I’m an anthropologist and artist, trained to listen well, to craft the story that needs to be told.
My Story
Aidȳn (/īˈ-dēn/) Mancenido, PhD, MFA
Born in NYC to Filipino immigrant parents, I grew up knowing how colorful and complex life can be. I learned what it meant to be different, and what it meant to be the same. As I grew older, I discovered life was far too nuanced to be limited to just two ways of being, difference and sameness. As I traveled the world doing research, consulting and making art, I discovered the rich panoply of life’s stories, as well as my own unique place in it. I came more fully to life, as I embraced the fullness of life around me. I lived amongst Roma and immigrant feminists in Spain. I collaborated with Dakota indigenous leaders and BIPOC artists. I taught university students about identity, art, and activism. I used performance art to create new narratives of who we can be as individuals and as a community.
Through my journeys as an anthropologist, artist, advocate, mother, mentor, and community member, I witnessed the power of stories. I grew committed to honoring the diversity of stories that make up our world, and to sharing those that I am privileged to hear.
I hold a PhD in cultural anthropology from the University of Virginia, and an MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago. I live with my family in Charlottesville, VA.
Amy Thompson, Narrative Specialist & Coach:
“Aidyn's work moves just like her spirit, at the depth of a true artist - her listening is deep and follows the color, the music, the energy. Her global lens comes from her own ribcage, and lineage - any story ready to find its beauty, will be safe with Aidyn."
Jay Pun, Co-Founder, VeryAsian VA:
“Working with Aidyn was such a comfortable process in documenting the evolution of VeryAsian VA. Her writing brought our work to life. Reading about our journey and purpose through her lens feels like reconnecting with an old friend.”
Fenton Fadeley, Client: