|
ALMIRA ASTUDILLO GILLES, PH.D.
President
Almira Astudillo Gilles is a Research Associate at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Her area of concentration is the 10,000 Philippine ethnographic collection, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes an impressive array of textiles. Her research and professional interests include tribal and contemporary Philippine art, social and cultural anthropology, critical tourism, and biodiversity conservation. Her MacArthur Foundation grant, Art and Anthropology, involved an international artist exchange between the U.S. and the Philippines. She has founded an Eri silk business and a community-based social enterprise in the Philippines and spends her spare time writing creative fiction and nonfiction for the youth and adult markets, which was recognized with a 2012 Presidential Award for Overseas Filipinos bestowed by Pres. Benigno Aquino III. Almira has a PhD in Social Science from Michigan State University and an A.B. in Psychology from U.P. Diliman. |
|
EDWIN LOZADACo-Founder, Vice- President
Edwin Lozada has been an educator in the California public school system for over 30 years. He has always had a passion for the arts and is an avid collector of world textiles, and in particular, textiles from the Philippines. He is president of Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA, Inc.) and currently the Executive Director of the Filipino American International Book Festival (FilBookFest) which is held biennially in San Francisco. |
|
ANTHONY CRUZ LEGARDACo-Founder, Creative Director
Anthony Cruz Legarda is a fashion designer and textile technologist specializing in indigenous Philippine handwoven textiles. A graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Anthony has dedicated his life to researching and developing innovative fabrics from natural fiber and working with indigenous master weavers. He believes that natural and organic fabrics made by indigenous weaver communities can create stylish art-to-wear clothing for the global market. www.anthonycruzlegarda.com |
|
LISA SUGUITAN MELNICKBoard Member, Secretary
LISA SUGUITAN MELNICK is a third generation Fil-Am of Ilokano and Cebuano roots. She has been a college/university level educator for 30+ years. As a writer/author, Lisa considers story sharing one of the most powerful and beautiful ways to connect oneself with others. She also finds that Philippine indigenous weaving and textiles connect people in similar ways, for many stories are contained within the threads of each piece and panel. Lisa appreciates becoming more connected to her ancestral roots through participating in the work of The Hinabi Project. (https://lisasuguitanmelnick.com) |
|
WENDY PASCUAL, C.P.A. Board Member, Treasurer
Wendy Pascual is a certified public accountant in the US and in the Philippines. For more than 10 years as a partner of an accounting firm in San Francisco Bay Area, she has been serving small to medium business owners in their accounting and tax requirements as they grow their respective businesses. She has more than 20 years extensive experience in public accounting from PricewaterhouseCoopers. She was also a hands-on CFO of a bank for 4 years in the Philippines. |
|
JENNY BAWER-YOUNGBoard Member, Artist
Jenny Bawer Young learned Kalinga weaving from her maternal grandmother Mambot Cusay and her Aunt Alice Dumatog. Jenny did her first belt at age 10. She migrated to California with her family in 2006. Jenny has been a valuable resource on Kalinga Culture for the Filipino-American Community. She is a Master weaver and a driving force behind Kalingafornia Laga, a women's collective dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Kalinga culture. She and her ancestors share the same goal: To preserve the Kalinga culture and heritage through song, dance, and the art of weaving. |
|
CAMILLE R. ESCUDEROBoard Member, Philippines Program Director
Camille is the founder of Lily of the Valley, innerwear designed to support everyone in their different life stages like puberty, pregnancy, motherhood, transitions, and more. She is a champion in the Pacific Menstrual Health Initiative, where she was advisor in the development of a trade finance vehicle for micro-entrepreneurs in the Pacific. She is a member of the Asia-Pacific MSME Trade Coalition, a community of e-commerce businesses in the SEA region. She is an advocate of sustainable period management and normalizes talking about sexuality through her Salon Conversations – intimate discussions of taboo but socially relevant topics surrounding sex, gender, and relationships. Camille holds diplomas from Asia Pacific College’s School of Computing & Information Technology in the Philippines, and the Swedish Institute’s Management Programme on Sustainability & Responsible Business in Sweden. Website: https://mylilyofthevalley.com/ |
|
Liza GinoBoard Member
Liza Gino is a multi-award-winning author of Imelda’s Secret, an entrepreneur, and a community advocate. She wrote her novel in the hope of inspiring and empowering those who read about the Filipina “comfort women” and their continued struggle to find peace and justice decades after the end of World War II. Liza’s notable literary accolades include the Print Journalism Award for Best Book (Fiction) from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas, Office of the President of the Philippines - Migration Advocacy Media Awards (2022); 2nd place award for Women’s Historical Fiction at the Bookfest Book Award (2022); Literary Titan Book Awards (2021); and 17 other book awards. As an advocate, Liza participates in community building through her volunteerism. In 2019, she was inducted into the Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame. Read More
