80 for 80 by the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, 122 S Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL (2026)

07/29/2026

Hi everyone, my name is Kirsten Gackowski and I am part Filipino from my mother’s side.

My mother was born in the U.S. but my grandparents on her side both came to the U.S. from the Philippines, making me a third-generation Filipino. I am also originally from Chicago, IL.

Growing up, my grandparents on my mother’s side were some of the best role models. Both of my grandparents were doctors: my grandmother was a Neonatal Pediatrician, and my grandfather was Chief Surgeon at the hospital I was born at. Their legacy taught me that nothing worth having is ever easy, and hard work was always necessary.

My mother always told me the term, “Sweat Equity”, which meant the effort that you put into life, is what you will get out of it in return. I have found this to be true in my own life. A story that I heard growing up that sticks with me was when my grandfather was still Chief Surgeon. He told me the story of a young girl who needed life-saving surgery, but the family couldn’t afford it and they had no insurance to help pay for the costs. He told me he decided to waive the expenses for the family and offered to perform the surgery free of charge. He told me he was in the operating room for many, many hours, and he told me about how upset and angry he got because he was afraid that he wasn’t going to be able to save her, but he persevered through it and ended up successfully completing the surgery. Many years later, he received a letter from the girl thanking him for saving her life. She stated that she was now in college, married with children, and how his gracious and incredible act to save her led her to having a family of her own and had inspired her to go into medicine.

I carry this story with me everyday at work because it shows that even one great act of kindness can significantly shape the course of the future. I have since gone on to accomplish many things in my own right.

I have since gone on to become a professional signed model, where I have been featured in some of the most well-known fashion magazines in the world, including Glamour Bulgaria, Marie Claire Ukraine, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Cosmopolitan Ukraine, and soon more.

I am also a beauty pageant queen, where my titles have been Mrs Hawaii USA Earth 2023, International Philippines 2024, Mrs Elemental Philippines 2024, and more recently, Mrs. Philippines Earth 2026-2027. I am also an influencer, and I have a career in Public Safety, specifically, Law Enforcement. I am also a domestic violence awareness advocate, and promote women empowerment.

I also studied at Purdue University at their Global Campus and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Homeland Security, graduating as Summa Cum Laude where I was also part of 10 Honors Societies.

I also obtained a Master of Public Administration (MPA), graduating with High GPA Recognition, more commonly known as “Highest Distinction”, also from Purdue University’s Global Campus. I plan to continue my education next Fall where I will transfer to another university to complete my doctorate.

My overall experience growing up as a multi-racial woman in the Midwest was interesting. I found that people would frequently ask me what ethnicity I was. Sometimes out of curiosity, other times because they wanted to know what box to categorize me in. More importantly, I’m a human being just like all of us, and then I’m all of these amazing ethnicities.

I am part Filipino, Spaniard, Japanese, Pacific Islander, French, and English on my mother’s side, and on my father’s side I am part Polish and Sicilian. I overcame many of these challenges by showing people the meaning of being multiracial. To me, the greatest part about being so mixed is that so many people can relate to me or identify with me. Whether it was showing my friends some of my favorite foods or dishes that I ate growing up, or bringing my favorite foods to parties, it was my small way of incorporating my rich culture and heritage into everyday life and sharing it with others. Many times, by the way, they would always ask me where they could get the lumpia and pancit (LOL).

The defining moment in my life and career where I realized my worldview was shifted, was when I accomplished what I did in my professional modeling career. Having my message and advocacies be discussed on a worldwide level with some of the biggest magazines in the world was something I never saw coming. It allowed me to realize that this driving force inside of me has been there from the beginning. Rooted in my family role models, culture, and heritage.

Once I also entered my career in Public Safety, that also greatly changed my worldview as I saw the world from a new perspective, a different lens entirely. I gained insight on some of the socio-economic issues that plague our country as a whole. Some of the greatest lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey thus far is one that I actually learned in academy and I’ve found it to be true. “The body can’t go where the mind has never been.” Meaning, many of the difficulties that people perceive are only in their mind. It is incredible the things the body can accomplish and get through with determination and perseverance.

