JERRY SHANGYIN
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
MEMBER SINCE:
2023
PRONOUNS:
HE / HIM / HIS
WHO I AM:
Guten Tag! I am Jerry Shangyin. Or simply Jerry.
Growing up in a deeply religious environment, I faced silent battles with self-acceptance, unsure of when or how to express my truth. But life has taught me that strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s quietly choosing to live in your truth every single day.
I studied at Philippine Normal University, and I’ve spent over 7 years working in the global cruise ship industry, where I served as a Department Head and Senior Receptionist. In that role, I developed strong skills in people management, cross-cultural communication, diplomacy, and guest relations, learning how to navigate diverse personalities with empathy and professionalism.
My exposure to different cultures and settings taught me how to understand and adapt to various languages and unspoken cues, a valuable skill I bring into every space I serve,
I’m also a business owner, using the same discipline, warmth, and leadership I gained from years in hospitality to build something of my own. Whether I’m managing a team, assisting a customer, or simply having a conversation, I lead with heart and excellence.
Who I am today is a fusion of experience, resilience, and pride. I use my journey not only to grow personally, but to uplift those around me especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community who need to see that they, too, can succeed and shine.
MY ADVOCACY:
I advocate for visibility, self-worth, and empowerment of individuals and LGBTQIA+ professionals, especially those who come from conservative backgrounds or small communities like mine.
Through my years working in the global cruise ship industry and now as a business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when people are given the opportunity to lead, grow, and be seen just as they are. My advocacy is rooted in helping others gain the confidence to own their identity and use their skills without fear or apology.
Whether it’s teaching someone how to communicate with grace, how to lead with empathy, or how to grow their confidence through service or entrepreneurship, I believe every LGBTQIA+ individual deserves a seat at the table and I want to help them get there.
I use my experiences in hospitality, leadership, and communication to model what success can look like when you’re true to yourself.
WHY I SERVE:
I serve because I know what it’s like to hide, to doubt, and to wonder if you’ll ever be enough. And now that I’ve stepped into my truth, I want to be the kind of leader I once needed. Someone who is visible, compassionate, and unapologetically proud.
Service, to me, is not about being above others. It’s about lifting others while continuing to grow yourself. I serve through FTS Lobo because I believe that our community, especially the youth, needs to see that being LGBTQIA+ is not a limitation, but a strength.
Every time I show up, I do so not just for myself, but for the people who are still learning how to show up for themselves. I serve to build bridges, to open doors, and to remind others that you can be bold, and brilliant— and you belong.
