FACSC Board of Trustee

Dr. Alexander Africa is originally from Lipa City, Philippines, and migrated to California in the 90s. President of the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (FACSC) with a mission to create positive social change through service and civic leadership. He is married to his beautiful wife, Gene, and they have three wonderful children. The Africas love to travel and learn about other cultures. They enjoy skiing in the beautiful Colorado mountains with family and friends. Dr. Africa believes in incorporating values of rectitude, principle, transparency, and regard for others to help promote and build better communities, leaders, collaboration, partnership, and social responsibility. Here are some of Dr. Africa's essential experiences, positions, and academic accomplishments.

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• President, FACSC (present)

• President and Executive Director, National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA) Region V (present)

• Founder A V Entertainment LLP

• United States Air Force Retired Veteran

• Multiple Iraq Tours

• Community of the College United States Air Force Services Academy Technical School Instructor

• Inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society

• Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business

Education:

• Doctoral in Management in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Colorado Technical University

• ABD, Post Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy, Walden University

• Master of Business Administration, American Military University

• Bachelor of Arts in Management, American Military University

• Associate in Applied Science in Instructor of Technology in Military Science, Community College of the Air Force

• Associate in Applied Science in Restaurant, Hotel, and Hospitality Mgmt., Community College of the Air Force

• Magna Cum Laude (MBA)

Maddie Vines is a native of Colorado Springs and is the daughter of Cezar and Linda Muega who are long-time members of Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado. Maddie is married to Kevin Vines and they have one daughter Tia and two granddaughters, Maliya and Karuko. As a family, they enjoy golfing, bowling and traveling. Maddie has volunteered with the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado since 2005 and served as a Public Servant for most of her adult life. Maddie’s goal is to help future proof FACSC’s vision to always move toward the mission, increase exposure, raise funds, recruit volunteers, recruit donors and sustain community partnerships. 

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• Executive Director and Vice President, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado

• CEO of Vines Professional Services LLC

• Litigation Manager for the Civil Litigation and Employment Practices of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office 

• Past Vice President, Advisor and Public Relations Officer, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado

• Member of People of Disabilities ERG, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Member of Pan Asian American ERG, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Member of Older Adult Impact Team, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Member of the Paralegal Steering Committee, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Chair of Directors At Large, Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association

• Member of Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Denver, Colorado

• Member of Sam Cary Bar Association, Denver, Colorado

• Former Division Manager of Juvenile Prosecution Unit, 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office

• Publication of Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegals, Juvenile Litigation Paralegal (2008), Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors

• NaFFAA Region V's 1997 Recipient of the Outstanding Advocate for Filipino/Filipino American Issues

• Inducted Member of Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit Honor Society), Regis University

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice with a Minor in Human Resources, Regis University

• Associates of Arts, Paralegal Studies, Blair Junior College

• Certified Notary Signing Agent, National Notary Association

• Magna Cum Laude, Regis University

Janine Marie Aquino Miller serves as the Secretary of the FACSC (Filipino Community of Southern Colorado) and represents Filipino Americans as the Queen of International Tourism 2021. In 2022, Janine joined the community as a member and chairperson of the pageant committee by helping relaunch the Miss Fil-AM pageant since the COVID-19 pandemic and raising over $9000 for the FACSC scholarship fund. Within the same year, Janine self-produced and hosted her fundraiser, Crown for a Cause, which is dedicated to increasing mental health awareness. There, she raised funds, splitting the money and donating to 4ColoradoKids, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and FACSC. As this term’s Secretary, Janine helps the community succeed through a commitment to consistency, organization, and compassion.

• Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

  • Secretary, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (2024-Present)

  • Chairperson, Miss FACSC (2022, 2024-Present)

  • NaFFAA Region V Outstanding Youth Award (2022)

  • Certificate of Appreciate from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco (June 2022)

  • Producer, Host, and Founder of Crown for a Cause (June 2022)

  • Queen of International Tourism (2021)

  • Systems Engineer (2024-Present)

  • Software Engineer (2020-2024)

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Computer Science at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (Dec 2020)

Marie Fe Woods is the Secretary Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado. As a Southern Colorado Native, Marie Fe has served FACSC for as long as she can remember, from being one of the first youth members to a Fil-Am performer, Master of Ceremonies, and now an elected officer. Marie Fe has been happily married to her husband, Daryl, since 2016, and they have two beautiful daughters. She loves Colorado, especially the Fil-Am Community. She continues to serve and has been serving for over two decades. 

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• Secretary, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado 2022-2023

• Hines, Management Assistant

• Co-Founder & Directing of Marketing, Just Be

• Elected Board Director, Briargate Center Business Improvement District

• Office Coordinator, Poag Shopping Centers

• Softlines Team Lead, Target

• Youth Advisor, Boys and Girls Club

• NaFFAA Region V Outstanding Youth Award

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree, Communications, UCCS

• Spanish Minor, Universidad de Valladolid

• Executive Media Training, Red Energy Public Relations (Certified)

Ester Javier was born in Cebu City, Philippines. Her family moved to Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, and finished her elementary and high school there. She went back to Cebu City and graduated with her nursing degree in 1972. She worked for 2 years as a registered nurse in the nursery department, then transferred to the operating room. She applied for a position in West Germany, where she was accepted to work in the operating room again.

