Our Team
Tagnawa is a women-founded, women-staffed, immigrant-led, and mom-led organization. We are of Filipino ancestry—many of us Ilokano—and we are part of the very communities we serve. We are educators, mental health professionals, community organizers, artists, and gender policy advocates.
Nadezna Ortega
Founder, Executive Director
Nadezna Ortega was born in the Philippines and grew up on Oʻahu. She received her PhD in Political Science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and her JD from the William S. Richardson School of Law. She teaches Ilokano language and Philippine culture, history, and film at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Laney Trinh
Financial Manager
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Rose Julian
Creative Director, Designer
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Aaron Ancheta
Web Developer
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Our Board
Michelle Salazar Hyman
Founder, Licensed Therapist
Michelle is a proud daughter and granddaughter of Ilokano immigrants and co-founder of Tagnawa. A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she combines her professional expertise with her personal dedication to supporting Filipino families in their recovery and wellbeing. As a mom and Ilokano language learner, Michelle is committed to addressing the mental health needs of the Filipino community in culturally appropriate ways and incorporating Filipino knowledge and practices.
Rebecca Goldschmidt
Position
Rebecca Maria Goldschmidt is an artist and cultural worker living in Hiroshima, Japan. They received their MFA from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa and PhD from the Faculty of Arts at Hiroshima City University. They enjoy studying languages, including Ilokano, traditional Filipino desserts, and plant medicine.
Khara Jabola-Carolus
Position
Khara Jabola Carolus is a community organizer and gender policy advocate with deep roots in Hawaiʻi's immigrant and Filipino communities. She has spent years working at the intersection of women's rights, immigrant justice, and disaster recovery.