My name is Theresa Cruz. I am 17 years old, and I was born and raised in California. I identity as Filipino American, Catholic, and Queer. I'm passionate about art in all forms, specializing in digital and traditional 2-D mediums. I have had many paid and unpaid experiences in teaching art to kids, and as of now I am participating in a paid internship at my local REACH Youth Center to develop my craft and gain experience building community and creativity. As of March 7th 2025 I designed and helped paint a mural for Womens History Month and Art is Education Month. I am going to John Paul the Great Catholic University for college and after graduation, plan to combine my artistic and entrepreneurial skills to make my own art business and search for a permanent job in art education.