Meet Jen May Pastores, Our Student Leadership Facilitator for CTL's Schools Program

Jen May Pastores is our Student Leadership Facilitator for CTL's Schools Program. She is a graduate of Moanalua High School, and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa before transferring and graduating from California State University of Northridge with a degree in Journalism. She spent the last few years teaching at a private elementary school and different public high schools in Los Angeles, as well as developing a high school after-school program as Director of Leadership Development in Visalia, CA. She is an awardee of Youth Engagement and Development for her innovative work with youth in Tulare County. She is also a documentary photographer and writer, and recently, moved back to Honolulu where she currently resides in the Chinatown Artists Lofts. 

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Agana, Guam into a family of travelers. My childhood was spent living in Panama, Italy, Kansas, Texas, and California. My father served in the Army, so when my family first arrived in Honolulu we lived in the Aliamanu Military Reservation. 

What interested you to work with CTL's Schools Program?

I'm passionate about inspiring youth to make a difference by creating opportunities for them to recognize their potential, and for them to see their community through a learning lens that makes for meaningful, student-led projects. CTL is an organization that is leading the way in student leadership and I'm grateful to be a part of a dedicated and innovative team. 

What words describe your teaching style? 
Creates room for thought, builds confidence, opens doors, invites enjoyment, and listens.

What is your favorite hobby?
I credit my love for music to my time with the music department at Moanalua High School. I keep percussion and string instruments around me at home, but often play my ukulele and keyboard. 

Images by Jen May Pastores on the Values of CTL: