Genevieve Jopanda (State Chair)
Genevieve is a San Francisco Bay Area native who has been feeding her passion for community advocacy for the past 20 years. She carries a background in leadership development and business operations management with previous positions with the San Francisco Chronicle, the Hertz Corporation as South Santa Clara County Regional Manager and Northern California General Manager for Zipcar, Inc. Her work in public service and non-profits includes Marketing & Events Director for the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, District Liaison to former California Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Fiona Ma, and Executive Director of San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign.
Genevieve is a founding member of KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress, which was born from the Filipinos for Obama 2008 campaign. Under her leadership KAYA hosted the first ever briefing for the Filipino American Community with the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders and the White House Office of Public Engagement as well as mobilize border state programs in Virginia and Nevada towards the re-election of President Obama, and nationally organize support towards the election of Assembly member Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to the California State Legislature.
Genevieve holds the positions of Director, Filipina Women's Network production of The Vagina Monologues that raises money and awareness to support Domestic Violence survivors, Festival Director for Pistahan Parade & Festival, Assembly Delegate for the 19th Assembly District of California, and Board Member for SF Hep B Free Campaign. She is currently the Chief of Staff to Fiona Ma, CPA, Member of the Board of Equalization serving upwards of 10 million constituents in 23 counties from Santa Barbara to the Oregon border.
Genevieve is a San Francisco Bay Area native who has been feeding her passion for community advocacy for the past 20 years. She carries a background in leadership development and business operations management with previous positions with the San Francisco Chronicle, the Hertz Corporation as South Santa Clara County Regional Manager and Northern California General Manager for Zipcar, Inc. Her work in public service and non-profits includes Marketing & Events Director for the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, District Liaison to former California Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Fiona Ma, and Executive Director of San Francisco Hep B Free Campaign.
Genevieve is a founding member of KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress, which was born from the Filipinos for Obama 2008 campaign. Under her leadership KAYA hosted the first ever briefing for the Filipino American Community with the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders and the White House Office of Public Engagement as well as mobilize border state programs in Virginia and Nevada towards the re-election of President Obama, and nationally organize support towards the election of Assembly member Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to the California State Legislature.
Genevieve holds the positions of Director, Filipina Women's Network production of The Vagina Monologues that raises money and awareness to support Domestic Violence survivors, Festival Director for Pistahan Parade & Festival, Assembly Delegate for the 19th Assembly District of California, and Board Member for SF Hep B Free Campaign. She is currently the Chief of Staff to Fiona Ma, CPA, Member of the Board of Equalization serving upwards of 10 million constituents in 23 counties from Santa Barbara to the Oregon border.
Robert Chua (Vice Chair, Northern California)
Robert Chua started his career in politics engaging with local Pilipino communities throughout the Bay Area doing targeted voter registration and outreach. He worked as a Field Organizer on multiple candidate campaigns in municipal and state races. He also previously worked as a Finance Consultant and Campaign Advisor. Following his work consulting for campaigns, he transitioned into government and currently works as Assemblymember Phil Ting’s District Representative in Assembly District 19 representing Western San Francisco and North San Mateo County. He also currently serves as Vice President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County and on the board of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Francisco. Robert received his Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology focusing on Feminist Studies, Critical Theory and Social Justice from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Robert Chua started his career in politics engaging with local Pilipino communities throughout the Bay Area doing targeted voter registration and outreach. He worked as a Field Organizer on multiple candidate campaigns in municipal and state races. He also previously worked as a Finance Consultant and Campaign Advisor. Following his work consulting for campaigns, he transitioned into government and currently works as Assemblymember Phil Ting’s District Representative in Assembly District 19 representing Western San Francisco and North San Mateo County. He also currently serves as Vice President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Mateo County and on the board of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Francisco. Robert received his Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology focusing on Feminist Studies, Critical Theory and Social Justice from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Chris Mateo (Vice Chair, Central Valley)
