Board of Directors

The Executive Board

Mariela Fletcher

National Chairman

Mariela Fletcher
National Chairman

Mariela Fletcher is a licensed residential real estate broker in the State of Washington with RE/MAX Metro Realty since 1990. She holds a Business Degree in Management. Prior to immigrating to the United States in 1988 to join her husband, she owned a manufacturing and exporting business in the Philippines with concentration on hand painted and hand-crafted costume jewelry, gifts and housewares. She was also a Department of Trade and Industry CITEM awardee for “Best in Product Design” and for her contribution to the manufacturing and exporting industry in the Philippines.

Besides her real estate career, Mariela Fletcher opened MANILA MANILA, a deli and retail store that focused on ethnic Filipino food, in 2010 in Seattle, WA. Her goal in establishing the business was to introduce homes-cooked, authentic Filipino food to the mainstream. Her business successfully earned a place in the Seattle Magazine February 2015 issue as one of the recommended places for Filipino food.

She is active in a variety of civic and nonprofit organizations such as National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) as National Secretary since 2014, and Region Chair for the Pacific Northwest, International Drop-In Center (IDIC), a Filipino Senior Service Agency as Vice President, Lake City Future First, as Board Member and Business Development Committee co-chair, and St Matthew Parish as Chair of Parish Life Committee.

Biography
Ryan Namata

National President

Ryan Namata
National 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).
Biography
ALEX AFRICA

National Vice President

Alex Africa
Interim Vice President
Dr. Alex Africa is a distinguished community leader, retired United States Air Force veteran, and entrepreneur. He holds a Doctor of Management from Colorado Technical University, has completed coursework for a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Walden University, and earned an MBA from American Military University. With over 20 years of service to both the United States Air Force and the Filipino-American community, Dr. Africa has made significant contributions in leadership and community engagement. Outside of his professional accomplishments, he enjoys singing, dancing, and traveling the world with his family. A passionate skier, Dr. Africa and his family love exploring the Rockies. His favorite foods include his Tatay’s afritada, goto, and loming Batangas.
Biography
WILMAR SUAN

National Treasurer

Wilmar Suan
Interim Treasurer
Wilmar Suan is a highly accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in accounting, financial management, and human resources. He is the CEO of HR Alliance, a company that provides professional HR management and payroll services to businesses of all sizes. With a career spanning over 25 years, Wilmar has also founded and led several other successful ventures, including Suan & Company PC, a full-service tax and accounting firm, and Accelerated Homecare Services, which delivers compassionate care to seniors and individuals with disabilities.
In addition to his business acumen, Wilmar is deeply committed to community service, serving as the Executive Director of the Philippine American Medical Mission Foundation of Michigan and President of the Therapy Research Autism Center (T.R.A.C.). His leadership and expertise have made a significant impact across various sectors, from healthcare to financial services. Outside of his professional endeavors, Wilmar is passionate about helping others and fostering strong community ties.
Biography
Giselle Rushford

National Secretary

Giselle Rushford
Secretary
Rushford Investments, LLC Chief Executive Officer and Larush Consulting Principal Giselle Rushford emigrated from the Philippines to the US. She completed her undergraduate studies in Finance at the Golden Gate University in San Francisco and completed majority of her graduate studies in Management and Computer Information Systems at Regis University in Denver. She managed multimillion-dollar telecommunication infrastructure projects for Fortune 500 companies. After the 9/11 attack, she was instrumental in bringing back the communications infrastructure of all her clients. Giselle created and managed diversity programs, projects and processes for a large department in a Fortune 500 company. Some of the programs included a national Diversity Council that managed the activities, training and development of council members including. The company had adopted this diversity model throughout the corporation. She mentored and coached coworkers in career and personal development, team building, verbal and written communication skills and cross-functional relationships. Giselle’s greatest achievement thus far: in 2014, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Region V funded the rebuilding of a school in Leyte, Philippines. The school was decimated after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) unleashed its power. The new school is category 4 typhoon compliant so during a catastrophic storm, the school can also be used as a shelter to those in need.
Biography
JOSHUA ANG PRICE

National Executive Director

Joshua Ang Price
National Executive Director

Joshua Acervo Ang Price brings more than 15 years of national nonprofit, government, and civic leadership experience to his role as Executive Director. A nationally recognized Filipino American leader, Ang Price has served in senior roles across advocacy, fundraising, public policy, and coalition-building, including leadership with the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), Tayo Help Desk, and Arkansas United.