I’ve also learned that “Sweat Equity” is absolutely real. While working full time, I also went to college full time and completed my studies and earned my degrees at the level that I did, which was certainly no easy feat. If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell her to keep going. Life may seem confusing at this time, and you may even feel unsure, but you are so strong, and you have no idea who you are about to become. If you keep going, you are about to become HER.

KIRSTEN GACKOWSKI
Beauty queen, model, influencer, domestic violence awareness advocate, and law enforcement officer, Chicago

07/27/2026

I am a first-generation Filipino-American in my family here in Michigan. Moving to the United States was a life-changing experience for me. Starting over in a new country taught me the importance of hard work and embracing new opportunities while staying connected to my Filipino roots. My parents taught me one of the most important lessons in life: never give up on my goals, no matter how difficult life becomes.

Living in the Midwest as a Filipino immigrant was challenging at first. Everything was unfamiliar, from the language and culture to the traditions and way of life. I was determined to build a better future for my children, so I returned to school, earned my second bachelor's degree, and worked full-time in healthcare. Balancing school, work, family responsibilities, and adapting to a new country was not easy, but those experiences strengthened my resilience, expanded my career opportunities, and inspired me to become a lifelong learner.

As I became more established, I wanted my children to stay connected to their Filipino heritage. I enrolled them in the Filipino school program at the Philippine American Community Center of Michigan (PACCM), called Paaralang Pilipino. While my children attended Filipino classes, I volunteered in the school, helping in the kitchen as a lunch mom and serving as a teacher’s aide in the classroom, where I helped students learn to read the Tagalog language. What began as a parent’s commitment to preserving my children’s cultural heritage, soon became a passion for serving, and giving back to the Filipino community.

My volunteer work grew into leadership roles through the mentorship and guidance of my amazing Titas, such as Billie Belen, Dr. Ernie Mac, Becky Tungol, Arcie Gemino, Josie Palu-ay, Amy Risvold, Betsy Venzencetti, Toni Martinez, Tess Porcalla and many, many more Titas. Their support inspired me to become more involved in serving the Filipino community and helped shape me into the leader I am today. I became Director of Paaralang Pilipino for seven years, overseeing the Filipino school program, curriculum, parent engagement, and cultural events. I later served on the PACCM Board of Directors and Membership Committee, where I helped organize community programs and events. My memorable experience was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I volunteered to coordinate vaccination appointments through PACCM serving not only the Filipino community but many Asian Americans across Michigan. As my involvement expanded, I co-chaired several major community events, including the PACCM Spring Ball Gala in 2023. One of my favorite parts of this event was serving as the emcee for the Filipino wedding celebrants highlighting the value of Filipino marriage.

My dedication and leadership led to an invitation to join the Filipino-American Council of Michigan (FILAMCCO), the umbrella organization representing more than 60 Filipino organizations across the state. I embraced the opportunity to serve and took on leadership roles, including co-chairing Rizal Day in 2023, Philippine Independence Day (Kalayaan) in 2024, and serving as the emcee for the FILAMCCO Fashion Show in 2025.

Currently, I serve as the Vice President of the Filipino-American Council of Michigan (FILAMCCO). One of my proudest accomplishments this year was serving as the Chairperson for the 128th Philippine Independence Day (Kalayaan 2026) celebration, an opportunity entrusted to me by FILAMCCO President Cesar Sumanting. One of my roles during the celebration was serving as the emcee for the Kalayaan Fashion Show, which showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines through traditional attire representing the country's three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

While serving my community, I also discovered a passion for entrepreneurship. I enrolled in courses at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where I studied pearls and gained valuable knowledge about the jewelry industry. Inspired by what I learned, I started my own small business, JRZ Luxury Pearl, specializing in freshwater and fashion pearls. I source pearls from the Philippines, and sell them at Filipino community events, trade shows, and private gatherings. This business has allowed me to promote Philippine products while building an additional source of income.
One of the most rewarding parts of my entrepreneurial journey is involving my children in the business. I bring them with me to events so they can learn the value of hard work, customer service, financial responsibility, and entrepreneurship. My hope is that these experiences will inspire them to pursue their own dreams and equip them with skills they can use to build their future.