Chris Mateo was raised in Lemoore, a town south of Fresno in the heart of California's Central Valley. His late father was stationed at Lemoore's Naval Air Station, where his mother worked as a nurse for over twenty years. After high school, Chris attended St. Mary's College of California in Moraga, where he studied English Literature, creative writing, and journalism. It was during college that he met his wife, Elaine. After their undergraduate years, Chris and Elaine moved to Sacramento, where Elaine served as the Executive Director of Asian Resources, Inc. and Chris worked in various positions in higher education administration. After pursuing his Master of Arts in Organizational Behavior, Chris taught English, Humanities, and Professional Development at a local junior college, and went on to oversee its business administration undergraduate program. His final role at the college was as Director of Faculty Training and Development for this 12-campus system. Chris made a career change in 2014 and served as the Campaign Coordinator for current Sacramento Vice Mayor Rick Jennings, and as Field Director for current California State Senator Dr. Richard Pan. Chris is currently the Senior Field Representative for California Assemblymember Jim Cooper, and serves the Philippine National Day Association as its Board President. In this role, Chris hopes to empower more Filipino American students to not only get into college, but to graduate, to pursue a career, and to live life to its fullest. As Central Valley Vice Chair, Chris is looking forward to expanding the FADC's reach to the many Filipino communities of the Central Valley. Chris and Elaine have an 11-year-old son, Alan - their inspiration to save the world.
Arnel Dino (Vice Chair, Southern California )
Arnel Dino is a fundraising and development professional with 15 years of experience with different nonprofit organizations. Arnel is running this year for the privilege of being Vice-Chair Los Angeles Region for FADC.
He has been actively involved in Democratic politics for years. He was an intern for Sen. Barbara Boxer in college and was a volunteer at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles under Mona Pasquil. He has since been involved with and volunteered for numerous campaigns including Mark Pulido, Melissa Ramoso, Jay Chen, Frank Yokoyama, Mark Takano, Betty Yee, Rob Bonta, Sharon Quirk-Silva and most recently Sukhee Kang for State Senate campaigns. He has also been twice elected State Assembly Delegate for the CDP. He was also club President of the API Democrats of OC, member of Democrats of North Orange County, API, and Progressive Caucuses of CDP. He has also been an active officer with the National Association Of Asian American Professionals and Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County.
This year he was elected DPOC Secretary as the first Filipino, and only 3rd Asian ever to serve as an officer of the Democratic Party of Orange County Central Committee. He credits his involvement in Democratic politics to his mentors and all of the Fil-Am community leaders who have paved the way before him. He is very proud of his Orange County roots and would welcome the opportunity to represent the Filipino American Democrats in LA/OC within the CDP and FADC as Vice-Chair.
Arnel Dino is a fundraising and development professional with 15 years of experience with different nonprofit organizations. Arnel is running this year for the privilege of being Vice-Chair Los Angeles Region for FADC.
He has been actively involved in Democratic politics for years. He was an intern for Sen. Barbara Boxer in college and was a volunteer at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles under Mona Pasquil. He has since been involved with and volunteered for numerous campaigns including Mark Pulido, Melissa Ramoso, Jay Chen, Frank Yokoyama, Mark Takano, Betty Yee, Rob Bonta, Sharon Quirk-Silva and most recently Sukhee Kang for State Senate campaigns. He has also been twice elected State Assembly Delegate for the CDP. He was also club President of the API Democrats of OC, member of Democrats of North Orange County, API, and Progressive Caucuses of CDP. He has also been an active officer with the National Association Of Asian American Professionals and Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County.
This year he was elected DPOC Secretary as the first Filipino, and only 3rd Asian ever to serve as an officer of the Democratic Party of Orange County Central Committee. He credits his involvement in Democratic politics to his mentors and all of the Fil-Am community leaders who have paved the way before him. He is very proud of his Orange County roots and would welcome the opportunity to represent the Filipino American Democrats in LA/OC within the CDP and FADC as Vice-Chair.
