Ruanne Catapang

Student Panelists - October 16

Ruanne Catapang is a full-time student at Los Angeles Pierce College where she is part of the LA College Promise Program, the Honors Transfer Program, and recently became a Senator for the Associated Students Organization. She will be transferring to a university next fall and plans to pursue graduate school to become an occupational therapist. As the first in her family to attend a community college and choose an untraditional career path, Ruanne is committed to initiating efforts that promote student success, such as social support networks, opportunities for students to present their talents and abilities, and building better programs and environments for students with disabilities. She is also very active in her community, tutoring elementary school students and volunteering with Coach Art and Dreams for Kids DC, non-profit organizations that currently host virtual activities (such as art, cooking, adaptive yoga, and STEM activities) for children with chronic illnesses or physical or developmental disabilities. Additionally, Ruanne conducts research for an occupational therapist to help find activities that are developmentally appropriate to include in teletherapy sessions. She is fueled by her desire to create a more compassionate, holistic, and inclusive community.