Name: Michelle Anne Santos Nelmida Age: 20 Pronouns: she/her Location: Union City, California Education: Health Sciences major, option in Community Health; California State University, East Bay Career: Health Advocate at Alameda Health System, Aspiring Registered Nurse, Musician Instagram & Twitter: @chellekilla Youtube: youtube.com/c/michelleannen What drew you to the Brown Papaya Project? When I first heard about the Brown Papaya Project, what immediately caught my interest was the idea of showcasing Filipinas and the diversity within the Bay Area: different sizes, ages, and shades of brown. From being involved within the Pilipinx American Student Association at my college, I’ve grown more love for my culture, the community, and making connections. I wanted to be a part of this project to spread the importance of selflove and to also stay involved with Fil-Am community projects outside of school. What were your expectations before attending the Brown Papaya photoshoot and how did those expectations change? At first, I honestly did not expect the Brown Papaya photoshoot to be as huge as it is. I just expected a photoshoot and an interview. However, I was able to create
bonds with other girls who I can relate to, hear their own experiences and struggles growing up with societal beauty expectations as a Filipina, and grow more love for myself as well. Coming together for the Brown Papaya project was more than just a photoshoot and was definitely a fulfilling and empowering experience. After the activities that engaged in critical thinking and the photoshoots, what did you learn? Through the activities in between photoshoots, it helped me reflect on my childhood. What is unique about Filipinx-Americans is that many of us were not aware of our identity and history. After being stripped apart from our culture, it can be difficult for some of us to find a sense of belonging. I learned that Pinay women all have similarities, and we’ve overcome these expectations to blossom into what we individually choose to be. What beauty expectations did you grow up with and how did/does that affect you? Growing up, I would hear certain things my family would tell me that I used to think was the norm, like using papaya soap or staying out of the sun so my skin doesn’t get darker. This caused me to use skin whitening methods and become really self-conscious about my skin color up until college when I finally learned to accept that my shade of brown is part of who I am. www.brownpapaya.com
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