We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria-Kassandra Endaya Coronel, MD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria-Kassandra Endaya, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Authenticity, Respect, and Gratitude.

First, I believe in Authenticity. Authenticity allows you to be you – plain and simple, without pretenses, lies, filters or strategic branding. I love the beauty in genuineness, and in being raw and real.

Second, I do my best to treat others with Respect. I believe in the conscious decision to be kind, courteous, and decent to others – no matter who she/he/they is/are, and in acknowledging rights inherent to all human beings. This principle fosters the ability to be cognizant of and civil to those around you – of all shapes, sizes, colors, stages in career, backgrounds or beliefs – and accept and celebrate your differences.

Last, but not least, with all that has happened in life, especially in the past few years, I have really come to value Gratitude. I believe that it is in being thankful for everything in our lives – both the good and the bad – that allows us to consider and reflect ourselves as individuals and appreciate our circumstances and roles as interconnected beings. It allows us to be mindful, respectful, and above all humble.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been a whirlwind! Coming from a family of healthcare professionals, pursuing a career in medicine was always on the table. I completed my pre-medical studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), my clinical rotations at Montefiore Medical Center and McLean Hospital, my Medical Doctorate at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, my post-graduate medical internship at Makati Medical Center, and my advanced post-graduate research studies at Harvard Medical School.

But I also come from a family of entrepreneurs and philanthropists. I obtained a unique education in this manner; my background in business economics helps inform my decisions in helping run the family businesses (Postal Annex 4015 and MEC Investment and Business Services), and my background in grassroots community work and medical missions helps inform my actions as the chief executive officer of the Coronel-Endaya Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit which helps in-need and indigent individuals and communities.

I would say what sets me apart from others is my tenacity, loyalty and dedication to mission, and deep respect and gratitude for the opportunities I have been Blessed with.

I am most proud of the woman I have become through the process, and (with the Lord’s Grace) look forward to the woman I will be. I have learned that I am stronger than I feel, smarter than I think, and more industrious than I look. The path is not easy, but some of the many lessons learned include: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”, “Teamwork makes the dream work”, “Believe in yourself! You can do it!”, “Always be grateful”, and “Pay it forward.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d start out with Communal in North Park for some of their Lavender Lattes, tour around Balboa, grab a bite at Cafe Sevilla, catch a Boxing Match at one of the USA Boxing spots, make our way though Convoy (making sure to definitely eat one of Raki Raki’s Rikimaru Oxtail Ramens), and if enough time a sunset surf at La Jolla.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be here in my life without the love, impact, and support of those around me. I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the Lord, for without Him I would be nothing; my parents (Tomas Eleazar Coronel & Marisa Endaya Coronel); my sister (Mia-Kyla Coronel); my partner (Gus Touchstone); my mentors and colleagues; and all those who have supported the Coronel-Endaya Foundation in its mission to help others.

Website: http://coronelendayafoundation.org/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkecoronelmd/

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