One of my biggest challenges, back in 2007, was not knowing how to drive. Without transportation, it was difficult to stay connected to my community. But I was determined to be independent, so I learned the rules of the road, practiced driving, and earned my driver's license. Learning to drive gave me the freedom to connect with others and taught me that small, determined steps can overcome even the greatest challenges.

One defining moment in my life was moving to a new country. It opened the door to many new opportunities and possibilities that I had never imagined. My curiosity and desire to grow inspired me to return to school and earn my second Bachelor degree. It gave me confidence and showed me that there are unlimited opportunities available when you are willing to learn, adapt, and challenge yourself. This experience shaped my worldview by teaching me that change can be the beginning of growth, and that continuous learning creates new paths for personal and professional success.

The greatest lesson I have learned is to step outside of my comfort zone, be independent, and never be afraid to ask questions. Every challenge has helped me grow stronger and more resilient. When I fail, I allow myself time to reflect, but I don't stay discouraged. I move forward with a renewed mindset, knowing there are always new opportunities ahead. Most importantly, I invest in my future and strive to leave a legacy that my children and future generations can be proud of.

I would say, "Keep your ambition alive, stay curious, and continue seeking your dream. Never be afraid to dream big, because life moves quickly. Take action while you are young, and when you have the energy, courage, and time to chase your dreams. Do it now! Do not wait until later and look back wishing you had started sooner. Most importantly, when you achieve success, use it to give back and help others."

Ruthy Rush
Community leader, Michigan

07/15/2026

I am Dr. Lourdes Mella Hilao, a first-generation Filipino American born in Manila and raised in Sorsogon, where faith, service, and compassion formed the foundation of my upbringing. I come from a family rooted in spiritual leadership, and this heritage shaped my values, strengthened my character, and guided my life’s purpose.

When I left the Philippines after internship to pursue further medical training in the United States, I carried a quiet burden. I departed without fully serving my countrymen, and that truth stayed with me. Although my path led me to America, my heart remained tied to the Philippines. Over time, that burden transformed into a lifelong mission to return what I was unable to give before I left: medical care, compassion, and service to indigent and marginalized Filipinos.

My medical training in America demanded discipline, endurance, and sacrifice. Competition was intense, and balancing work and study required sleepless nights and unwavering determination. Through God’s grace, I completed my training and continued my practice in Chicago, serving diverse communities while strengthening my identity as a Filipino American physician.

In the 1970s, the late Dr. Jaime Hilao and I cared for a terminally ill diplomatic employee who had no medical insurance. This urgent situation required us to work closely with the Consul General of Chicago and the Philippine Ambassador. Through this collaboration, diplomatic employees in Illinois were granted medical insurance coverage, a protection that remains in place to this day.

My compassion extended beyond official channels. Over the years, I quietly assisted undocumented Filipinos who passed away in the United States, helping ensure they received dignified burials through community resources and compassionate networks.

My humanitarian work has been recognized through various awards, including the PASS Humanitarian Award. My career spans decades of medical practice in both private and public service. I have participated in numerous medical missions, free clinics, and outreach programs, providing care and supplies to underserved communities across the Philippines.

Beyond medical missions, my spiritual calling continued through evangelistic gatherings held at the Manila Hotel, where many individuals accepted Christ. In the Bicol Region, we distributed Bibles, toys, clothes, shoes, and essential items to families in need. Today, ministry continues at my ancestral home in Magallanes, Sorsogon, where weekly Bible studies and a children’s ministry are held in the chapel built on my parents’ compound.

America offered opportunity, but every blessing came with sacrifice. The Philippines remains my
heart’s calling. The burden I carried when I left has become my mission: to serve, to give back,
and to uplift my fellow Filipinos with compassion, dignity, and faith.

Dr. Lourdes Mella Hilao
Medical doctor and community leader, Illinois

07/01/2026

I am a first born generation Filipino American from Bulacan, Philippines.

