80 for 80 by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago

Coming to the U.S. 23 years ago, ironically, made me feel I was falling behind. Back in the Philippines, I was the equivalent of a creative director with a team of designers, production staff, and work trips to Hong Kong. Here in Chicago, I had to start at the bottom. I didn’t have the advantage of school name recognition or network. In my mid-30s, while contemporaries seemed settled with careers, families, and world travel, I was newly married, building a family, and still figuring out how to fit in. Being introverted didn’t help.

Then I got laid off. Twice. So I used that time to teach myself book publishing, video editing, animation, and web development using free resources from our public library including their online learning platform subscriptions like Lynda (this was before YouTube tutorials existed). To this day, I pride myself in being tech-savvy at my age.

Those skills helped me land a job as a children’s book designer, which I tremendously enjoy doing. They were also useful when I organized Sinag, the largest Filipino-American visual arts collective in Chicago and the greater Chicago area. Having made a website, marketing materials, and short-form videos that looked professionally done gave our group credibility when recruiting members and promoting events.

Sinag turns five next year. Doing my part to build visibility for Filipino-American artists has been one of the great privileges of my life. Through Sinag, my network grew exponentially, including a connection that led to a project illustrating a children’s book. A lifelong dream come true.

It’s been great to watch the Filipino-American community in Chicago grow more vibrant, cohesive and engaged every year.

Geraldine Martinez-Benz
Visual artist, children’s book designer, founder of Sinag, illustrator of the multi-awarded Time to Shine: A Filipino-American Family Story, based in Chicago

I left the Philippines in June of 1988. It made me the first-generation immigrant, who left my parents and three younger brothers. I graduated with a B.S. in Social Work at Ateneo de Davao University in 1984.

In the summer of 1994, I got involved with the Filipino American Association of Iowa (FAAI, founded 1975) as a member/volunteer. I have been elected as president of the FAAI for four terms now. Serving the Filipino community is so close to my heart as I want the Filipino community to be abreast of what is going on in their surroundings.

As one of the founding board members for Monsoon United Asian Women of Iowa (now, Monsoon Asian and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity) in 2003, I advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. I’m one of the original planning team members for the Iowa Asian Festival (with the Iowa Asian Alliance). The Filipino Village tent (FAAI) is one of the villages that’s always present to perform and sell Filipino food. This Asian festival is one of the most awaited festivals in Iowa.

In 2005, I became one of the original ambassadors with CultureAll until now serving as an ambassador. I proudly speak with different entities and schools in Iowa, sharing with them our Filipino culture and tradition. In 2007, I received a Hall of Fame, Community Service National Award with VIA Times Chicago Philippine Reports TV. In 2008, I was elected as city council member in Carlisle, Iowa, and served the city for four years. This involves city planning, city budgets, approving city ordinances, etc. In the same years, I served as commissioner with the Commission of Asian and Pacific
Islander Affairs, I’m also an alumnus with the FBI Citizens Academy, Des
Moines, Iowa chapter. In 2010, I received a Governor’s Volunteer Award.

In 2012, I moved to Chicagoland. Got involved with NaFFAA Illinois, Circle of Empowered Women (CEW) and the Piyesta Pinoy Chicago. Sounds a lot but I managed to prioritize my weekend. In 2015, I moved to Michigan and served as vice president with the Philippine Cultural Group of Michigan (Grand Rapids area). I also served as a board member with the Asian Community Outreach until I left Michigan in 2021.

In 2021, I moved back to Iowa and got more involved with the community, serving as president with the American Legion Auxiliary (Carlisle Unit #391), and a board member with the Carlisle Area Historical Society. I am also active in my church activities. In 2023, I hosted some Filipino teachers who were hired to teach with Des Moines Public Schools. I invited them to my house during holidays. I want them to feel at home, avoiding homesickness.

I am currently working as an Early Childhood Associate with Des Moines Public Schools. Last but not the least, my friends call me the “Highway Queen”. I belong to the Iowa Mustang Unstabled (IMU) club, where I enjoy cruising with other Mustang enthusiasts.

“Life is a beautifully unscripted journey, shaped by the unexpected moments we never saw coming. Embrace the detour.”

Alma A. C**n
President, Filipino American Assoc of Iowa (founded 1975)

I am a first-generation Filipino immigrant who came to the United States 10 years ago with the same dream shared by many Filipino families—to build a better life for my loved ones back home and, eventually, bring them here as well. I was raised by a single mother who taught me that life is not always fair, but that my future would be shaped by my own choices, hard work, and perseverance. And don't forget to pray to God in all your circumstances.

