Unearthed her indigenous name, Gat Kawan Pastol (Shepherd of the Flock) in 2023 Naming Ceremony led by Apu Adman, Jen V. Benitez has been called forth as second generation ancestral & sound practicioner under Diwata Sa Kagubatan. She comes from a lineage of midwives, albularyo’s (herbalists) & manghihilot’s (high priestess / shaman) on her paternal side from Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines. Her work is at the intersection of art, design and wellness. She began her healing journey over 10 + years ago through sound & meditation, which then inspired her to help heal her local communities. She began her own practice in 2019, UMAKYAT Sound & Energy Healing, facilitating women’s circles & offering 1:1 sound healing sessions. Jen is also Founder / Executive Director of Filipina creative nonprofit, PINAYSPHERE, est. 2020—where she aims to amplify teens & young adult creative voices using decolonial frameworks.