Francine Maigue (Vice Chair, San Diego)
Born in Cavite City, Philippines and raised in Chula Vista, California, Francine graduated with her Master’s from Harvard University, where she received the Harvard Commencement Speaker Prize, hosted the Philippine Presidential Debate at Harvard Law School, and founded Harvard’s Women's Empowerment Convention and Network (WECAN). Francine served as Director of Operations for Harvard’s “Innovation in Challenging Times” Business Conference and Diversity Ambassador for Women Entrepreneurs for Harvard’s Business Society. Francine received her B.A. from UCLA, where she led eight honor societies and was peer-elected Commencement Speaker, Homecoming Queen, and honored with the Distinguished Bruin, Outstanding Senior, Chancellor’s Service, Woman for Change, and Young Humanitarian Awards. Francine was selected by His Excellency Ambassador Cuisia as an Inaugural Delegate to the Filipino American Young Leaders Program, received the 2012 Filipino American History Achievement Award in Humanitarianism, Arts, and Community Service, and was recently given the 2015 BAYANI Award. Francine is the District Director for Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, writes a popular weekly column The Filipino Press, is Secretary for the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the San Diego United Lions Club, and sits on Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Foundation and Los Chabacanos of Cavite City’s Boards. Francine was appointed Special Advisor to the Philippine Consul General of San Diego.
Born in Cavite City, Philippines and raised in Chula Vista, California, Francine graduated with her Master’s from Harvard University, where she received the Harvard Commencement Speaker Prize, hosted the Philippine Presidential Debate at Harvard Law School, and founded Harvard’s Women's Empowerment Convention and Network (WECAN). Francine served as Director of Operations for Harvard’s “Innovation in Challenging Times” Business Conference and Diversity Ambassador for Women Entrepreneurs for Harvard’s Business Society. Francine received her B.A. from UCLA, where she led eight honor societies and was peer-elected Commencement Speaker, Homecoming Queen, and honored with the Distinguished Bruin, Outstanding Senior, Chancellor’s Service, Woman for Change, and Young Humanitarian Awards. Francine was selected by His Excellency Ambassador Cuisia as an Inaugural Delegate to the Filipino American Young Leaders Program, received the 2012 Filipino American History Achievement Award in Humanitarianism, Arts, and Community Service, and was recently given the 2015 BAYANI Award. Francine is the District Director for Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, writes a popular weekly column The Filipino Press, is Secretary for the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the San Diego United Lions Club, and sits on Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Foundation and Los Chabacanos of Cavite City’s Boards. Francine was appointed Special Advisor to the Philippine Consul General of San Diego.
Nicole Villaruz (Corresponding Secretary)
Nicole Villaruz was born and raised in Delano, California. A second generation Filipino-American, she is proud of her grandparents who were very active in the Delano Grape Strike in the 1960’s. Nicole majored in Political Science and minored in Public Policy at UCLA. After college, she returned home to Delano where in 2003, she began to work for the Jim Costa for Congress campaign. She was hired as a District Representative in his Bakersfield District Office following his election in 2004. In 2011, she relocated to Fresno to serve as his District Director. After Costa’s 2012 election in the new 16th Congressional District (which includes Fresno, Madera and Merced counties), Nicole wanted to return home to Kern County. She worked briefly for then State Senator Michael Rubio before taking the position of Chief of Staff for Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez, where she has worked since September 2013. Nicole is the current Chairman of the Kern County Democratic Central Committee, and is also a member of the Executive Board of Bakersfield Young Democrats. She is currently Co-Chairman of the Distinguished Young Women of Delano scholarship program, a past State Chairman of Distinguished Young Women of California scholarship program, past event chair and treasurer of Delano’s Philippine Weekend Committee, and an active member of Filipino Community of Delano, Inc. and the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) - Delano Chapter.