When I moved to the Midwest, homesickness became one of my greatest challenges. I missed my family, culture, and the comfort of home, but the experience also opened my eyes to opportunities I never imagined possible. It taught me humility, gratitude, and resilience as I learned to navigate a fast-paced life while staying grounded in my values.

As a real estate professional for the past five years, I’ve found real purpose in helping people—especially fellow Filipino immigrants—navigate and achieve homeownership. Through education, advocacy, and conversations in our own language, I aim to make the process feel less overwhelming and more within reach. Many of my clients didn’t lack the ability to buy a home; they simply needed guidance, clarity, and someone who understood where they were coming from. Being part of that journey with them has been deeply meaningful to me.

I also had the honor of serving for two years as president of a Filipino-American organization that has been serving our community for 39 years, and I currently serve as vice president of the Ohio Asian American Chamber of Commerce. These roles have strengthened my belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together.

The greatest lesson I have learned is that success is never achieved alone—it truly takes a village. If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her to keep dreaming, stay grounded, and trust the journey ahead, because even when it is not easy, it will always be worth it.

Rochelle Arriola Hernan
Realtor and community leader, Ohio

Mae Espina is a seasoned banking leader with more than 20 years of experience helping middle-market businesses, manufacturers, and nonprofits grow through strategic financial guidance. As a Regional Banking Relationship Manager Sr. at Huntington Bank, she specializes in SBA/USDA lending, CRE financing, and tailored solutions that support expansion, succession planning, and long-term sustainability.

Beyond her banking work, Mae proudly serves as President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago, where she champions community building, professional development, and cultural engagement across the region.

A fitness enthusiast, former triathlete, and active spin and boxing instructor, Mae brings passion, resilience, and service to everything she does — from the boardroom to the community.

Coming to America — this has long been a dream for many Filipinos. For me, however, it was never really on my radar. My goal then was simple: finish college, help my parents with our daily expenses, live comfortably, and be happy. But life, as they say, is full of surprises.

My journey to America began when I moved to reunite with my husband. The first two years of relocation were filled with curiosity, life-changing experiences, and, at times, difficult challenges. I am a first-generation Filipina American who came to Chicago after graduating from the University of the Philippines. I believed my college education had prepared me well, but I quickly realized that many challenges awaited me.

I had to learn the nuances of American culture — something I was not fully prepared for. During those early years, I often felt isolated, alone, and at times discriminated against. In my first job, I was the only Asian in the department, and it was there that I first experienced discrimination firsthand. Eventually, I decided to leave that position and pursue a career in real estate. That decision changed my life. In real estate, I found my purpose and a place where I could truly thrive.

Real estate has provided my family and me with stability and opportunity. I strongly believe in the power of homeownership — not only as a means of building wealth, but also as a pathway to financial security and generational investment. What fulfills me most is serving clients from all walks of life: from first-time homebuyers, to growing families looking to move up, to seasoned investors.

More importantly, however, I found deep fulfillment in giving back to the community. Through Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), an organization dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership within AANHPI communities, I discovered a mission larger than myself. As the first Filipina American National President of AREAA, I led the organization’s “No Other” campaign — an advocacy effort that successfully pushed for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to be recognized as a distinct category in the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Homeownership Report.

Previously, the report categorized Americans only as White, Black, Hispanic, and “Other.” We were labeled simply as “Other.” The campaign sought to change that — because our community deserved visibility, representation, and a voice. Today, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are recognized in their own category, no longer hidden behind the term “Other.” This achievement was more than symbolic; it created meaningful representation for a community whose contributions continue to shape America. Although Asian Americans make up only about 6–7% of the U.S. population, they generate approximately $1.9 trillion in business activity.

Leadership has a way of opening new doors for service. As a servant leader through AREAA, I later became involved with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. Once again, I had the honor of becoming the first Filipina American President in the organization’s history, representing more than 16,000 members.

My career in real estate and the leadership opportunities I have been blessed with have allowed me to dedicate my life to service and community empowerment. Looking back, I realize this spirit of service began at home. Growing up, my parents always opened our modest home to relatives from the provinces. At times, as many as 17 people lived under our roof. My parents welcomed them without hesitation — housing them, feeding them, and helping provide them with an education.

That generosity, compassion, and willingness to serve others became the foundation of who I am today.

VICKY SILVANO
Realtor, Illinois

Ms. Cate Cauguiran is an award-winning journalist based in Illinois. She is an Emmy and Murrow award winning reporter at ABC 7 Chicago Eyewitness News.

*The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago recognized Ms. Cauguiran for her outstanding contributions to raising the profile of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in Illinois, particularly through her work in documenting the surge in Asian American and Pacific Islanders hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Born and raised in the Philippines, I came to the United States as a Registered Nurse in 1995 carrying with me the strong faith, traditions, and values instilled by my family and my community.

