Aileen Santiago (they/them) is an equity resource teacher at the TCDSB with a background in languages, literacy, and social justice education. Born in the Philippines to Filipino and Chinese parents, Aileen immigrated to Canada at age 7 and continues to explore the complexities of cultural identity, gender, and belonging.
Their journey of reconnecting to Taga-Ilog and Chinese Fukien roots, alongside lifelong questions around gender identity, has shaped their work in curriculum development, poetry, grassroots activism, and anti-racist, decolonizing education. Aileen has taught pre-service educators at Niagara University and co-founded the Fil-Can Education Network.
Their poem "Phantom Pains" was recently published in Magdaragat, the first anthology centring Filipino/a/x Canadian voices. Aileen currently sits on the OECTA Diversity Advisory Board and the advisory council for Kabangka, a youth-led organization supporting Filipinx-Canadian representation. They share their story as a queer, trans, non-binary, racialized Catholic immigrant committed to learning in community.