they could be targeted at any time. This is why MUV is important to me because the root cause of racial violence is ignorance and this initiative can help bring a change to coming generations through education. 

Jamie Li (she/they) is a social work professional in Kissimmee, FL. She obtained her masters in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. Previously, they worked in New York City's film industry, fostering a supportive environment for young technicians to learn as well as lending their creative skills to projects that uplift the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ people. She is excited to bring her creative knowledge and experience to Make Us Visible - Florida as their video content creator. Through working in youth-serving organizations and attending graduate school, Jamie has expanded their toolbox of skills to include advocacy, program development, direct practice, and research. As a Florida community member and professional, they hope to utilize their varied skills to empower and meet the needs of LGBTQ Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American youth.