Ellen “Elle” Galupo immigrated to Canada with her family in 2006 and lived in Moosonee, a remote northern community in Ontario. In 2014, she moved to Ottawa to attend the University of Ottawa. After noticing that in many of her classes, she is the only Filipina, Ellen began thinking about how to give back and support the one a half (Filipino-Canadians born in the Philippines) and the second generation Filipino-Canadians who are underrepresented in post-secondary institutions. In March of 2017, Ellen collaborated with fellow Filipino students to co-found the first Filipino Students Association of the University of Ottawa.

Ellen has volunteered with various community groups including the Philippine Centre Canada, Tinig Pinoy Radio, and BayanihanOTTAWA. A connector of people and weaver of ideas, she has worked to mobilize, bring awareness, connect mentors with mentees, and created platforms for young Filipinos to not only be connected with their heritage but also to create their own distinct identities as the next generation of leaders.

She started her career in politics by working as an intern in the Summer Leadership Program. She was later hired as a Special Assistant to the Parliamentary Secretary at the Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. Through this role, Ellen played a part in the creation of the National Anti-Racism Strategy and in informing the Indigenous Languages legislation through cross-country engagement sessions.

She has worked as the Regional Advisor and Policy Advisor in the Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.  She currently works as a Senior Policy Advisor in the same office.

Ellen is a proud aunt to 2 nieces and 3 nephews.