My parents instilled the value of education, “study hard and go to college.” I did not get to be an MD because my parents could not afford to. We were 8 siblings. I finished college with a Bachelors degree in Nursing and got married to a physician. With my husband, I went to America on an immigrant visa. My husband ended up as a Major in the US Army and as head of a medical regiment sent to Vietnam. He came back a recipient of two Congressional Bronze Medals, among other recognitions. A people person, he got involved with the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago (PMAC) and got elected as president. The association at the time was fighting discrimination against foreign medical graduates. I became a member of the PMAC Auxiliary, the supporting organization of PMAC. Later, I got elected president and served four separate times as president, with the last one in 2026. I also got involved with the Filipino American Council In Chicago (FACC), serving as the first woman vice president. FACC owned the Rizal Community Center. I helped raise funds to pay for the mortgage. As chair of Rizal Day Celebrations and Cotillions, I was there when the mortgage got fully paid. I attempted, with other FACC officers, to get the back of the Rizal Center empty lot as a Senior housing building, but failed as the owner built condos instead. I became president twice of the first Filipino Lions Club in Illinois. My club received the Club Excellence Award under my presidency and I received five Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition.

In 1979, I served as the 3rd OAC of PIWC and had been involved since then up to the present. I became president of PIW Corp in 2015-17. In 1983, sadly my husband and I got divorced and I got custody of our five children. I started working full time and was hired as a Director of Nursing of a large nursing home. I was only one of a few Filipino nurses in Illinois with that position at that time. I was told that I got hired for my known leadership activities in the community. The nursing homes received awards eight consecutive times for excellence in care under my directorship. I received recognition also for it from the Illinois Long Term Council. The attempt to finish my Master’s degree in Nursing and Master’s degree in Nursing Service failed at that time because I was working a full time job and had to take care of five children. It became too much. My activities with the Auxiliary and Lions club continue though. I also got involved with the Asian Coalition as Co chair of the Annual Lunar New Year. During that time, I was appointed as a member of the Asian Advisory Commission to Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and received recognition from the Mayor for service to the city of Chicago. I also got involved with the Woman’s Club in Chicago and was recognized for Leadership.

In my involvement in different groups organized for community good, my inner desire and goal is not only for the enhancement of the image of the Filipinos and Filipino Americans but also for myself and for my family. I get the satisfaction that in my little ways I am helping the less fortunate, thus helping in fostering a better and a kinder world. I wished the FilAms can be part of mainstream politics. I thank the organizations in Wisconsin and the Asian community for involving me and for their recognition and appreciation of my involvement in their organization.

In Washington DC I was recognized as one of the 2008 Twenty (TOFA) Outstanding Filipinos In US and Canada, the awarding of which was done at the Philippine Embassy in Washington.

Dalisay “Daisy” Villalon
Community leader, Chicago

06/26/2026

I am a first-generation Filipino American from a big family of fifteen children of hardworking parents from Navotas, Rizal, Philippines; mother, a Tagala native of the town and father, born in Bogo, Cebu, who moved to the outskirts of Metro Manila at a young age. I, (the third older) together with the other older siblings, were given the responsibility of caring and supervising the younger siblings and helping in managing the household while parents were attending to all kinds of business activities and transactions for the family's survival. After doing the tasks assigned to us older siblings, we were permitted to go out and play with friends, with emphasis on `after doing your school homework.'

Education was strictly emphasized in the family as the pursuit of education is looked up to as the primary goal in improving our lives' precious goals toward survival, happiness, and success. Our parents who married quite young, did not have the opportunity to pursue the level of higher education they needed due to the calls of responsibilities and obligations toward their growing family.

After college graduation with a bachelor's degree in Foreign Service from the University of the Philippines, class 1962, and working briefly on a couple of jobs as an executive secretary post-grad, I embarked on traveling to the country of opportunity, the U.S.A., and settled in the midwestern city of Chicago where some college friends had been settled ahead of me. It was a reunion for all of us, with some starting their own families and as members of the workforce in our new country. It was a fun, young, carefree days for all of us as the newly-transplanted Chicagoans.

