Episode #22 - Drea Pañares on Exploring family history and identity

Asian Women for Health · Episode #22: Discovering Drea: Exploring Family History and Identity

Life is a journey and our path to self-discovery is rarely straight. We learn from our lived experiences, setbacks, and unexpected detours. In this episode, we speak to Alessandra (Drea) Pañares, a passionate community organizer, performing artist, and storyteller. Her innate curiosity and education in Psychology, History, and Women’s & Gender Studies have led her on a personal quest to explore the myriad of influences that have shaped her identity and understanding of her Filipina heritage. Her discoveries have informed her own health journey and impacted her community advocacy and creative pursuits in meaningful ways. Drea’s story will inspire you to take a deeper dive into your own family history, where you can uncover and share those hidden gems that make each of us beautifully unique and interconnected. 
 
Resource Links:
- https://linktr.ee/dreapanares
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- “Portrait of the World As It Could Be” at American Repertory Theatre (ART) 
https://youtu.be/8IYhne1Nhyo

More About Alessandra Pañares
Alessandra “Drea” Pañares (she/her) is a queer Filipina community organizer and storyteller based on Pawtucket and Massachusetts land (Boston.) She attended Creighton University, earning degrees in Psychology and History with a minor in Women's & Gender Studies. Currently, she serves as a member of the City of Boston's SPARK Council. She volunteers with local public health and mutual aid organizations and spends her spare time on freelance creative projects. Dedicated to equity and inclusion work, Alessandra is particularly passionate about racial justice, LGBTQIA+ activism, and disability (esp mental health) advocacy. 
 
Producer’s Note: This episode was previously recorded on 12/9/21.
 
*Disclaimer 
The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized mental health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only. 
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** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, check out the resources available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org).