Growing up in a 2nd generation Filipino immigrant family and being raised her whole life in Hawai`i, Diane realized the importance of the connections between culture and mental health issues. After taking a multicultural class in her undergraduate years, as well as volunteering in research involving the mental health of Kānaka Maoli, her desire to learn more about the mental health of her own family and home grew. In particular, during her three-year tenure as a research assistant for the Depression and Wellbeing in the Native Hawaiian Community study, led by Jo Qinaʻau of the Pilina Center, Diane identified a passion for social justice in the mental health field. After completing her B.S. in psychology at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, she is now a student at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, studying for her Master’s in clinical mental health counseling.

Besides studying and getting ready for her internships for the next school year, she likes to support her wellbeing by reading, exercising, and being with her loved ones whenever she can.

Diane hopes her experience and life lessons will bring a sense of comfort and connection to the people she interacts with and that the experiences she gains will contribute to her growth as a future mental health counselor.