But, of course, there were some challenges along the way in trying to build your own identity in a foreign country, personally and professionally. It was the interesting moment of enjoying life and establishing one's self and choosing, pursuing, and surviving in a new role in another world at the same time. Marriage came along, then the offspring. Did I just want to be a stay-home mom as a young mother and/or be a member of the working community to contribute to the household expenses, and at the same time listening to the calls of getting involved in the growing Fil-Am community of Chicago, with so many young clubs/associations sprouting out all over the city? I adjusted, conformed, and went ahead with the three roles: motherhood, office worker, and community volunteer/leader, until life's destiny brought me to become a media person in the fields of print publication and television media platforms (scary to tread as I didn't have any knowledge or experience in the field of journalism).

A big challenge faced me when I entered the unfamiliar world of Media during the pre-computerized print industry era, a new challenge and a new learning experience for me in the 1970's/80's; had to go through the woodwork, from pre-production, production, and distribution works: starting with the copying and pasting articles manually, typing and editing in electric typewriter, personally collecting contributors' articles, personally calling on the advertisers for the company's finances to stay afloat, then delivering the free papers to several business locations all over town for exposure and marketing purposes.

The Via Times Newsmagazine was born in August, 1972 amidst about a dozen male-competing publishers in ethnic and mainstream communities in Chicago, the first publication owned by a native-born Filipina, and it was instantly a big hit in our community. Within five years later, the addition of a weekly one-hour broadcast media, the Chicago Philippine Reports TV, was welcomed with open arms in our Chicago Fil-Am community and completed the first Filipina-run print and broadcast media entities with mainstream exposure, not only in the Chicagoland area, but possibly in North America. And, definitely, it has served as a defining moment in my life (ethnic female with neither a single journalism subject nor finance-savvy to sustain a media business in a foreign land). My whole journalism world was on a trial-and-error mode, combined with great character assets of guts, determination, and resilience, from the start.

Lessons learned through the process? Anyone can attain what the heart and mind desire in pursuit of success, happiness, and life's dream; to not listen to negative blockades; to not think of wrong gender or ethnicity in the field of interest; that the unlimited door of opportunity is endless whether you're a woman or a man; in my case, a female person who came from a third-world country and established herself in America, and found her niche in the best country in the world, "breaking the glass ceiling," as they would say, in the restricted world of journalism in America. On the other hand, my mother country, the Philippines, could likewise see and listen when the Commission on Filipinos Overseas under the office of the President of the Philippines gave me recognition and awarded the Via Times Newsmagazine as "the best Print Magazine on `Migration and Media' " in 2019.

Currently, if I could talk to my younger self, I would say, "Hey, Veronica, that is it! You've done and accomplished things so well, and learned through the process with blood, sweat, and tears, but with no regrets. Congratulations! You've been hearing words, such as, "You're my idol," "You're my hero," "You're my inspiration," and you have received all kinds of accolades, awards, and recognitions through all those hard-fought years from recognized institutions, particularly the City of Chicago under Mayor Richard M. Daley when I was awarded "Women's Hall of Fame in Communications in 1991" and my own beloved alma mater, the University of the Philippines, as an "Outstanding Alumna 2019." And, isn't it so wonderful that you've founded and organized a well-recognized and well-respected cultural institution known as the "Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame," an established global institution for recognizing most-deserving Filipinos, Asians, and Friends for twenty-five years" throughout the U.S. and Philippines.

What other words would describe and recap what I have accomplished in life after more than four decades in media success in America, even globally, while wholeheartedly serving our Filipino-American community and my familial roots to these days, I've asked myself several times in this lifetime? I've secretly congratulated myself for having the guts, the nerves, the equanimity, and the brilliance to transport my young self from the Philippines to another world of dreams and ambitions, as a pioneer for my family (mother, sisters, brothers, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces) and other relatives and and love two cultures at the same time. What a beautiful world we live in, looking back, in a recap!

