Want Dr. Talusan’s Official Bio? Click here to read more about her accomplishments and achievements in education, strategic partnership, research, and leadership.

Looking for her bio to read at the start of an event? Click here (and note there is a section where you can personalize the opening statement).

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My unofficial bio:

I’m a Mom, Partner, Daughter, and Sister. My family is everything to me, and I have always made choices in my life that have centered my human connection with my family. I’m grateful for the sacrifices of my parents and ancestors who dreamed big dreams for me and my siblings.

Throughout my life, I have fought against stereotypes related to race, gender, body size and shape, age, and language. Too often, people limited me (and I sometimes limited myself) based on these characteristics, and I’m well aware of how those experiences informed and impacted my life.

At age 36, I decided to pursue and complete my doctorate.

At age 41, I decided to revisit my pursuit of earning my black belt.

At age 47, I decided to challenge myself and connect my passion for running and travel.

At age 47, I finally earned that black belt!

At age 48, I ran portions of the Swiss Alps starting in Switzerland, to France, to Italy, and then back to Switzerland again!

I’m not sure what comes next, but I do know that my commitment to a shared humanity is always at the center of my why and what.

While some people have chosen to see identity work as divisive, I firmly believe that building the habits and skills for identity work helps us to build curiosity, connection, collaboration, compassion, and community. Therefore, I won’t ever stop doing this work.

I have many mentors who are YOUNGER than me and who teach me so much about the world. When you find a mentor who is younger than you, you stay flexible, fluid, and constantly in a learning mindset. Do it.

I have way too many photos of my dogs saved on my phone.

I hate scary movies.

My family makes fun of me for having zero-tolerance for spicy food.

I love roller coasters and thrill rides.

What two foods would I want if stranded on a desert island? Easy. Cotton candy and fried dough.

What job did I think I’d have when I was growing up? I always thought I’d either be a medical doctor OR a professional backup singer on tour with someone famous.