Ester met her husband Manny Javier, who was in the US Army stationed at Stuttgart, Germany. They got married in 1976 and moved to Colorado Springs in 1978 with their first-born child, who was eight-month-old. Ester and Manny have three children, Sheila, Jason, and Emmylou. They also have five grandchildren, ranging from 4 to 17 years old.

She worked at the Penrose Hospital here in Colorado Springs from 1979 to 1989 in the surgical department taking care of pre- and post-surgical patients. Then, in 1990, she was accepted to work in the operating room at the Penrose Community Hospital. In 2008, Penrose Community Hospital employees were moved to the newly built St. Francis Medical, where she worked in the operating room until she retired in 2011.

Elected Positions of Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado :

• Fil-Am was 1st elected treasurer in 1993, then again in 2005 - 2021

• Elected Auditor in 1999 for 2yrs.

• Vice President in 2001 – 2004

• Pageant Chairperson from mid 2002-2004 and created rules and regulations for pageant counting.

• Pageant Co Chairperson 2005-2014; 2019-2020 – training new on coming chairpersons.

• Also an active committee member of Flores de Mayo, Entertainment, Valentines, Scholarship, Christmas and New Years Eve and the 20th Anniversary Commemorative Book Committee.

Volunteer Activities as Treasurer:

• Coordinated the purchase of food and supplies for various events:

  • Flores de Mayo, Independence Day, Christmas, Easter Egg Hunt

• Organized bagels and coffee for volunteers during morning decorations for Pageant and Flores de Mayo events.

• Served as the contact person for venue reservations for events such as Pageant, New Year's Eve, Consulate Outreach Program, and Valentine's Party.

Volunteer Work:

1. National Registration Day (Sept. 25, 2012) - Spearheaded by Dennis Apuan (RIP), former Colorado State Rep.

2. Fil-Am Health Fair (Nov. 3, 2012) - Collaborated with Phil. Nurses Association of Colorado, Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice, and Walgreens Pharmacy.

3. Phil. Consulate Outreach Program in Colorado Springs (2008 to 2017).

4. Fundraising efforts for Typhoon Ondoy (2009) and Sendong (2012) victims.

5. Volunteer at the Soup Kitchen in Colorado Springs.

Additional Involvements:

• Participated in Fil-Am Caroling.

• Sold raffle tickets at every Fil-Am Christmas party.

• Walked at Relay for Life and Children's Tumor Foundation fundraising events.

Philippine Folk Dance Participation:

• Taught Filipino Folk Dances to Fil-Am members.

• Performed folk dances at various events, including:

  • Independence Day Celebration, Pueblo Filipino Community, Air Force Academy, Shriever Airforce Base, Asian Pacific Market, The Marian House, Monterey Elem. School, Holy Apostles Fundraising Event at the Colorado Springs City Auditorium.

Michele Liquete was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. Michele migrated to the United States at the beginning of the nineties. Michele has been married to army retired Edward Liquete for over 30 years and has three children and two beautiful granddaughters. In January 1996, the Army moved Michele and Edward to Colorado Springs, and they became part of the Filipino community until they moved to Peyton, CO. Michele is currently working as a branch manager in one of the local banks. She is an active member of the community, being the Co-Founder/ President of Acts of the Apostles, Ministry serving as a traveling minister, mission coordinator, and volunteer pastor. AOA Ministry is a non-denominational, multi-cultural ministry whose bedrock is teaching the full Gospel. Michele is also the owner/partner of Pinoy Cargo LBC Balikbayan services agent of Colorado. 

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions: 

• Founding President of Acts of the Apostles Ministry 2012 to Present 

• Branch Center Manager of Academy Bank 

• Owner Founder of Zoe Life Enterprises, to raise awareness on how to live a healthy and happy life. 

• Member of PASCCO, SBDC, Colorado Springs Chambers of Commerce 

• Community Reinvestment Act, Committee, Academy Bank 

• Employees Recognition and Awards, Committee, Academy Bank 

• Colorado Notary Public since 2002 and member of American Associations of Notaries 

• Certified Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) 

Education: 

• Master’s degree in biblical studies, Charis Bible College 

• Master’s degree in biblical leadership, Charis Bible College 

• Bachelor of Science in Management with Accounting minor, National American University 

Maddie Vines is a native of Colorado Springs and is the daughter of Cezar and Linda Muega who are long-time members of Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado. Maddie is married to Kevin Vines and they have one daughter Tia and two granddaughters, Maliya and Karuko. As a family, they enjoy golfing, bowling and traveling. Maddie has volunteered with the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado since 2005 and served as a Public Servant for most of her adult life. Maddie’s goal is to help future proof FACSC’s vision to always move toward the mission, increase exposure, raise funds, recruit volunteers, recruit donors and sustain community partnerships. 

