NaFFAA Regions

NaFFAA’s member regions cover the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Pacific Islands.

Pacific Northwest

Lou Vargas

Region President

Alaska
Idaho
Oregon
Washington

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Northern California

Kevin Suarez

Region President

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Kevin Suarez

Northern California
Region Chair

Kevin Suarez is an accounting services professional, aspiring investor and a dedicated Filipino- American community advocate.

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Kevin attended San Jose State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Economics in December of 2018.

During his collegiate career, Kevin held the role of EVP of De Anza College’s student government, served as a State Chair of a national youth run political organization, volunteered for multiple national and local political campaigns, and served as an intern for San Jose City Council.

Since completing his undergraduate degree, Kevin has worked for the registered public accounting firm; Ernst and Young, in the Audit Assurance practice.

Kevin’s desire to see additional representation in the accounting and finance services industries lead him to join up as the Executive Vice President of the San Francisco chapter of the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA); an organization that is dedicated to educating, training and mentoring emerging Filipino and Filipino-American professionals in the accounting and financial services industries.

Kevin is a proud alumnus of EPYC (Empowering Youth Through Collaboration); the National Federation of Filipino American Association’s Youth Program, and was most recently elected as NAFFAA’s Northern California Region Chair in 2022. Kevin has also been a member of the San Jose based organization; LEAD Filipino since 2017. As a member of LEAD Filipino’s Civic Engagement team, Kevin assisted the statewide FIERCE Coalition with the planning and execution of the 2018 Filipino Policy Symposium and 2019 Filipino Advocacy Day that was hosted at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. In 2022, Kevin also became a Board Member of the Sacramento based political action committee; SacFilPAC.

Kevin also aspires to be a real estate investor and hopes to pass on the knowledge of intergenerational wealth creation to the wider Filipino-American community.

Kevin’s goal with these organizations is to help train, motivate and inspire the next generation of Filipino-American community leaders, to not just break the “bamboo ceiling”, but to also fully realize their potential in their given passions and careers.

Counties north of San Luis, Obispo and Kern

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Desert Mountain

Sally Balecha

Region President

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Sally Balecha

Desert Mountain
Region Chair

Sally C. Balecha is a Filipino-American Realtor and Community leader who has made a name for herself in Las Vegas. Born in Narvacan, Iloco Sur, Philippines, Sally moved to the United State at the age of eight and settled in Honolulu, Hawaii. There, she attended Fern Elementary and graduated from Farrington High School in 1981.  Sally went on to earn her degree from the University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College, where she got her skills and prepared herself for a successful career.

After college, Sally married her high school sweetheart, and they started a family together. They have two children whom they adore, as well as a granddaughter who brings them endless joy. In 2000, Sally and her family moved to Las Vegas, where she began her career as a REALTOR®. Since 2001, she has been a full-time real estate professional and is now a Broker-Salesperson. Her hard work and dedication to her clients have paid off, and she has been recognized as a Top 20 Producer with Realty One Group Southwest in 2015. Her Ong and Balecha Team have consistently been Top Producers from 2018 to 2022, making Sally one of the most successful REALTOR® in Las Vegas.

When she’s not working, Sally is also actively pursuing her hobbies, which include traveling, ballroom dancing and Zumba. She is also actively involved in the American Filipino community, holding positions as Secretary for NaFFAA Nevada in the past and as well NaFFAA Desert Mountain Region Secretary for 3 sets of administration. Currently, Sally serves as the NaFFAA Desert Mountain Region President, working tirelessly to promote and empower the Filipino-American community and a Secretary for Sing Out For Autism (SOFA).

Sally also stays connected to her Filipino heritage by joining the Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas in 2003. She is a current Board of Director, but also served as Vice-President and Secretary in previous years. In addition, she is a Board of Director for her Edgefield Homeowner Association that consists of four communities, keeping her in touch with her local community.

Above all, Sally is passionate about helping her Filipino-American community and giving back to those around her. Her work in the community is truly fulfilling, but being a grandmother to her three-year-old granddaughter is the best satisfaction that life can bring to her. Sally’s journey from her humble beginnings in the Philippines to her successful career as a REALTOR® and community leader is an inspiring story of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to one’s roots.

Arizona
Nevada
Utah

Rocky Mountain

Alex Africa

Region President

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Alexander Africa

Rocky Mountain
Region President

Dr. Alexander Africa is originally from Lipa City, Philippines, and migrated to California in the 90s. He is 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)

Colorado
Kansas
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming

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Southwest

Anthony Guevara

Anthony Guevara

Region President

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Anthony Guevara

Anthony Guevara

Southwest
Region Chair

Anthony Guevara is an award-winning licensed Senior Loan Officer in the mortgage banking industry. A graduate of Texas A & M University; a past delegate of the Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPRO) and currently serves as the Immersion program co-chair.

