Leadership

Kathleya was born in Bacolod City, Philippines, and immigrated to the United States in 1985 and made Southern California as her home until she moved to Utah in 2000. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and now lives in North Salt Lake, Utah, with her husband, Sergio, and two doodles, Mocha and Rocky Road. Kathleya has one daughter who earned a Master’s degree in Special Education and works as a school teacher in Farmington, Utah.

Kathleya is a Stage 3 Breast Cancer Survivor. She is an active member and volunteer of Image Reborn Foundation founded by Dr. Renato Salz. She helps in facilitating renewal retreats held in Utah free for breast cancer survivors for women all over United States. Kathleya is a participant of the Academy Corps with Academy Mortgage where she had the opportunity to voluntarily serve the people in Verde Sumaco, a village in the middle of the Amazon jungle, in Ecuador where she helped build roads in the village to prevent flooding as well as mosquito infestation.

Kathleya is an active and committed community leader and member serving in many nonprofit organizations and events, such as the Utah Asian Festival, Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Filipino American Association, Kulturang Pilipino Ensemble of Utah, Philippines Humanitarian Project Hope. She is one of the core members of the TâmHanan, a volunteer group who

helps struggling and deserving Asian families that are in dire in need of home redesign services. Kathleya is also a volunteer to many other social service organizations in Utah, such as The Fisher House of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Geraldine E. King Resource Center, Utah Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Resource Center.

Kathleya and her husband, Sergio, owned Fitness on 7th , a Zumba studio in downtown Salt Lake City, for five years until it was sold in 2018. She led and organized many Zumba events promoting community involvement in Salt Lake City. Kathleya loves to travel, Zumba, paddleboard, skydive, play with her dogs, spend time with her family and friends, read and currently learning how to play golf.

Kathleya is also the elected President of the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce for 2024. She has strong faith in the Asian businesses in the community she loves and calls home, and fully support the mission and vision of the organization. In her role as the President of the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce, Kathleya will continue to promote social, economic, and other business resources to enable its members and others in the community to become successful entrepreneurs and professionals, and will encourage the growth of Asian businesses and expand networking among Asian professionals in the State of Utah.

Kathleya serves CAFA Utah as its Chairman.

The Rizzuto family finds joy in embracing the diverse seasons of Salt Lake City. Wintertime brings them to the slopes for exhilarating skiing adventures, while the summer months see them on road trips, camping and enjoying quality time amidst the mountains as a family.

Apart from her family pursuits, Aileen enjoys indulging in a round of golf with friends whenever time and weather permit. This sport serves as both a leisurely activity and an opportunity for socializing.

Beyond her familial roles, Aileen has actively contributed to her community. She served as HSA president and sports director at a Catholic school during her children's middle school years. Her professional journey has been marked by extensive experience in Finance and Lending. Currently, Aileen holds the position of Remittance Specialist for banking operations at a leading Fintech lending and banking industry organization.

Aileen's commitment to community service extends far beyond her professional endeavors. She is an active leader, member, and volunteer in various non-profit organizations. Her involvement includes roles in the Community Alliance of Filipino Americans of Utah, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Kulturang Pilipino Ensemble of Utah, and the Philippine Humanitarian Project Hope. Aileen is also a member of the Tamhanan group and volunteers with numerous social service organizations.

Her dedication to fostering community bonds and making a positive impact reflects Aileen's admirable spirit and commitment to service. In every aspect of her life, she continues to be a source of inspiration and support for those around her.

Aileen serves CAFA Utah as its Vice Chairman.

In 2005, she co-founded the 501-C6 Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce where Eunice served as the Chamber President for the first 3 years, then became Advisory Chair overseeing the whole operation in the last 11 years. Eunice let the other board members take the lead, but then during Covid, she was voted by the board to serve again as President until the end of 2021. In 2008, Eunice also established the 501-C3 a Charitable Foundation of the Asian Chamber and still serving as the Chairwoman where they award scholarships to under privilege or low-income Asian College Students.

Eunice is the Chairwoman of the Executive Board for Asian Association of Utah serving the Refugees and immigrants population since 2006. From human trafficking to mental health, domestic violence and abuse, after school program and ESL, the agency provide a wide array of services to all refugees to help them be assimilated to eventually become a good citizen.

In 2010, Eunice started the Philippines Cultural Performing Group and still serving as the Cultural Director. On the same year, Eunice served as the First Chair of NaFFAA Utah until 2013 and became their Advisor from 2021-2023. In 2002-2010 Eunice served as a member of the Asian Advisory Council and became the chair of the Council of Utah’s Office of Asian Affairs of the Gov. Jon Huntsman and Gov. Gary Herbert until it was changed to Multicultural Commission in 2011, where Eunice served her last year term.

Eunice was the first woman President of Philippine American Association of Utah in 1999-2001. In her spare time, she helps buyers and sellers buy or sell homes, golf at least 2-3 times a week, 8 months of the year and babysit her 3 grandkids in between.

Eunice serves CAFA Utah as its Executive Advisor.

Prior to moving to the US, Grace worked for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) where she helped organize the Philippines’ annual international furniture show in Cebu as well as its participation to showcase Philippine-made furniture at trade shows and missions around the world. With a Bachelor’s Degree under her belt, Grace went on to receive her formal training and certification in the organization of international trade shows in the Netherlands and Germany. Here in the US, Grace has found success in the software tech industry as a C-level executive assistant, and as an event, office and project manager for over 20 years.