Accomplishments, Experiences, and Key Positions:

• Executive Director, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado

• Advisor for Government Relations, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Springs, Colorado

• Past Advisor and Public Relations Officer, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado

• Past Vice President, Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado

• CEO of Vines Professional Services LLC (Present)

• Senior Paralegal for State Services, Human Services Unit of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office (Present)

• Ambassador to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on behalf of ERG for People of Disabilities, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Member of DEI’s Mentorship Program, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Member of Older Adult Impact Team, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Member of the Paralegal Steering Committee, Colorado Attorney General’s Office

• Member of Metro Volunteers Lawyers and Pro Bono Projects, Denver, Colorado

• Member of Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Denver, Colorado

• Former Division Manager of Juvenile Prosecution Unit, 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office

• Publication of Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegals, Juvenile Litigation Paralegal (2008), Colorado Bar Association Board of Governors

• NaFFA’s 1997 Recipient of the Outstanding Advocate for Filipino/Filipino American Issues

• Inducted Member of Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit Honor Society), Regis University

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice with a Minor in Human Resources, Regis University

• Associates of Arts, Paralegal Studies, Blair Junior College

• Certified Notary Signing Agent, National Notary Association

• Magna Cum Laude, Regis University

Joey Bautista has been an active member of the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado (FACSC) for over 24 years. He has held several positions such as Vice President, Advisor, Public Relation Chairperson and Coordinator for the annual Colorado Springs Veterans Day parade. He has helped coordinate multiple successful Consulate on Wheels Outreach visits from the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco to Colorado Springs. He is originally from Pangasinan, Philippines. After graduating college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at Clark Air Force Base, Philippines. While in the United States Army, he deployed and participated in Operation Return Forces to Germany (REFORGER), Operation Sea Signal (Cuba), Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving different leadership positions. Upon retirement after 24 years of Army service, Joey realized his work with his Army family was not complete and joined the Department of Defense, Fort Carson Army Community Service as their Army Volunteer Manager. He served with them for 20 years, during which he supervised more than fourteen Fort Carson volunteer agencies with seven thousand registered volunteers. He was responsible for organizing family-oriented programs such as the Family Readiness Group, Fort Carson Mayoral Program, National Night Out, Make a Difference Day, Volunteer Appreciation Day, and the annual Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration. Currently, Joey volunteers at Lady of Fort Carson Catholic Church as the Head of Usher Ministry and Head Event Coordinator. He also serves as an Extraordinary Lay Minister and is a key member of the Fort Carson Knight of Columbus in his role as Financial Secretary. Joey has been happily married to Aurora Bautista for 43 years, and together, they have three beautiful daughters, four grandsons, and one granddaughter. He is enjoying retirement with his family, spending time with his grandchildren, and has been busy traveling with his beautiful wife.

Mrs. Nora Elefante, the NaFFAA Region V Lifetime Achievement Award and FACSC Hall of Fame recipient, stands as a dedicated advocate within our Filipino-American community, leaving an indelible mark through unwavering commitments to health, economic sustainability, education, community service, civic engagement, and humanitarian relief efforts. Her leadership in selfless service for FACSC sets an example for the Fil-Am community to emulate, impacting the preservation of rich traditions and fostering inclusivity. Mrs. Elefante's journey showcases a commitment to health, economic prosperity, and education, actively fundraising for various causes and leveraging her network for community support. Her civil service career and awards underscore her dedication to healthcare and education. Nora has been married to Jun Elefante 47 years. They have 4 children  David, Dwight  Derrick and Maribeth. They have 7 grandchildren , Emi, Mikaila, Xavier, Freya, Athena, Atlas and Mia Rose. They have been in the community since the organization started. Nora Elefante is currently the Chairperson of  the Pageant Committee, and she served numerous positions in the organization as a Treasurer , Auditor and Chairman of the Pageant.

Ruby was born in Laoag City, Philippines and Mati Ioapo was born and raised in Western Samoa. The Rosete family and Mati both migrated to Honolulu, Hawaii in Sept. 1971 where Ruby went to school and met her husband Mati Ioapo and married in 1975.  In 1976, her husband immediately embarked on his military career where he served proudly and honorably for over 25 years. While serving they were stationed in Berlin, Germany where their two daughters were born and back in the US, they were stationed in the New York, Texas, Hawaii,, Washington State, Georgia where their son was born and moved to the beautiful city of Colorado Springs in 1996 where they decided to retire. Ruby was a banker for over 30 years. They joined the FACSC in the same year and have been active ever since. They both served as Presidents and currently serve on the Board of Trustees. Ruby R. Ioapo served as President of the FACSC for four terms, total of eight years. Mati was elected and served as President of the FACSC from 2001- 2002. He also served as chairperson of the scholarship committee for over 10 years. Mati was recently elected to one of the Board of Trustees positions of the FACSC. They have three children Rosalynn, Michelle and Jonathan and two grandchildren Vaiosina and Anderson.