 

Across his career, Ang Price has served with several federal agencies and under three U.S. Presidents, with a focus on economic development, civic engagement, and community resilience through nonpartisan partnerships. He previously served in a senior role with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), as a Public Information Officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and as a contractor with the U.S. Department of State on international pro-democracy programs. His track record includes raising millions of dollars in grants, strengthening U.S.-Philippine relations, overseeing statewide civic engagement programs, and serving two terms as a county Election Commissioner. 


Ang Price is an active member of the Knights of Rizal of Greater Jacksonville, Florida, a founding member and President of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Jacksonville, FL chapter, and Board Treasurer of the National AAPI Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA). He is an alum of the APAICS National Leadership Academy, recipient of the TOFA Award (Politics), and a frequent national media voice, making him uniquely positioned to guide NaFFAA’s strategic growth and national impact.

Biography

National Trustees

Riezl Baker

Trustee

Riezl Baker
Trustee

As co-founder and principal owner of Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group, one of Georgia’s top boutique brokerages, Riezl has spent over two decades at the forefront of luxury real estate. Her innovative Listing Excellence Optimization (Luxury LEO) strategy has revolutionized the marketing of high-end properties and earned her national recognition as a top performer and thought leader in the industry.

In 2024, she was honored as the Top Individual Producer by the Lake Country Board of Realtors, reaching $120 million in sales. She has consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Agents by Georgia MLS and was recognized by Modern Luxury for five consecutive years as a Top Luxury Real Estate Industry Leader.

Riezl’s dedication to service extends far beyond business. She is an accomplished fundraiser and civic leader, having chaired the St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board, where she helped raise an astounding $8 million in just two years to open the local hospital in 2013. In February 2025, she again demonstrated her fundraising prowess by chairing the hospital’s Heart & Soul Gala, raising a record-breaking $800,000 in a single evening to support local healthcare programs.

Riezl has been a proud voice in Filipino American advocacy. She was a speaker and panelist at the 2022 NaFFAA National Empowerment Conference in Las Vegas, where she inspired fellow entrepreneurs by sharing her journey and insights on business leadership.

She frequently speaks at national conferences, including the CEO Exchange Conference in Washington, D.C., and the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference in Las Vegas. Her story has also been featured on Fox News’ Mansion Global.

Riezl and her husband, Ted Baker, have lived in Lake Oconee, Georgia since 1997. They are proud parents of two children—their son recently graduated with high honors from Yale University, and their daughter is a sophomore at New York University. NaFFAA is honored to welcome Riezl Baker to the Board of Trustees and looks forward to the transformative energy, strategic vision, and heart-centered leadership she brings to the Filipino American community.

Biography
ROD MERCADO

Trustee

Rod Mercado
Trustee
Rod Mercado is the owner and CEO of Financial Rescue, a company he founded in 2008 dedicated to helping people improve their financial lives, which has since become a “household brand” for millions of Filipino Americans across the United States. He has since expanded, forming the Financial Rescue Group of Companies consisting of Success Link Processing, Hexagon, FasTrack Lending, Mercado Global Insurance Brokers, MZ Modular Global Hub, and Modular Mastery in the Philippines.
Biography
Dr. Rommel Rivera

Trustee

Rodel Rodis, Esq.

Trustee

Rodel Rodis
NaFFAA FOUNDER AND Trustee
Rodel E. Rodis is one of the original founders of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and has served since its founding in 1997 as the General Counsel of the organization. In 2012, he was elected to a six (6) year term on the NaFFAA Board of Governors (BOG). Under his initiative and leadership, NaFFAA hosted the First Global Filipino Networking Convention held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco in August of 2002, which attracted 4,000 delegates, and which has continued in biennial global Filipino summit conferences since then. He is the President of the Global Filipino Diaspora Council (GFDC) that was formed in Manila in 2013 and the national president of US Pinoys for Good Governance which has been leading the global opposition to China’s invasion of Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea.
Rodel has been a member of the California Bar since 1980. He is also a syndicated columnist whose weekly column, Telltale Signs, regularly appears in Filipino community newspapers throughout the US. His online weekly column, Global Networking, also regularly appears in Inquirer.net and in Philnews.com. He is the author of “Telltale Signs of Filipinos in America” (Ina Press, 1992).

Rodel was the first Filipino to be elected to public office in San Francisco when he was elected to the San Francisco Community College Board in 1992 and reelected in 1996, 2000 and 2004, serving three terms as president of the San Francisco College Board. He also served as California state chair of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and was also the first national president of the Asian Pacific Islander Native American Trustees Association (APINATA). Rodel was also the first Filipino to be appointed to a major city commission in San Francisco when he was appointed president of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission in 1987.