Grace currently serves the Filipino American (FilAm) business community through The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Utah (PACCI Utah) as its Executive Chair. More notably, Grace leads and serves the broader Filipino American community of Utah through her work with consular outreach, the Philippine Independence Day festival, and many other community projects for the Filipino Americans in Utah.

For Grace, Utah’s Filipino American community is relatively small and definitely under-served which is why she is passionate about fighting for its representation in the state of Utah and across the US.

Grace serves CAFA Utah as its Secretary and Public Relations Officer.

express their love and care through sending boxes of love to their family back in the Philippines.

Jeanette has served the Filipino American community of Utah through the National Federation of Filipino American Associations from 2021-2023.

Jeannette serves CAFA Utah as its Treasurer.

the Filipino-American community in Utah with integrity, ingenuity, responsibility, and will let God guide her heart and hands to know what to do and to do what is right.

Vangie serves CAFA Utah as its Director of Membership.

With a background steeped in the artistry of baking, the creativity of fashion design, and the strategic mindset of real estate, Cynthia embodies a diverse skill set that contributes to a unique and successful career journey that is useful to CAFA Utah.

She is happily married with 4 kids and 2 dogs. She loves to sing, bake, cook and sell!

Cynthia serves CAFA Utah as its Director of Events.

loving husband and four daughters, traveling, camping, gardening and just being together as she absolutely loves her role as a mother. 

Jeanne serves CAFA Utah as its Director of Community Engagement and Cultural Affairs.

of farmers, cooks, healers, and educators, he believes in the spirit of bayanihan where each and every person has a role in engaging and improving the state of Utah. Since 2010, he has served on the boards of numerous Asian Pacific Islander communities and organizations locally and nationally.

Inspired by his lolas and lolos who were engaged in community organizing in both the Philippines and in the USA, he is presently involved in OCA National as Vice President for Education & Culture (2021-2024), OCA Asian Pacific Islander American Advocates Utah as Director (2015-2024) and former President (2019, 2021), the Utah Asian Festival as Chair (2023, 2024), Asian Link Project as Director (2021-2024), Kulturang Pilipino Ensemble of Utah (2016-2024), Filipino American National Historical Society Utah (2019-2024), Jung Hing Lion Dance Club (2014-2024), the University of Utah Alumni Association Asian Pacific Islander Chapter as Co-Chair (2021-2024), and the University of Utah Asian American Student Association Alumni (2020-2024)

He has previously served as Chair for the Filipino Festival of Utah/Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Utah (2017), President for the Pilipino American Association of Utah (2012), Youth Chair for NAFFAA Utah (2012-2015), Regional Youth Chair for NAFFAA Desert Mountain Region (2013-2014), Secretary for the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce Utah (2017-2018), Utah Representative for the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (2019-2022), and on the boards of Mana Academy Charter School (2019-2022), the Governor of Utah’s Multicultural Commission (2015-2023), the University of Utah Asian American Student Association (2010-2014), and University of Utah Pilipino American Student Association (2011-2014) among many others.

Through the generous support and mentorship of Asian Pacific Islander community Titas/Titos/Aunties/Uncles/Ates/Kuyas, he has been recognized as a Utah Asian Charitable Foundation Scholar (2012, 2013), University of Utah's Student Leader of the Year (2014), Utah Business’s Living Color Awardee (2021), Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Young Asian Community Leader Award (2022), and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Legacy Award (2023).

Emilio serves CAFA Utah as its Director of Asian Community Affairs. 

Academically, Maqee has been distinguished with numerous awards including “Math Scholar of the Year,” “Social Studies Scholar of the Year,” “English Scholar of the Year,” first place in the “Research Paper for Law, Economics, and Business Analysis,” and holding the top rank in his grade. 

His passion extends beyond academics to advocacy for students from diverse backgrounds. As the founder of YHO (Youth Humanitarian Organization), Maqee champions academic resource accessibility and fosters collaborative efforts for change, working on projects that aid refugees, celebrate cultural diversity, and more. He also contributes to the IRC (International Rescue Committee), assisting refugees with various needs, and is an active member of the Asian Association of Utah, voicing and supporting the Asian community. 

Maqee's leadership shone in the Midvale NextGen project, where he spearheaded initiatives to improve the environment, support the homeless, and strengthen community ties. He is committed to raising awareness and teaching the importance of giving back to our communities.

Maqee serves CAFA Utah as its Youth Representative.

Jace’s drive to create a sense of belonging for others is palpable. She is a strong advocate for youth empowerment, always encouraging her peers to actively participate in the CAFA community. Her leadership is characterized by an unwavering commitment to inclusion and the belief that everyone deserves a place where they feel valued and understood.

Her dedication to service goes beyond words—Jace has a proven track record of volunteering for non-profit and charity organizations where she’s consistently demonstrated her ability to make a tangible difference. Whether she’s organizing events, leading initiatives, or simply offering her time to help those in need, Jace approaches every task with passion and purpose.

Jace’s mission is clear: to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Filipino Americans in Utah while fostering a community where everyone feels at home. With her infectious energy, compassion, and commitment to making a difference. Jace is a beacon of hope and inspiration, determined to leave a lasting impact on her community for years to come.

Jace serves CAFA Utah as its Youth Representative.