Sam was born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 13. They spent their formative years in southeast Virginia and graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In 2014, Sam joined Teach for America, became a math teacher in the Mayfair community of San Jose, and hasn’t left East San Jose since. In 2017, they joined KIPP Prize as a teacher and began quickly developing as a leader. Sam has served proudly as a Grade Level Chair, a KIPP Teacher Residency Mentor, the Humanities Content Specialist and an Assistant Principal throughout their time at Prize. In Prize’s Year 10, Sam transitioned into school leadership under the mentorship of Founding School Leader Dr. Autumn Zangrilli. Sam holds a Master’s degree in School Administration and Leadership from Loyola Marymount University and an administrator credential. Outside of school, Sam enjoys spending time with their family and pets, trying new food, and taking photographs outdoors. This is Sam’s ninth year at KIPP Prize and 12th year in education.