Behind the Scenes 6Introducing MOTAL's Tiffany Dacuycuy

My name is Tiffany Dacuycuy and I have been working with MOTAL for the last year. I assist with graphic design, website maintenance, and social media.


As I was thinking of how I would introduce myself to you I came across MOTAL’s End of Year Theme. Sisu—strength, perseverance, courage, and rational behavior in the face of problems and adversity. While I am not of Finnish descent I feel it is a concept I can whole heartedly relate to.


Since I was young I have always enjoyed being different than everyone else. I enjoy problem solving and thinking about how I can make things better and unique—a process I affectionately refer to as my Tiffany Epiphany. My journey in life has always been busy filled with creativity and technology. Both of which have been nurtured and encouraged by my parents.


The greatest and most meaningful role of my life is being a mom to my daughter Malia. It is Malia who has been my inspiration and the center of my life’s work. I found my love for design and photography through taking her picture and making invitations for her birthday every year. It was her mere presence in my life that pushed me to get my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Cal State Fullerton. It is through being a mom that I can relate to Sisu the most. Anyone who is a parent exhibits Sisu every day of their lives no matter how old their children become especially during this pandemic.


In addition to being a mom I spent several years working for the Fullerton College Fine Arts Division. I started as a music lab assistant while I attended college. I became an office assistant, and ended my time as a marketing representative where I attended, photographed and created social media content for fine arts events like music concerts and the Art Department’s Annual Artist in Residence. I also designed printed materials such as flyers, programs, and posters. Prior to COVID-19 I would return to Fullerton College every year to work their annual Jazz Festival as one of their coordinators.


Although I worked and went to school it was so important for me to be an active presence in my daughter’s life. I enrolled her in the Rolling Hills Elementary School Multiage Parent Participation program where I could volunteer in her classroom regularly and be an active participant in her education. It was there I was reunited with one of my childhood mentors Vicki Schindele. What started out as a parent volunteer job turned into me being her assistant director and stage manager for 6 years. I eventually took over as director until all live theatre came to a halt due to COVID-19. Those years at Rolling Hills led me to volunteer for JRAY (John Raitt Awards for Youth) where I currently serve on the board as Secretary. Through JRAY we recognize excellence in High School Musical Theatre in the Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties. In addition to my position on the board, I am an adjudicator and a coordinator of JRAY’s annual award show.


I am so grateful to be part of the MOTAL team. In the midst of a global pandemic I am not only able to work from home, but I get to collaborate, learn, and be inspired by intelligent capable strong women. I did not even know I had Sisu within me until I read the article on our website. For some 2020 has been a year of disappointment or struggle. For me 2020 is the year to see clearly—to reflect, problem solve, make better and what I now see as Sisu.


Tiffany Dacuycuy

Tiffany Recommends:
Charcuterie Boards bring together two things I love—food and creativity. I find arranging the different cheese, fruit, meat, and nuts to be very calming like coloring a coloring book. In the end I have made something beautiful and delicious. I love making boards as gifts too. During this time where we are not able to gather and share, you can still make a smaller board and drop off to a friend or family member.