He also serves as the Region 6 Chair for NAFFAA (National Federation of Filipino American Associations); Youth Chair for the US Pinoys for Good Governance (US4GG) Region 6; Board of Director for the Philippine- American Chamber of Commerce of South Texas; Vice- Chair for the Filipino American Caucus for Empowerment (FACE); a founding member of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Houston chapter; and a founding organizer for the Houston Rockets Filipino Heritage Night and was also the youngest member to serve in Houston’s umbrella organization The Filipino American Council of South Texas (FACOST).

Arkansas
Louisiana
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Texas

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Midwest

Evelyn Natividad

Region President

Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Wisconsin

Great Lakes

Wilmar Suan

Region President

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Wilmar Suan

GREAT LAKES
REGION PRESIDENT

Wilmar R. Suan is a versatile leader with significant contributions in finance, community engagement, and healthcare advocacy. As the principal of Suan and Company CPA, a well-established CPA firm, Wilmar oversees financial
operations with expertise. His leadership extends to HR Alliance, a firm specializing in innovative human resources solutions and Mental Health Financial Management Services for the Self Determination Program, serving various Community Mental Health organizations in Michigan and California.

Additionally, he owns and operates TRAC Therapy Research Autism, which supports children with autism and aids individuals in brain trauma rehabilitation, and Accelerated Home Health Services, which provides high-quality, compassionate care in clients’ homes. His entire organization employs nearly two hundred people.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Wilmar actively participates in community organizations such as the Saint Rene Goupil and St. Anne Parish Usher Clubs, Kiwanis Club, and Knights of Columbus, and has previously served as a Boy Scout Webelos Leader. He finds fulfillment as a devoted husband and father, with family as a cornerstone of his life.

Professionally, Wilmar is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Michigan, demonstrating proficiency in financial management. His academic credentials include the Chartered Global Management Accountant designation and a Master of Science in Taxation degree, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning. He is also currently licensed in various insurance products and previously held various securities licenses.

Formerly licensed in financial securities, Wilmar redirected his focus to specializing in tax and accounting services, leveraging his expertise to benefit clients. He actively engages in professional circles, contributing insights to the Michigan Association of CPAs and showcasing his dedication to professional
growth.

Wilmar’s contributions have earned him recognition, including the APACC 2018 Salute to Excellence, the 2019 City of Sterling Heights Diversity Distinction awards, Corp Magazine 2020 Salute to Diversity Award, and the Ilitch Sports and Comerica Tigers and Red Wing Game Changer award for 2024, acknowledging his impact and commitment to diversity. He has served on the Executive Board of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC), promoting Asian Pacific American business, and the Asian Pacific and Islander American Vote Michigan (APIA Vote), a nonpartisan nonprofit committed to justice and equity for Asian Americans. He also holds leadership roles in local and national Filipino American organizations, including serving as President of the Filipino American Community Council of Michigan (FILAMCCO), current President of the Philippine American Foundation (FILAMCCO FOUNDATION), Board of Director of the Philippine American Community Center (PACCM), Region Chair for the Great Lakes and National Board for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). Additionally, he volunteers as the Executive Director of the Philippine American Medical Mission Foundation of Michigan, which conducts annual surgical, medical, and dental missions to rural Philippines, and serves on the board of the Philippine Nurses Association of America Foundation, which supports the welfare of Filipino nurses in the United States. His leadership has earned him numerous community recognitions, including the Community Leadership Award from FILAMCCO and various Filipino organizations, and the Super Star Volunteer award from the Philippine Nurses Association of America Foundation.

Wilmar R. Suan’s commitment across professional and community spheres continues to positively influence and enrich various aspects of community welfare and healthcare advocacy.

Indiana
Kentucky
Michigan
Ohio

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Northeast

Laura Garcia

Region President

Delaware
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania

Capital

Ryan Namata

Region President

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Ryan Namata

Capital
Region PRESIDENT

Ryan Namata is currently the Global HR Director for international cyber security experts at Kivu Consulting. He has over 18 years of experience as an HR leader and HR Projects professional, working in varied industries, from several small startups to a Fortune 200 company and including the non-profit space. He has extensive corporate experience in the areas of staffing, workforce and strategic planning, training and professional development, HR information systems, change management and engagement. In his personal time he is a part of several community organizations in which he has several leadership roles, including officer and board member. He is currently the pro-bono HR Director for the Children and Families Network Centers, Chairperson of the National Association for Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) DC Chapter, Human Capital Director for the National Federation of Filipino Associations (NaFFAA), and Intelligence Community Heritage Council Liaison. Ryan Namata is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and is also a certified Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) and certified SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

