About me

I’m Gen, born in Japan and raised in the Philippines, the UK and France in a multi-faith and multi-cultural household.

As an adult ‘Third Culture Kid’, I grew up navigating different cultures and identities, ultimately becoming fluent in English, French, Japanese, Spanish and Haitian Creole. This open mindedness eventually led me to pursue a fulfilling decade-long career spanning across diplomacy, social policy, international development and diversity & inclusion initiatives across the Home Office, Department for Education, Department for Business, Department for International Trade, the Cabinet Office and the third sector.

I converted to Islam at age 19 and regularly organise ‘Supporting New Muslim’ workshops and recently took part in the Young Muslim Leadership Programme at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. I have a BA (Hons) in War Studies from King’s College London and an MSc in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

In my spare time, I volunteer as an instructor for the Army Cadet Force in a detachment in East London and as a content creator for a end of life care charity, drawing from my experience losing my mother to cancer in 2023. I regularly speak at panel events and conferences as a key note speaker on topics such as leadership, identity, spirituality and mental health.

Where do I draw my experience from?

I regularly advise and talk to large media companies and charities on issues such as bereavement, personal development and identity and have worked with the likes of Buzzfeed and Marie Curie.

I regularly advise and talk to large media companies and charities on issues such as bereavement, personal development and identity and have worked with the likes of Buzzfeed and Marie Curie.

In my day job I have worked closely with Ministers and senior officials on big policy challenges facing the world. Whether it is public safety, crisis management or diplomatic engagement, I enjoy speaking about the importance of good leadership and b

In my day job I have worked closely with Ministers and senior officials on big policy challenges facing the world. Whether it is public safety, crisis management or diplomatic engagement, I enjoy speaking about the importance of good leadership and building impactful teams.

I volunteer for three organisations: as an Instructor for the Army Cadet Force, as a content creator for Marie Curie and as a student mentor. I love supporting children, young adults and vulnerable people in finding peace, developing their life and c

I volunteer for three organisations: as an Instructor for the Army Cadet Force, as a content creator for Marie Curie and as a student mentor. I love supporting children, young adults and vulnerable people in finding peace, developing their life and career skills, and becoming the best version of themselves.

A key part of my work is sharing my testimony - as someone who has used faith and hard work to overcome my challenges. I regularly speak at universities, embassies, and at corporate events on issues such as leadership, identity and personal developme

A key part of my work is sharing my testimony - as someone who has used faith and hard work to overcome my challenges. I regularly speak at universities, embassies, and at corporate events on issues such as leadership, identity and personal development.