She is a two-term President of the Rotary Club of Daly City Colma Evening. Liza is also the President of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association. She believed that joining associations and clubs enables her to actively participate in and support communities. One project was the UPAA Kaagapay, wherein Liza successfully obtained computers for donation to students to support their educational needs. She was part of the Filipino delegates to Mexico for the 455th Philippine-Mexican Galleon Trade Commemoration to help promote cultural goodwill between the nations. Liza’s civic engagement is her way of bringing Philippine culture to her children and the rest of society through the arts and culinary traditions, to effect a positive change, especially for women. |
|
CHRISTINA LASKOWSKIBoard Member
Christina Laskowski serves as a strategic advisor and management consultant to consumer and technology companies. Her background includes 16 years as a boutique investment and M&A banker where she helped raise more than $2.0 billion serving more than 100 clients; and three years in equity research as a member of the founding branded consumer research team at Hambrecht & Quist, one of the original premier growth boutique investment banks. In addition to consulting, Christina advises a number of start ups, government organizations and serves as a judge/panelist at Tech, Asia and Social Enterprise focused conferences. Christina is also an active member of the community. She is an advisory board member to USF’s entrepreneurial program and was regional board member to Women’s Initiative for Self Employment, a non-profit focused on transitioning women from welfare to self –employment. In 2010, the Philippines presented Christina with the Golden Heart Award, Rank of Grand Officer. The same year she served as a Balik Scientist (return Scientist) awardee of the Philippine Dept. of Science & Technology. In 2011, FWN recognized her as one of the "100 Most Influential Filipinas" in the United States. |
|
GRACIA NATATABoard Member
Gracia Natata brings a wealth of talent and artistic background to The Hinabi Project. She holds a BFA in Weaving from CSU Long Beach and a MFA in Sculpture from San Francisco State University including work in Textiles. Her internship in Art Therapy was held at the Mt. Zion Institute on Aging. Grace has performed as a dancer, worked as a stagehand, and taught watercolor painting. She is also an avid swimmer and swims a lane for each birthday year since surviving death-defying surgery in 2016. She has served as Supervisor for Home Health Care in SOMA Pilipinas, San Francisco, where she grew up, and remains committed to contributing to our community. Her knowledge combined with embedded traditions from her parents through food/faith/work will contribute to strengthening the cultural bridge aspect of THP. |
|
Melissa Louise SobrepeñaBoard Member
“Lissa” is a familiar name in San Francisco nonprofit boards of directors, the Autism Hearts Foundation, United Architects of the Philippines, among a few. An artist herself, she always had a strong appreciation for all forms of arts and a special keen interest in promoting Philippine arts and culture to the international scene. As an architect, she is conscious of integrating “green” passive practices and continues to take interest in eco-architecture and technologies that supplement sustainable architectural design. She brings considerable business and nonprofit work experience to The Hinabi Project. |
The Hinabi Project Advisory Council
Council Chair: SONIA DELEN
Senior Vice President, Global Leasing, Bank of America
Executive Committee, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International
President, Filipino Food Movement
Board Member, Philippine International Aid
Board Member, University of the Philippines Alumni Assoc.
Sonia is a corporate manager, entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader, family & disability advocate, and a femtor. Sonia has been invited to speak on diversity in business conferences and corporate panels in San Francisco. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a B.S. degree in Foreign Service, and attended Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business.
Council Member: BENG CAMBA
Council Member: RUTH CANLAS
Senior Vice President, Global Leasing, Bank of America
Executive Committee, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International
President, Filipino Food Movement
Board Member, Philippine International Aid
Board Member, University of the Philippines Alumni Assoc.
Sonia is a corporate manager, entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader, family & disability advocate, and a femtor. Sonia has been invited to speak on diversity in business conferences and corporate panels in San Francisco. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a B.S. degree in Foreign Service, and attended Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business.
Council Member: BENG CAMBA
Council Member: RUTH CANLAS
Council Member: DESI DANGANAN
Desi is the Founder & Executive Director of Kultivate Labs. He is a serial entrepreneur. As the Managing Director of Plinth Agency, he has successfully grown businesses through strategic branding, design, and crowdfunding. He brings 15+ years of experience creating, funding, and branding unique business concepts which span the food, music, and technology spaces. As a dedicated community advocate, Desi is currently leading the strategy for the economic development of SOMA Pilipinas, a newly designated cultural district in San Francisco. He believes community consciousness and culture are the keys to developing today's thriving and commercial ecosystems.