District of Columbia
Maryland
Virginia
West Virginia

New England

Frank Celoza

Region President

Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont

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Pacific Islands

To be announced

Region President

Hawaii
Guam
Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands
American Samoa

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Southern

Jay Capistrano

Region President

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Jay Capistrano

Southern
Region President

Jay Capistrano is a community servant leader, a philanthropist, an advocate of Filipino Americans, a business leader and business mentor, a licensed financial professional and advisor, a co-owner of multiple companies, an investment banker, a Small Business Administration (SBA) lender and business investor, a commercial multi-family real estate developer, a city volunteer, a professional national emcee, and a God fearing father of two and husband to a wonderful wife.

For several years, Jay has held the positions as NaFFAA Southern – North Carolina President as well as FilAm Sangbayan President. He has organized numerous galas raising funds to feed and support thousands of families in the Philippines and within the United States.

For nearly forty years of his life, he has supported and advocated for Filipino Americans starting in his high school years in NJ being the president or officer of various Filipino American associations, as well as in his Rutgers University years. Jay started his financial professional career in Wall Street NYC as a stock broker and has worked as a top-award winning VP for many companies like Bank of America and other financial institutions. He holds his license as a financial advisor and helps families with their investment and retirement needs, along with his strategic professional partnerships. He mentors leaders in scaling their business while bringing and maintaining value to their respective companies.

Jay is the CFO and co-owner of a few restaurants, a logistics company, a construction and a real estate company. He is a professional commercial property developer / lender / investor focusing on Class-A multi-family and affordable housing. He is a seasoned SBA lender and investor specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions since 2014, closing on nearly $50MM of loans in 1 particular year. While he was a Branch Manager for BOA, he was nominated and appointed the positon of Vice Chair of Winston Salem, NC Budget Advisory Council, where they analyzed and financially advised all city departments.

During his spare time, Jay periodically emcees annual big concerts in NYC and other cities and also hosts huge fund raising events. Jay Capistrano’s main passion is serving God in all of his activities, while his most proud held position is being a family man, the father of Kaitlyn (18) and Nikolas (15) and husband to Katrina in their 21 years of marriage.

Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

Greater Los Angeles

Noel Omega

Noel Omega

Region President

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Noel Omega

Noel Omega

Greater Los Angeles
Region Chair

Noel S. V. Omega co-founded the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA). Noel studied Electronics and Computer Engineering at Cal State L.A. and is currently the CEO of Omega Quadrant, LLC. Noel has diversified business interests in Information Technology outsourcing, Renewable Energy development and International trade & investments.

Noel promotes economic empowerment by working with various Filipino-American population hubs in the greater L.A. area and engages the youth to become champions of economic empowerment. Noel currently serves as president emeritus and lifetime advisor for the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles and has helped establish various Filipino-American Chambers in Southern California.

Noel’s community leadership includes: the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce/FPACC as Vice President of Public Relations, Kalayaan of Southern California (Chairman Emeritus), Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement, Los Angeles Mission College Foundation (former board member), Valley Voters Organized Toward Empowerment(Valley VOTE), Leyte-Samar Association, and, continues to speak on behalf of various civic and community interests. Noel also performs as a professional voiceover talent and emcees major events in his spare time.

Noel joined NaFFAA in April 2014 and currently serves as Chairman for Region IX to promote advancement and empowerment for Filipino-Americans in Southern California.

Counties south of San Luis Obispo, Kern and Greater LA through the northern boundary of San Diego

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San Diego, Inland Empire, Imperial County

Nicanora Montenegro

Region President

San Bernardino
Riverside
San Diego
Imperial County

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Pacific Northwest

Alaska
Idaho
Oregon
Washington

Rocky Mountain

Colorado
Kansas
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming

Northeast

Delaware
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania

New England

Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont

Midwest

Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Wisconsin

Southern

Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

Capital

District of Columbia
Maryland
Virginia
West Virginia

Great Lakes

Indiana
Kentucky
Michigan
Ohio

Northern California

Counties north of San Luis, Obispo and Kern

Desert Mountain

Arizona
Nevada
Utah

Southwest

Arkansas
Louisiana
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Texas

Pacific Islands

Hawaii
Guam
Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands
American Samoa

Greater Los Angeles

Counties south of San Luis Obispo, Kern and Greater LA through the northern boundary of San Diego

San Diego, Inland Empire, Imperial County

San Bernardino
Riverside
San Diego and 
Imperial County

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