October RSJ Spotlight | Filipino American Association of Inland Empire (FAAIE)

October 9, 2024

October RSJ Spotlight | Filipino American Association of Inland Empire (FAAIE)

Racial & Social Justice Spotlight Series

Each month, YWCA Spokane spotlights an organization or individual in our community that is aligned with our mission so we can highlight the work they do to create real and lasting change for a more equitable Spokane.


October Spotlight

Ana Marie Caldwell, Filipino-American Association of the Inland Empire

The Filipino-American Association of the Inland Empire is deeply committed to promoting and preserving Filipino culture in the Spokane community. Ana Marie Caldwell, originally from the Philippines, moved to the United States in 2015 and has made Spokane her home for the past six years.

Ana is actively involved in the Filipino-American Association of Inland Empire (FAAIE), where she serves as President. The primary mission of the organization is to promote and preserve Filipino culture through various events and performances in the community. The organization offers classes in Tagalog, arts and crafts, dance (including hula and Zumba), and hosts game nights featuring mahjong and bingo.

She is passionate about teaching the Spokane community about Filipino culture, aiming to provide an in-depth, hands-on experience of what that culture looks like beyond just great cuisine. Ana connects deeply with FAAIE’s mission to support Filipinos, particularly in helping them navigate life in the U.S. and transition to their new environment.

Her involvement in the community began with her becoming acquainted with Ben Cabildo, who is a pioneer to the organization, encouraged her to help within the organization by leading games for kids, which led to deeper community engagement. Ana was elected Vice President in 2023 and is currently serving as President in 2024.

Ana’s favorite food is anything related to Filipino street food, including chicken feet, balut, intestines, and chicken head. She has a variety of hobbies, including dancing, hosting events, fashion design, and furniture flipping. Despite being married to a chef, Ana shares a fun fact: she can actually cook! As a wife and mother of three boys aged 5, 11, and 13, Ana balances family life with her community involvement. One of her favorite aspects of being involved with the organization is exposing her children to Filipino culture, learning Tagalog, and having in-person experiences.

When asked what area in the organization is in need of help from the community, Ana emphasized that funding is the most pressing need for the FAAIE organization. Although they have secured some grants, there are concerns about maintaining those grants that are crucial for continuing operations in the future.

The organization has existed for 38 years in Spokane, 36 of those years were held at volunteers' houses as there was no office space. Ana describes the culture within FAAIE as, "feeling like a big family - it's truly fulfilling. While things can get chaotic at times, the sense of connection keeps our hearts full. Ultimately, we see tangible results, and I find it rewarding to reflect on this dynamic environment compared to being stagnant with no progress." Despite the challenges faced, she believes that the mission will continue with or without compensation, as the organization is run entirely by volunteers who are committed to making a difference. Ana advocates for community support through membership and participation in events, encouraging others to get involved and lead the next generation of community leaders.

Among Ana’s proudest accomplishments is her ability to adapt and pivot according to circumstances, as well as her role in mentoring others within the organization. She draws inspiration from not only Ben Cabildo, but also her husband and her children, who motivate her to set a high bar as a leader. Along with her adaptability, the changes she has implemented within the organization, particularly in transitioning from paper to technology to expand their reach in the community.

FAAIE recently hosted the "Pista sa Nayon", a large potluck where members share their dishes, desserts, and performances, showcasing the vibrant Filipino culture. They have also launched their first scholarship program for college students, with plans to expand to younger grade levels and extend scholarship opportunities to individuals beyond Spokane.

In five years, Ana envisions herself making a name in the community as a leader, regardless of her official role within the organization. She hopes to transition from being the one receiving help to being in a position to give back. Her advice to her younger self would be, "hang in there, keep working and putting effort in, everything will get better". Ana acknowledges the support of Vice President Victoria Sattler and expresses gratitude to the members who trust her leadership.

For more information about the Filipino-American Association of the Inland Empire and to connect with Ana, you can visit their Facebook or events page.

 

By: Jazmin Duran

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