Illinois State Treasurer Honors Two Exemplary Fil-Am for Leadership in Education, Labor Rights
(Left to Right) Cultural Officer Noly Dulay, Professor Anna Guevarra, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Atty. Don Villar and Consul Ryan Gener (Sharon P. Howard-Garchitorena photo)
CHICAGO 22 May 2019 – As part of the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, two distinguished Filipino-Americans were recognized by llinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs for outstanding leadership and commitment in their respective fields on 17 May 2019.
Dr. Anna Romina Guevarra, a multi-awarded University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) Associate Professor and UIC Global Asian Studies Program Founding Director, was recognized for Outstanding Commitment in Education.
Her work is devoted to immigrant and transnational labor, geopolitics of carework, critical diaspora studies, and community engagement as they relate to dynamics of race, gender and empire. She shared her journey as a Filipino-American product of the public school system who was now passionate about teaching and advocating for immigrant and women’s rights.
Atty. Don Villar, award-winning veteran broadcast news journalist, union leader, community activist and lawyer, was cited for Outstanding Service in Workforce and Labor. He previously won an Emmy award for breaking news coverage.
As President of the CWA Illinois Unified Council and NABET-CWA Local 41, a Chicago union of broadcast news and TV production workers, Atty. Villar fights for the rights of workers, negotiates collective bargaining agreements, handles grievances and arbitration, and responds to workplace issues affecting union members. He continues to strive for social justice and upholding the dignity and value of workers, just as his father did in advocating for better wages and benefits for bank workers in the Philippines.
A strong supporter of immigration, State Treasurer Frerichs recognized the unique contributions Asian and Pacific Islanders have made to the United States. He stated that the country offers opportunities for success to hardworking people regardless of race. Given the hardships that have been overcome by the Asian and Pacific communities, he noted that the success stories and valuable leadership of the awardees must be celebrated.
Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Director of Voting Rights and Civic Empowerment Ami Ghandi served as Keynote Speaker. Other awardees were Parachute Restaurant chef and co-owner Beverly Kim Clark, Hanul Family Alliance executive director Irene Jisun Sohn Illinois Second District State Representative Theresa Mah, and Special Olympics athlete Tommy Shimoda.
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago congratulated the awardees for their important achievements and the worthiness of their advocacies. The Consulate graced the occasion with representatives from the Consulates of China, Korea and Nepal and the members of the Asian Pacific American community. END
For more information, visit www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph, www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago/.