Monika is a queer Filipino-Persian American artist from San Jose, California. Despite having a multi-year background in studying anthropology and several branches of theatre design, she ultimately chose to pursue her strongest passion and comfort in the vocal arts and acting. She is a recent Theater Arts B.A. graduate from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she also worked with the music department to develop her mezzo-soprano voice in Opera and Musical Theater performance. Outside of her professional interests, she is a new-hobby and learning “connoisseur” from both her natural, often insatiable curiosity and in her pursuit of becoming a well rounded artist and human. One could find her working on her voice acting skills and career, making cosplays, going to anime and video game conventions, and getting in touch with her cultural roots through dance, music, cooking, and research. She hopes that her freshly-unapologetic pursuit of the arts will inspire young POC kids like her to feel affirmed, empowered, and secure in their sense of belonging in the arts. Through her background in student advocacy and organization, she learned the power that a vision, community, and a single voice can have. Monika is incredibly grateful to be a part of Portland Playhouse’s 2023-2024 small but mighty cohort of apprentices where she can continue to integrate these life lessons into her art and be a part of the impactful work that Portland Playhouse produces.