Keyko is a first-generation Chicana born and raised in San Diego, CA. She moved to Sacramento, CA for college, residing there for 15 years before moving to Maine in 2020. 

She attended California State University, Sacramento, earning her Bachelor’s degree in English and completing the Bilingual and Multicultural Education Credential program in 2011. Keyko’s passion has always been working with vulnerable populations, a commitment that was shaped by her involvement with LGBTQ and feminist communities. In 2014, she became a founding member of the Gender Health Center, a grassroots non-profit dedicated to the health and advocacy of Transgender and Queer community members. She began as an enrollment specialist and lead community organizer after the Affordable Care Act passed and eventually served as the communications and events coordinator until her departure. In 2015, Keyko helped produce Sacramento’s only annual feminist music festival: Sac Ladyfest. She also served as Board President of Sacramento Take Back the Night. 

Since moving to Maine, Keyko has worked as an organizer for various campaigns and initiatives, as well as an outreach worker for a community action agency. She is honored to have joined the growing team of Presente! Maine as the Community Health and Wellness Director. This role allows her to work within the intersections of her communities and identities. 

When not advocating for the bienestar of her community, Keyko enjoys performing and trying out bold new hobbies. She is a Drag King, a comedian, trivia jockey, karaoke singer, artist, and writer. She doesn’t claim to be good at any of it, but she’s good at having fun while trying it all.