Rodel taught Philippine History and the History of Filipinos in America at San Francisco State University and at Laney College. He has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS).
Biography
MADDIE VINES

Trustee

Maddie Vines
National trUSTEE

Maddie Vines is respected legal professional and longtime community leader with more than 32 years of experience in public service, litigation, and organizational leadership. Currently serving as Senior Paralegal II with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Vines has led complex legal operations, managed teams, and advanced equity, inclusion, and community advocacy throughout her career. She has also served in executive leadership roles with the Filipino American Community of Southern Colorado, advised chambers of commerce, and has been a dedicated NaFFAA leader and advocate for decades. Her deep governance experience, operational discipline, and heart for service make her a strong addition to NaFFAA’s national leadership.

Biography

Region Presidents

Pacific Northwest

Alaska
Idaho
Oregon
Washington


Vina Vanessa Vogt
Region President

Northern California

Counties north of San Luis, Obispo and Kern

 

Gabriel Young
Region President

Gabriel Young
Northern California
Region President

Gabriel Young is a Masters in Public Policy candidate at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. Recently, he concluded his public service as a Staff Assistant for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and graduated with Honors at The George Washington University where he double majored in Political Science with focus in Public Policy; and International Affairs with an International Politics concentration. He is skilled in policy writing, operations and management, law, and political philosophy from the perspectives of people of color. As an Asian American, he looks forward to pursuing a career in public policy & law to advocate and represent the Asian American community in Government.

Biography
Desert Mountain

Arizona
Nevada
Utah

Sally Balecha
Region President

Sally Balecha
Desert Mountain
Region President
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.
Biography
Rocky Mountain

Colorado
Kansas
Montana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming

Jennifer Samuel
Region President

Alex Africa
Interim Vice President
Dr. Alex Africa is a distinguished community leader, retired United States Air Force veteran, and entrepreneur. He holds a Doctor of Management from Colorado Technical University, has completed coursework for a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Walden University, and earned an MBA from American Military University. With over 20 years of service to both the United States Air Force and the Filipino-American community, Dr. Africa has made significant contributions in leadership and community engagement. Outside of his professional accomplishments, he enjoys singing, dancing, and traveling the world with his family. A passionate skier, Dr. Africa and his family love exploring the Rockies. His favorite foods include his Tatay’s afritada, goto, and loming Batangas.
Biography
Southwest

Arkansas
Louisiana
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Texas

Anthony Guevara
Region President

Midwest

Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Wisconsin


Edward Brotonel
Region President

 

Great Lakes

Indiana
Kentucky
Michigan
Ohio

Wilmar Suan
Region President

Wilmar Suan
Interim Treasurer
Wilmar Suan is a highly accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in accounting, financial management, and human resources. He is the CEO of HR Alliance, a company that provides professional HR management and payroll services to businesses of all sizes. With a career spanning over 25 years, Wilmar has also founded and led several other successful ventures, including Suan & Company PC, a full-service tax and accounting firm, and Accelerated Homecare Services, which delivers compassionate care to seniors and individuals with disabilities.
In addition to his business acumen, Wilmar is deeply committed to community service, serving as the Executive Director of the Philippine American Medical Mission Foundation of Michigan and President of the Therapy Research Autism Center (T.R.A.C.). His leadership and expertise have made a significant impact across various sectors, from healthcare to financial services. Outside of his professional endeavors, Wilmar is passionate about helping others and fostering strong community ties.
Biography
Northeast

Delaware
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania

Laura Garcia
Region President

Capital

District of Columbia
Maryland
Virginia
West Virginia


Megan Pavillar
Region President

New England

Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont

Frank Celoza
Region President

Pacific Islands

Hawaii
Guam
Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands
American Samoa

Southern

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

Jay Capistrano
Region President

Greater Los Angeles

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

Erlinda Granada-Sabah
Region President

San Diego, Inland Empire, Imperial County

San Bernardino
Riverside
San Diego
Imperial County

Nicanora Montenegro
Region President

NaFFAA

NaFFAA is the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations, and individuals.

National Operations Team

Natalie Jones

Chief of Staff

Mark Eyo

Head of Communications

Bituin Aquino

Head of Multimedia

Latest Articles

NaFFAA Responds to Quindara Case Sentencing: A Call for Justice, Unity, and Action
Trailblazing Real Estate Leader Riezl Baker is Newest National Trustee
NaFFAA Calls for Clarity and Fair Process for Filipino Seafarers
NaFFAA leaders renew commitment to collaborate and empower communities