Advancement Ally - Melbert Sebayan
Enrollment Marketing Manager, University Relations
1. What is your full name and is there a meaning or story behind it?
I am the youngest of 6 children - and we all happen to start with the prefix of MEL - MELissa, MELinda, MELanie, MELvin, and MELnard - so when they got to me they need to keep with the naming convention. So from what I was told, my mom said someone at work suggested MEL- BERT - and that's how I got my name. Even wilder, my mom's name is MELba and my dad's is MELanio - so hailing from the Chicago suburbs (Illinois side) we naturally dubbed ourselves "DA MELS" - If you're in a room with all of us, be sure to use our full names... otherwise we'll all answer to Mel.
2. Pronouns:
he/him/his
3. How do you identify yourself or what is something you would like others to know about you?
I am of Filipino descent and I identify being in the queer community - specifically a gay male. Some people know this, but I always wear the gay pride rainbows in some fashion. Whether it be my shoes, or a pin on my denim jacket!
4. What is your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate - that's a food, right?
5. What are your favorite cultural or family traditions?
Growing up, Christmas was huge for our family. My parents always invited their friends and their families over. And as the Filipino community grew in the town I grew up in, they started to have one large Simbang Gabi celebrations at the church. I always loved seeing the parade of parols (ornamental lanterns) enter the church. So if you ever want to get me a gift, please get me a parol. I'm too cheap to buy one.
6. What is something people wrongly assume about you? (biases, stereotypes, ethnic identity, etc.)
Being gay, some people think I can dance - I can confirm right now, I have no rhythm in my body. I can never stay on beat. I'm not musically talented by any means.
7. If you could change/create any policy (campus, state or national) what would it be and why?
This is probably too vague - but being queer, I would want to ban any legislation that is harmful to the LGBTQ+ community. Far too long many people within the rainbow spectrum have been made a villain, marginalized, and even harmed both physically and mentally - enough to take their own lives. I think it's time to put into place real protections - we're just like everyone else, we just love a little differently - but in the end don't we all?
8. If you could have any social justice superpower, what would it be?
Ohhh. I don't have a good answer, but it probably would be in the realm of LGBTQ+ and being able to uplift the community. AKA be a rainbow warrior :)
9. What is something you enjoy doing for others?
Just being there for others, listening to them, or helping/supporting them in anyway possible.
10. What is something that makes you feel most alive?
Any time I'm near the ocean. Growing up in the Midwest, I'm always in awe at how amazing the coast is - but generally speaking, just being out in nature. Love hikes and mountains, too :)
11. If two (or more) worlds (i.e. music, artists, clothing, movies, eras, genres) could collide/collaborate, what would you choose?
Seeing how I mentioned rainbows already - just put them on/incorporate them into everything - but honestly, just more LGBTQ+ representation - I know - that's not seeing worlds collide or collabs. haha.
12. What is something that should be free but is not?
Health care.
13. Which affiliations/clubs/organizations/hobbies have you been involved in?
UA DEIB Committee, IU Asian Alumni Association
14. What makes you feel uncomfortable?
Difficult conversations. But for real, sometimes feeling helpless when I see there are injustices happening.
15. What is your favorite thing about working at UCR or your favorite UCR memory?
Making the connections with the people I worked with and worked for. The campus is rich in great people.