Today’s Notable Young Professional is Nicole Cajucom, the executive director of Kapisanan Centre and festival director of the annual Kultura Arts Festival. We caught up with her to learn about her inspiration and find out what advice she would share with other young professionals…
WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I’m a connector, a mentor, a dancer and a leader in the not-for-profit arts sector. I also work part-time at a comic book store.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
Curiosity, empowerment and finally, feeling a sense of belonging. My trajectory shifted from initially wanting to work in a heavily academic, fine arts environment, to accidentally finding myself (physically and figuratively) in community arts at Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture where I continue to be inspired every day.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I assumed the role of Kapisanan’s Executive Director at the age of 25, which was incredibly empowering and catalyzed an exciting path of so much personal and professional growth. This current year has been especially memorable, now that I have found my footing and have the privilege of working with an incredible and inspiring team.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
I live very much in the present and go with the flow. At the five, ten and twenty year mark, I would still love to contribute to Kapisanan in some way, while exploring the world. But that’s a desire, not a vision.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Trust your gut, strive for authenticity and have fun.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Kapisanan—my main gig—is a charitable organization. At this point in my career, I only have the capacity to support Kapisanan. So much love, energy, passion, and volunteer hours are directed toward this work. There are so many opportunities available to Filipinx youth to find mentorship, explore their leadership potential, build meaningful connections with their peers, and it’s important that this space is sustained so it can continue to nurture the growth of young people.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Learning that you can’t please everyone and that not everyone will like you. I’m still getting over it.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
Worth your time and attention.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Lamesa Filipino Kitchen, because the food is innovative and delicious (Chef Dan is a genius!), the vibe is chill, and the art in the space is some of the best I’ve seen in the city.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Facebook (for both work and play) and 7/11 by Beyoncé.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I have two Insta faves: Vinta Gallery (@Vinta_TO) and Emilia Clarke (@emilia_clarke)—two queens in my life.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I unfortunately haven’t traveled enough to have a “favourite country”. In my dream life, Italy is my favourite country to visit because I was heavily influenced by Italian culture throughout my childhood and I’m obsessed with Assassin’s Creed 2.
I’m currently working on applying for a professional development grant to hopefully fund a trip to the Philippines where I will be able to explore my roots and receive mentorship.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Not much — I really live for the moment and am very grateful for what I have.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
I don’t think I have any. I’ll admit that I’m totally digging Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in booty shorts, though. It’s sparking a bit of controversy, but I’d sell my sister’s soul to look half as hot as her in that costume. (Sorry, Ashley.)
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
My phone bill. My plan is already so expensive and I always go over my data limit. I would like to spend more money on showering friends and family with gifts.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Contentment and freedom.