Whether she’s mastering dance moves, crafting captivating video content, or adding a dash of Chili Crunch to her meals (yes, even ice cream!), Gerlyn brings bold energy and fresh ideas to everything she does. Curious about her DIY flair or her love for Apo Whang-Od’s cultural legacy?

Read Gerlyn’s Staff Spotlight to discover her story and the creativity she brings to Caliber.

Kate: What is your favorite nickname and how did you get it?

Gerlyn: I’ve been called quite a few nicknames over the years, and they seem to get shorter as I get older. As a kid, my cousin nicknamed me “Gerlyna” because I was obsessed with watching Thumbelina on repeat. Later, close friends started calling me “Ger,” and now it’s just “G.” “G” became a thing when a former coworker just decided to call me that one day — probably because my name was hard to pronounce — and it stuck. It’s giving a Madonna or Cher moment, and I feel it matches well with my personality.

Kate: Where do you consider “home”? What is special about it?

Gerlyn: Vegas is where I currently live, but if you were to ask me where home is, Alaska will always be my forever “home.” People are often surprised when I tell them I’m from Alaska — they usually assume I’m from the Bay, maybe because of the way I speak. I’ll take it! (Fun fact: My grandpa’s journey to the U.S. began in the Bay, so if he hadn’t migrated to Alaska, I would have been born and raised there.) Alaska holds a special place in my heart as a reminder to stay true to myself and my roots. Growing up there felt like a warm hug, despite the cold winters. The people and sense of community made it such a unique and grounding experience. 

Kate: What non-work activities inspire you?

Gerlyn: Dance has always been inspiring for me. I’ve done hip hop for years, but recently I’ve been pushing myself out of my comfort zone by revisiting ballet (which I strongly disliked when I was younger, but I get now) and trying out heels classes. Dance has taught me a lot about discipline and creativity — two things that totally go hand in hand with making mistakes. It’s shown me that it’s not about being perfect; it’s about embracing the missteps, learning from them and moving forward. 

I’ve also had a strong interest in video and content creation. Working remotely at Caliber has allowed me to combine work and travel, giving me the opportunity to film my entire experience in Europe as a keepsake I can always look back on. 

Kate: If you had to include one ingredient in every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Gerlyn: Momofuku Chili Crunch — every variation of it. It’s great on savory dishes, but I’ve even tried it on ice cream and it’s great. I love food that balances sweet, savory, sour and spicy.

Kate: What’s your favorite movie and/or book?

Gerlyn: My taste in movies and books is completely opposite. I love a feel-good comedy, like Mrs. Doubtfire — my all-time favorite. I grew up watching lots of Robin Williams movies, and I think they shaped my sense of humor and how I can be a bit dramatic when interacting with others. For books, I lean toward self-development, and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is my go-to for introspection and personal growth. It’s a perfect balance for me.

Kate: What’s one accomplishment from your childhood that you still brag about?

Gerlyn: I once memorized and recited Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” in high school for extra credit. Oh, and I also memorized the entire script of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Useless party tricks? Absolutely. Do I wish my memory still worked like that? 100%.

Kate: What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?

Gerlyn: I’m really into interior design and DIY projects — it’s been my thing since I was a kid. I grew up watching HGTV, Extreme Makeover, Antiques Roadshow and Bob Vila’s This Old House. Now, I binge interior design and architecture creators on YouTube for inspiration. I’m big on feng shui — I love rearranging my home (every quarter, to be exact), upcycling old pieces and taking on small DIY projects to make a space feel like me. 

Kate: When you think about your time at Caliber, what career accomplishment or milestone makes you feel most proud?

Gerlyn: I’m naturally a creative person, so I’ve loved bringing that into my work at Caliber, especially creating video recaps that capture the energy and perspective of Caliber at conferences and events. It’s rewarding to see how my work can spark new ideas and potential business opportunities.

Kate: Name one thing that amazes you about fintech or innovation in financial services.

Gerlyn: It’s interesting to see how fintechs are adapting to the way people manage their finances. AI, in particular, has been a game-changer — not just for automating processes, but for creating personalized experiences. I’m curious to see how fintechs will continue to use AI in new and innovative ways. 

Kate: What’s your favorite Caliber Perk?

Gerlyn: Being part of a remote-first company is such a refreshing change. The flexibility to work from home or in a co-working space is great, but the best part is being able to spend extended time with my family in Alaska while working remotely.

Kate: What’s your favorite thing about working at Caliber?

Gerlyn: Hands down, the team. It’s inspiring to work alongside people who are not only smart and driven, but also genuinely down to earth. There’s a strong sense of collaboration and support that makes every project feel meaningful. 

Kate: What historical figure do you most admire?

Gerlyn: Apo Whang-Od, the 106-year-old Filipino tattooist, is someone I admire. Her dedication to preserving “batok,” an ancient hand-tapped tattooing tradition, is such a powerful example of staying connected to culture and heritage. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying close to my roots and keeping my culture alive, making sure our stories and values are carried forward for generations to come.

Kate: Looking back, are there any defining moments that helped shape you into the rockstar you are today?

Gerlyn: Leaving Alaska was a defining moment for me. It’s such a beautiful place, and many people either stay there for most of their lives or leave and eventually come back. But I knew I wanted something different for myself — I felt there was more out there for me to experience. Stepping out of that comfort zone wasn’t easy, but it completely shifted my mindset. It taught me to set goals, trust in my potential and believe I could achieve anything I put my mind to.

Want to join Gerlyn Yambao at Caliber? Check out our job postings page for open positions! 

The Staff Spotlight Q&A series highlights Caliber team members for the stellar work they do each day and the important part we all play in the company. Read more Staff Spotlight Q&A posts to learn more about our top-tier team.