Our Story
Kamusta! Welcome to PINAYSPHERE, our non-profit organization supporting Filipina/x American (Pinay) girls and young adults on their artistic journey. We offer transformative programs, fostering creativity, growth, and empowerment. Our mission is to unlock potential, challenge cultural narratives, and create a brighter future together through creativity, diversity, and sisterhood.
PINAYSPHERE takes its name from "Pinay", a colloquial term for self-reference to Filipinos, and "sphere", symbolizing global unity. We provide a platform for Filipina/x girls and young adults, offering comprehensive support in artistic exploration. Our programs cater to the youth and valuable mentorship for ages 18-24 in the United States.
Our vision is to reach classrooms and community centers, bringing various art medium programs that inspire creativity and self-expression. Through scholarships, we ensure access to art materials, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in their artistic pursuits. Alongside our peer and mentorship support, we aim to build self-confidence in their creative endeavors and encourage an entrepreneurial mindset.
Driven by fundraising and community donations, we empower youth to realize their worth and contribute to thriving communities. Join us as we celebrate diverse talents, igniting passion and inspiring a generation of artistic trailblazers. Together, we say, "Who run the world? GIRLS!"
Jen Benitez - Founder
Creative Entrepreneur, Founder of UMAKYAT Sacred Art & Wellness, Founder of PINAYSPHERE Youth Arts Organization
Our mission is to amplify Pina/xy creative voices through mentorship, programming & art exhibitions
“There is a lack of representation in my community for Filipina-American youth artists. Being a double minority: a woman and a woman of color, I never found spaces with shared experiences of what it felt like to explore the arts. We are forced to fit into the one-size-fits-all mold, silencing our ideas & never wanting to share our visions because society won’t understand them, let alone support them. I thought to myself, why are we, as a community, not breeding strong women leaders or heroes through pinay sisterhood? We need youth to know that they have value, alternatives & attainable dreams in these new spaces we have created for them.”
— Jen Benitez, Founder / Executive Director of PINAYSPHERE