As a wife to a politician in the Philippines and a mother of two children, life in America was filled with both challenges and opportunities. Like many immigrants, I worked two jobs as a nurse while raising my family and building a new life, always striving to balance work, family, and faith. Through it all, my husband has been my greatest partner and inspiration — a man with a golden heart who is always willing to help others selflessly and wholeheartedly.

Despite my busy schedule, I often wondered how I could serve the Church so I had always prayed to lead that path for me. In many ways, that calling found its way to me.
Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago was formed in 2021 with my husband as the Founder / President. Its dedicated officers and members were a group of young Filipino parents and retired professionals who worked hard to keep their children and
grandchildren as well as the community connected to their faith, Filipino traditions, and
cultural heritage and we are very proud and grateful to have them!

In 2022-2024 I served as the Western Cluster Simbang Gabi Coordinator communicating with church coordinators and helping ensure that each Simbang Gabi celebration was meaningful, organized, and successful for the Filipino Catholic community.

In 2023, my husband was asked to help reestablish and lead the World Apostolate of Fatima Joliet Division, and I found myself again actively helping him organize and coordinate its future activities and programs for the community . Today, as President of the Santacruzan Cultural Group, I am proud to help continue one of the Philippines’ most cherished religious and cultural traditions. The Santacruzan Group was formed with the mission of promoting faith, unity, and Filipino heritage within the Filipino American community. We are very proud of what we have achieved for the last 5 years.

Through our events and celebrations, we aim to bring generations together, preserve our traditions, and honor our devotion/faith while fostering a strong sense of community and cultural pride. Santacruzan Group have dedicated themselves to serving both the Church and the Filipino American community especially our Filipino American children. We continue to rely on God's Blessings and faithfully follow where the Blessed Mother leads us in service to the community.

JoAnne S. Turija
President / Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago

*The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago recognized Ms. Turija for her outstanding efforts in raising the profile of Philippine culture in Chicago in her work as president and member of the Board of Director of the Santacruzan Cultural Group of Greater Chicago, and for her selfless dedication as a registered nurse in helping Filipinos and Filipino-Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Associate Professor Melissa Borja is the director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Studies at the University of Michigan.

She was awarded USA Today 2022 Women of the Year in recognition of her work addressing anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a co-founder of Hoosier Asian American Power in Indiana. She is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University.

I am a first generation immigrant, who left my mother and five siblings in the Philippines for the USA on June 3, 1972.

I graduated with a B.S. in Commerce, Banking & Finance major from the University of Santo Tomas in 1966. When our father died in 1968, I convinced my mother to allow me to migrate to America. In 1976, a brother joined me here as a student, followed by my mother in 1979. My remaining four siblings joined us in 1982. In 1990, we found out our mother had cancer. We lost her in 1998.

I started my community involvement in 1999 by representing our community in our Village of Skokie during the celebration of Festival of Cultures, Coming Together in Skokie, and the July 4th Parade. I was appointed as Human Relations Commissioner, then as Planning Commissioner by the Village Mayor.

From 2003 to the present, I am with NaFFAA, as an officer in Illinois and the Midwest, then as National Secretary in 2016-2018 and as National Treasurer in 2022-2024. Elected President of FANHS-Midwest (2016-present), was appointed FilVetRep Midwest Director (2015-2022), chaired the AACC Festival held at the Daley Plaza in 2009.

As a founding member of CEW, I advocated for victims of domestic abuse and violence.

I have coordinated biennial humanitarian missions providing free medical, dental, and optical services in selected areas in the Philippines from 2005 to 2019, with help and support of family, friends, and a few organizations and ABS CBN Foundation.

The above involvements earned me recognitions, such as Philippine Presidential Banaag Award in 2008, University of Santo Tomas College of Commerce Most Outstanding Alumni in 2013, Merit Award from Houston Royal Oaks Lions Club in 2014, Volunteerism Gold Award from President Biden in 2022 and Community Service Award from Former Mayor Richard Daley.

To my younger self, “Do not be sad if all your ambitions did not materialize. With God's grace and love, He directed and guided you to what He meant for you in making a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Continue sharing your blessings.”

Angeles “Jelly” Carandang
Founding member, Circle of Empowered Women (CEW)
President-elect, Filipino-American Historical Society (FANHS)-Midwest

Judge Jasmine Hernandez is an Associate Judge in the First Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County, IL, appointed in September 2021. Based at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago, she is notable as a Filipina-American judge with a background in veteran affairs and juvenile justice.

She is the first Filipino-American to be appointed to the Illinois state bench in 16 years. She is also a founding board member and past president of the Filipino-American Lawyers Association of Chicago (FALA Chicago).