Joan Ayap (she/hers) is the Maryland Youth Facilitation Coordinator at Asian American LEAD (AALEAD). Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Manila, Philippines, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Assumption College, San Lorenzo, while pursuing a professional dance career with the Philippine Ballet Theatre. During that time, she worked with notable artists and choreographers, performing works ranging from Classical and Romantic ballets to Filipino Neo-Ethnic dance.

In Washington, DC, she continues to perform professionally with local dance companies. She is currently an artist with the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC), a premier modern dance company whose works explore human experience and stories of humanity. Her passion for the arts has led her to mentor young artists through DTSBDC’s educational programs and develop culturally responsive, inclusive curricula for youth from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.

In 2022, Joan was a featured dance artist at the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC, as part of National Arts Month. She discussed how Philippine dance helps safeguard cultural heritage, shape identity, and strengthen connections to Filipino history and community. She also served as a correspondent and field producer for The Filipino Channel (TFC), a Filipino cable channel, producing feature stories on Filipinos in the diaspora, heritage, and expression. Joan is currently pursuing an M.A. in Cultural Heritage Management at Johns Hopkins University. She hopes to continue advocating for the safeguarding and celebration of diverse cultural heritage through the arts while creating meaningful opportunities for youth to connect with their identities, roots, and communities.