FACSC Board of Trustee

FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

PRESIDENT

DR. ALEXANDER AFRICA

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:

Education:

FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

VICE PRESIDENT / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MADDIE VINES

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:

Education:

FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

SECRETARY

JANINE MILLER

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.



FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

ASST. SECRETARY

MARIE FE WOODS

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:

Education:




FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

SECRETARY

ESTER JAVIER

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 :

Volunteer Activities as Treasurer:

Volunteer Work:

Additional Involvements:

Philippine Folk Dance Participation:

FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

AUDITOR

MICHELE LIQUETE

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: 

Education: 




FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MADDIE VINES

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:

Education:

FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

FOUNDER, SENIOR ADVISOR

ROLANDO "RON" NONO

Rolando Nono is the Founder and Senior Advisor Board of Trustee. He founded the Filipino-American Community of Southern Colorado in 1993 and is a US Army retiree and Vietnam War veteran. FACSC was formed with the purpose of bringing the FACSC together to teach all of its members about the cultures and customs of Filipinos. The mission is to create an improved living atmosphere for the FACSC through unity and friendship. The FACSC vision is to promote the welfare and well-being of its members through unity, interpersonal commitment, charity, onboarding, civic engagement, advocacy, service, development, and empowerment. As an ambassador for education, forty percent ( 40%) of the organization's funds are dedicated to scholarships and education programs. Annually, about $2-3K in scholarships have been awarded to graduating HS students since 1996.


FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

ADVISOR

JOEY BAUTISTA

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.


FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

ADVISOR

ERLINDA MUEGA

Erlinda Muega serves as an Advisor, Board of Trustee. She and her family moved to Colorado Springs in 1969 and made it their home. She graduated from the University of Pangasinan, Philippines and attained a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and taught for 4 years till she joined her husband in the U.S. Erlinda worked for AMPEX Corporation for 25 years in the accounting department and for Schlage Lock for another 25 years in the accounting and production department. Being a military family, Erlinda and her late husband Cezar, a veteran who served the military honorably for over 20 years. She was elected Vice President in 2015-2016 and then Secretary for twelve years, Auditor and now serves as FACSC's Advisor Board of Trustee. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award 2021 from NaFFAA Region V and 2023 FACSC Hall of Fame Award. Erlinda is now retired, loves gardening, knitting, dancing, going on cruises and of course shopping. They have one daughter, Maddie Vines and granddaughter, Tia and 2 great grandchildren, Maliyah and Karuko. The FACSC has been front and center in their lives and will leave a legacy of service and sacrifice. She personifies the motto of our organization: "Unity and Friendship".


FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

ADVISOR

NORA ELEFANTE

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.


FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

ADVISOR

RUBY IOAPO

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.


FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN COLORADO 

ADVISOR

MATI IOAPO

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.


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