Hiyasmin “Yaz” Quijano
Harbor City,USA
Summary
Strategic communications leader with over 15 years of experience driving impactful employee and corporate engagement initiatives. Experienced in key responsibilities of the Vice President of Internal Communications role, such as developing programs, campaigns, and events that engage employees. Skilled in guiding executives, managing cross-functional teams, and leveraging data-driven insights to strengthen internal communications, foster belonging, and unite employees around a shared vision. Proven success in scaling startups, managing high-stakes communications, producing content for global audiences, and navigating complex organizational challenges.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Associates Board Member
Exceptional Children’s Foundation
Culver City
05.2025 - Current
- Advised on disability advocacy art fundraising, partnership, and stakeholder communication.
- Led communication strategy for associates board fundraising campaigns, doubling prior Bingo Night fundraising total.
- Organized all Bingo Night cross-functional planning (three meetings / 2 hours).
- Oversaw mission-driven initiatives that built community belonging for Art Show event.
- Engaged ECF staff to create influential authority and build strategic cross-functional relationships.
Startup Investor & Co-Owner
Pinnacle Groundworks Inc.
Harbor City
03.2021 - Current
- Scaled a business from market research to a $24M valuation in 3 years through growth strategy and investor alignment.
- Advised on acquisition of AT&T contracted business, achieving #1 west coast ranking in performance and satisfaction.
- Secured partnerships with nationally recognized companies, expanding market credibility.
- Directed contract negotiations and financial planning to secure consistent telecom projects.
- Led communications strategy that tripled workforce and improved team performance.
- Traveled extensively to strengthen client relationships and market expansion.
News Correspondent
Inquirer.net USA
Manila, Philippines
05.2013 - Current
- Covered global culture, arts (anime), entertainment, and fashion design with an international reach.
- Managed live reporting and features under tight deadlines.
- Translated complex topics into accessible storytelling for executives and employees.
- Built networks within global entertainment and fandom communities.
- Engaged deeply with Asian and Japanese communities for 12+ years.
- Direct access to Japanese American media, driving community engagement.
Corporate Communications Director
JFQ & Associates, Inc.
Los Angeles
01.2010 - Current
- Developed and executed internal communications strategy aligned with company vision.
- Directed cross-functional team delivering executive messaging and employee campaigns.
- Implemented surveys and feedback systems to strengthen communications impact.
- Provided on-site strategic counsel through extensive travel.
Education
Paralegal Certificate - undefined
UCLA
01.2023
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Sanyin Siang / LinkedIn
01.2020
B.S. - Health Science, Healthcare Management
Trident University International
01.2016
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New America Media
01.2016
Skills
- Organized, flexible task management
- Written & verbal communication leadership
- Crisis communication management
- Influencing alliances to achieve goals
- Cross-functional leadership
- Storytelling for trust-building
- Navigating budget restraints
- Strategic Vision
- Media Relations
- Journalism
- Resourcefulness
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Verbal Communication Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Cultural Awareness
Key Achievements
• Executive Messaging & Strategic Counsel: Provided executive counsel and developed messaging for company-wide announcements, business updates, change management, and leadership visibility, ensuring clarity, trust, and alignment across stakeholders.
• Global Internal Communications Strategy: Led the design and execution of scalable internal communication frameworks, integrating global strategy with local relevance to align organizational goals and employee engagement.
• Narrative-Driven Engagement & Culture Storytelling: Partnered with regional leads to balance global alignment with local relevance through strategies that expanded readership by 33% to 9.6M+ monthly views, highlighting organizational offerings, culture, and impact.
• Change Management & Crisis Communications: Directed communications during corporate restructuring, acquisitions, and high-stakes initiatives, reinforcing resilience, safeguarding reputation, and maintaining transparent employee engagement.
• Cross-Functional Team & Stakeholder Alignment: Partnered with executives, legal, marketing, and creative teams to design communication plans supporting acquisitions, partnerships, and market expansions, strengthening collaboration and alignment.
• Programs, Campaigns & Employee Experiences: Delivered programs, campaigns, and events that engaged employees, fostered pride in mission, and drove creativity, collaboration, and belonging across teams.
Core Competencies
- Internal & Corporate Communications Strategy
- Executive Messaging & Leadership Counsel
- Employer Brand & Culture Storytelling
- Employee Engagement & Change Communication
- Crisis Communication & Reputation Management
- Media & Entertainment Industry Knowledge (Streaming, DEI, Digital Trends)
- Investor Relations & Business Growth Strategy
Timeline
Associates Board Member
Exceptional Children’s Foundation
05.2025 - Current
Startup Investor & Co-Owner
Pinnacle Groundworks Inc.
03.2021 - Current
News Correspondent
Inquirer.net USA
05.2013 - Current
Corporate Communications Director
JFQ & Associates, Inc.
01.2010 - Current
Paralegal Certificate - undefined
UCLA
undefined
Sanyin Siang / LinkedIn
B.S. - Health Science, Healthcare Management
Trident University International
undefined
New America Media