Council Member: MAYA ONG ESCUDERO, Co-Founder
Maya Ong Escudero is a native of Zamboanga City, the Philippines and has over forty years of experience in education and development, combined with community activism and fundraising. Maya continues to pursue her interests in intercultural networking and intergenerational learning relationships. Maya served on various boards including Filipina Women’s Network, Literacy Initiatives International Foundation, Association for Senior Day Health, Ayala Foundation USA, Youth Community Service, Vanguard Public Foundation, and United Way of Santa Clara. She is currently a Board Member of Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA).
Council Member: CLARISSA M. ESGUERRA
Clarissa M. Esguerra joined the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2008. Currently Associate Curator of Costume and Textiles, she received her B.F.A. in Fashion Design and minor in Gender Studies from Brenau Women’s College, and her M.S. in Historic and Cultural Aspects of Dress and Textiles from the University of Georgia with a focus on the history of menswear. She specializes in 18th through 21st century women’s and men’s fashion and oversees various European costume, tapestry, and textile rotations throughout the permanent galleries at LACMA. Her major curatorial and publication contributions include Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700 – 1915 (2010-2011) and Undertaking the Making: LACMA Costume and Textiles Pattern Project, an online resource that publishes garment patterns from extant objects in the permanent collection. Most recently, Clarissa is co-curator and co-author for the exhibition and its accompanying catalogue, Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015 (2016).
Council Member: PENELOPE V. FLORES, Ph.D.
Council Member: MICHAEL M. GONZALEZ, ED.D., Co-Founder
Dr. Michael M Gonzalez was adjunct faculty at City College of San Francisco's Philippine Studies Department where he taught Philippine history and culture since 2006. He retired in 2022 and founded the NVM/Narita Gonzalez Writers’ Workshop. In 2017, he went to the Philippines as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar to research handwoven textile production throughout the country. He is a regular contributor to Positively Filipino magazine on topics about Philippine history, culture, and the arts. After serving as THP Executive Director from 2019 until 2023, Michael will be focusing on developing strategic programs for THP.
Council Member: MELODY MENDOZA-AUSLANDER
Council Member: FRANCE VIANA
Desi is the Founder & Executive Director of Kultivate Labs. He is a serial entrepreneur. As the Managing Director of Plinth Agency, he has successfully grown businesses through strategic branding, design, and crowdfunding. He brings 15+ years of experience creating, funding, and branding unique business concepts which span the food, music, and technology spaces. As a dedicated community advocate, Desi is currently leading the strategy for the economic development of SOMA Pilipinas, a newly designated cultural district in San Francisco. He believes community consciousness and culture are the keys to developing today's thriving and commercial ecosystems.
Council Member: MAYA ONG ESCUDERO, Co-Founder
Maya Ong Escudero is a native of Zamboanga City, the Philippines and has over forty years of experience in education and development, combined with community activism and fundraising. Maya continues to pursue her interests in intercultural networking and intergenerational learning relationships. Maya served on various boards including Filipina Women’s Network, Literacy Initiatives International Foundation, Association for Senior Day Health, Ayala Foundation USA, Youth Community Service, Vanguard Public Foundation, and United Way of Santa Clara. She is currently a Board Member of Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA).
Council Member: CLARISSA M. ESGUERRA
Clarissa M. Esguerra joined the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2008. Currently Associate Curator of Costume and Textiles, she received her B.F.A. in Fashion Design and minor in Gender Studies from Brenau Women’s College, and her M.S. in Historic and Cultural Aspects of Dress and Textiles from the University of Georgia with a focus on the history of menswear. She specializes in 18th through 21st century women’s and men’s fashion and oversees various European costume, tapestry, and textile rotations throughout the permanent galleries at LACMA. Her major curatorial and publication contributions include Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700 – 1915 (2010-2011) and Undertaking the Making: LACMA Costume and Textiles Pattern Project, an online resource that publishes garment patterns from extant objects in the permanent collection. Most recently, Clarissa is co-curator and co-author for the exhibition and its accompanying catalogue, Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015 (2016).
Council Member: PENELOPE V. FLORES, Ph.D.
Council Member: MICHAEL M. GONZALEZ, ED.D., Co-Founder
Dr. Michael M Gonzalez was adjunct faculty at City College of San Francisco's Philippine Studies Department where he taught Philippine history and culture since 2006. He retired in 2022 and founded the NVM/Narita Gonzalez Writers’ Workshop. In 2017, he went to the Philippines as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar to research handwoven textile production throughout the country. He is a regular contributor to Positively Filipino magazine on topics about Philippine history, culture, and the arts. After serving as THP Executive Director from 2019 until 2023, Michael will be focusing on developing strategic programs for THP.
Council Member: MELODY MENDOZA-AUSLANDER
Council Member: FRANCE VIANA