Meet Your Team
Whether you’ve come across my Social Media pages, or you’re somehow connected to me through the many networks I’m a part of, I’m glad you’re here!
My own money story begins before I was born. I am a proud daughter of Filipino immigrants; my parents came to the U.S. with the idea of the “American Dream” to work hard to achieve what they couldn’t back home. My parents did all this and more for 30+ years — it was through their story of resilience and perseverance as parents and business owners that inspired me to start my own journey as an entrepreneur.
I graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in Business Administration Finance, then started my career in financial services with a larger firm in San Diego in 2007. I built a successful business in helping people with their most important financial goals, but with changes in the company and having my second son, I realized that to grow my business and create a greater impact in my life and the communities I serve, I had to do something different. I took a leap of faith with baby, toddler and husband in his own career transition in 2018 to start a firm for women+ of color.
Fast forward to now, I have expanded my impact with an emphasis on financial education, financial wellness programs for companies and organizations, speaking engagements and coaching other financial professionals in a fun, relatable way.
Here’s the thing about the finance industry: the “old school” way of money (aka: work hard, save and work some more) does not work for many women of color today. With pay gaps, minimal funding capital for WOC+ owned businesses, broken systems and lack of representation in the money space… how can we build wealth for ourselves and future generations in a way that aligns with our values, our cultures and our experiences as women of color? Let’s face it… there are not many money advocates that look like me.
As a woman of color in a predominately white male industry, I’ve made it my mission to empower and educate other women+ of color with the wealth of knowledge (total pun intended) they need to confidently make, build and protect their money. And what better way to do it than showing you “How the FAQ” to make money conversation more like FUN-ance instead of complex finance!
When I’m not working, you’ll find me:
Having dance parties with my kids, napping, figuring out this journey called motherhood, eating my way through my travels and belly laughing with my family and friends.
Fun Fact About Me:
My name comes from the Tagalog root word “Mahal”, which means “love” (or expensive if you ask my parents) . I hated it as a kid because my name was hard to pronounce, but learned that my name embraces all that I am as a lover of life, what I do and the people in it.
What I’m most proud of:
Instead of listening to those throughout my career saying I wouldn’t make it, I used that as motivation to build a successful business that allows me to provide for my family, elevate other women+ of color in their wealth journey and advocate for my community.
I am the creative and brand genius behind What the FAQ Money’s™ operations.
I am also, the business owner of Mermaid Kove LLC, where I create custom items, party decor, and digital designs.
I am a proud pinay and mama to four.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me:
Dancing with my kids, going to Disneyland, spending time exploring tide pools, sunbathing at the beach, fishing, and camping in a tent.
Fun Fact About Me:
Before I started sharing my creative side with the world, I was a teacher for 16 years. My passion for teaching geared me to complete my Masters of Arts in Education. I realized I could share my creativeness more than just in the classroom.
What I’m most proud of:
Creating a business and a life that makes me happy, so I can stay home with the kids and watch them grow.