Nicole Villaruz was born and raised in Delano, California. A second generation Filipino-American, she is proud of her grandparents who were very active in the Delano Grape Strike in the 1960’s. Nicole majored in Political Science and minored in Public Policy at UCLA. After college, she returned home to Delano where in 2003, she began to work for the Jim Costa for Congress campaign. She was hired as a District Representative in his Bakersfield District Office following his election in 2004. In 2011, she relocated to Fresno to serve as his District Director. After Costa’s 2012 election in the new 16th Congressional District (which includes Fresno, Madera and Merced counties), Nicole wanted to return home to Kern County. She worked briefly for then State Senator Michael Rubio before taking the position of Chief of Staff for Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez, where she has worked since September 2013. Nicole is the current Chairman of the Kern County Democratic Central Committee, and is also a member of the Executive Board of Bakersfield Young Democrats. She is currently Co-Chairman of the Distinguished Young Women of Delano scholarship program, a past State Chairman of Distinguished Young Women of California scholarship program, past event chair and treasurer of Delano’s Philippine Weekend Committee, and an active member of Filipino Community of Delano, Inc. and the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) - Delano Chapter.
Michael Pangilinan (Recording Secretary)
Michael Gumban Pangilinan is a Filipino community leader in San Francisco, California. Currently he is Chairman of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Francisco.Michael, aged 40, has been married to his lovely wife Irene for six years. Irene is a registered nurse in her native Philippines and a graduate of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.
Michael's education was nurtured by his mother Dr. Aurelia Gumban Pangilinan, a dentist in the Philippines and also a graduate of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from the University of San Francisco, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Central Philippine University College of Law in Iloilo City, Philippines and two Masters of Laws degrees from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California - one Masters in U.S. Legal Studies and the second in International Legal Studies.
Michael is passionate about his Filipino community. He cares for the well-being of his fellow Filipinos and strives to assist other Filipino community groups in their efforts to give assistance, support and guidance to Filipino youth, the working class and the aged. His goal is to see more Filipinos succeed in America by realizing their professional and educational aspirations while still preserving their unique identity - a cultural identity that makes us all Filipino.
Michael Gumban Pangilinan is a Filipino community leader in San Francisco, California. Currently he is Chairman of the Filipino American Democratic Club of San Francisco.Michael, aged 40, has been married to his lovely wife Irene for six years. Irene is a registered nurse in her native Philippines and a graduate of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.
Michael's education was nurtured by his mother Dr. Aurelia Gumban Pangilinan, a dentist in the Philippines and also a graduate of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from the University of San Francisco, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Central Philippine University College of Law in Iloilo City, Philippines and two Masters of Laws degrees from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California - one Masters in U.S. Legal Studies and the second in International Legal Studies.
Michael is passionate about his Filipino community. He cares for the well-being of his fellow Filipinos and strives to assist other Filipino community groups in their efforts to give assistance, support and guidance to Filipino youth, the working class and the aged. His goal is to see more Filipinos succeed in America by realizing their professional and educational aspirations while still preserving their unique identity - a cultural identity that makes us all Filipino.
Michael Aguilera (Treasurer)
A son to Filipino immigrants, Mike is a lifelong Angeleno, first-generation American, and community activist. He currently serves as the Recording Secretary for Filipino American Democratic Caucus.
His introduction to activism was volunteering on the No on Proposition 8 Campaign. Since then, he worked on the special election of Janice Hahn to Congress and then as a Field Representative in her district office. Mike is a member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and a delegate to the California State Central Committee. He serves as Membership Vice President to the Beverly Hills-West Hollywood Democratic Club.
Mike now lives in Los Angeles and works as a District Representative for Congressman Adam B. Schiff.
A son to Filipino immigrants, Mike is a lifelong Angeleno, first-generation American, and community activist. He currently serves as the Recording Secretary for Filipino American Democratic Caucus.
His introduction to activism was volunteering on the No on Proposition 8 Campaign. Since then, he worked on the special election of Janice Hahn to Congress and then as a Field Representative in her district office. Mike is a member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and a delegate to the California State Central Committee. He serves as Membership Vice President to the Beverly Hills-West Hollywood Democratic Club.
Mike now lives in Los Angeles and works as a District Representative for Congressman Adam B. Schiff.