Veronica Leighton
Publisher and Chief Editor, Via Times, Chicago, Illinois

06/15/2026

Coming to the U.S. 23 years ago, ironically, made me feel I was falling behind. Back in the Philippines, I was the equivalent of a creative director with a team of designers, production staff, and work trips to Hong Kong. Here in Chicago, I had to start at the bottom. I didn’t have the advantage of school name recognition or network. In my mid-30s, while contemporaries seemed settled with careers, families, and world travel, I was newly married, building a family, and still figuring out how to fit in. Being introverted didn’t help.

Then I got laid off. Twice. So I used that time to teach myself book publishing, video editing, animation, and web development using free resources from our public library including their online learning platform subscriptions like Lynda (this was before YouTube tutorials existed). To this day, I pride myself in being tech-savvy at my age.

Those skills helped me land a job as a children’s book designer, which I tremendously enjoy doing. They were also useful when I organized Sinag, the largest Filipino-American visual arts collective in Chicago and the greater Chicago area. Having made a website, marketing materials, and short-form videos that looked professionally done gave our group credibility when recruiting members and promoting events.

Sinag turns five next year. Doing my part to build visibility for Filipino-American artists has been one of the great privileges of my life. Through Sinag, my network grew exponentially, including a connection that led to a project illustrating a children’s book. A lifelong dream come true.

It’s been great to watch the Filipino-American community in Chicago grow more vibrant, cohesive and engaged every year.

Geraldine Martinez-Benz
Visual artist, children’s book designer, founder of Sinag, illustrator of the multi-awarded Time to Shine: A Filipino-American Family Story, based in Chicago

06/05/2026

I left the Philippines in June of 1988. It made me the first-generation immigrant, who left my parents and three younger brothers. I graduated with a B.S. in Social Work at Ateneo de Davao University in 1984.

In the summer of 1994, I got involved with the Filipino American Association of Iowa (FAAI, founded 1975) as a member/volunteer. I have been elected as president of the FAAI for four terms now. Serving the Filipino community is so close to my heart as I want the Filipino community to be abreast of what is going on in their surroundings.

As one of the founding board members for Monsoon United Asian Women of Iowa (now, Monsoon Asian and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity) in 2003, I advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. I’m one of the original planning team members for the Iowa Asian Festival (with the Iowa Asian Alliance). The Filipino Village tent (FAAI) is one of the villages that’s always present to perform and sell Filipino food. This Asian festival is one of the most awaited festivals in Iowa.

In 2005, I became one of the original ambassadors with CultureAll until now serving as an ambassador. I proudly speak with different entities and schools in Iowa, sharing with them our Filipino culture and tradition. In 2007, I received a Hall of Fame, Community Service National Award with VIA Times Chicago Philippine Reports TV. In 2008, I was elected as city council member in Carlisle, Iowa, and served the city for four years. This involves city planning, city budgets, approving city ordinances, etc. In the same years, I served as commissioner with the Commission of Asian and Pacific
Islander Affairs, I’m also an alumnus with the FBI Citizens Academy, Des
Moines, Iowa chapter. In 2010, I received a Governor’s Volunteer Award.

In 2012, I moved to Chicagoland. Got involved with NaFFAA Illinois, Circle of Empowered Women (CEW) and the Piyesta Pinoy Chicago. Sounds a lot but I managed to prioritize my weekend. In 2015, I moved to Michigan and served as vice president with the Philippine Cultural Group of Michigan (Grand Rapids area). I also served as a board member with the Asian Community Outreach until I left Michigan in 2021.

In 2021, I moved back to Iowa and got more involved with the community, serving as president with the American Legion Auxiliary (Carlisle Unit #391), and a board member with the Carlisle Area Historical Society. I am also active in my church activities. In 2023, I hosted some Filipino teachers who were hired to teach with Des Moines Public Schools. I invited them to my house during holidays. I want them to feel at home, avoiding homesickness.

I am currently working as an Early Childhood Associate with Des Moines Public Schools. Last but not the least, my friends call me the “Highway Queen”. I belong to the Iowa Mustang Unstabled (IMU) club, where I enjoy cruising with other Mustang enthusiasts.

“Life is a beautifully unscripted journey, shaped by the unexpected moments we never saw coming. Embrace the detour.”

Alma A. C**n
President, Filipino American Assoc of Iowa (founded 1975)

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