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Join the Future of Healthcare at the Health Horizons Summit

This premier event, hosted by the SFFACC, in partnership with AHMC Seton Medical Center, brings together healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and local leaders.
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About the Event

Health Horizons
Summit 2025

The Health Horizons Summit is a dynamic gathering designed to foster collaboration and innovation in healthcare and community impact. Whether you are a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, policymaker, or advocate, this event will equip you with the knowledge, connections, and inspiration to drive positive change.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with top healthcare and community leaders, gaining exclusive insights from industry experts. The summit provides a platform to discover the latest healthcare innovations and trends while engaging in interactive sessions and Q&As. Moreover, participants will contribute to and support local initiatives that are making a real difference in the healthcare landscape.
Whether you are a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, policymaker, or minority-owned business, this event offers essential insights and opportunities to lead positive change.
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Agenda at a Glance

Explore a carefully curated schedule of keynotes, panel discussions, and breakout sessions designed to provide actionable insights and real-world solutions.

Session 1

United for Impact, Where Health, Business & Community Meet

Learn more ➜

Session 2

Advancing Care Through Innovation

Learn more ➜

Session 3

Pathways to Partnership - Small Buinsess Procurement & Supplier Diversity

Learn more ➜

Session 4

Voices of Impact – Community, Culture & Care

Learn more ➜

Featured Speakers

The Health Horizons Summit is a dynamic gathering designed to foster collaboration and innovation in healthcare and community impact. Whether you are a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, policymaker, or advocate, this event will equip you with the knowledge, connections, and inspiration to drive positive change.

Kevin Mullins

Congressman

Bio ➜

Linkedin

David Canepa

supervisor

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Rod Daug-Magbual

Daly City, Mayor

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Rolando Culanay

SMC Buyer

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Donna Ruff

President Western Regional Supplier Development Council

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Rico Ligon-Foz

Owner and Licensee of Careway Management LLC

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Meryl Ligon-Foz

Executive Director

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Venessa Valerio

Caregiving Co

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Tim Schulze

COO AHMC - SMC

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Warren Delfin

HHRG

Bio ➜

Linkedin

RJ Moscardon

AI Wound Treatment

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Kathleen Rose Reyes

AI Wound Treatment

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Pia Barton

Malaya Botanicals

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Xueyi Yang

RotaCare of No Peninsula Free Clinic

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Richard So

Hep B

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Board Of Directors

Officers

Jose Pecho

Chairman

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Aaron Orcino

Preident

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Shan Serran

Vice President

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Lorna Dietz

Secretary

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Yvonne Go

Treasurer

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Board Members

Ben Menor

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Cris Ibarra

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Zac Borja

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Pearl Parmelee

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Pam Santos

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Tristan Wise

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Nathaniel Thomas

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Raymond Garcia

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Advisors

Yolanda Ortega Stern

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Neil Ferrer

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Audie Vergara

Bio ➜

Linkedin

Interested in Becoming a Board Member?

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Our Valued Sponsors

We extend our gratitude to the organizations that make this event possible. Their commitment to healthcare innovation and community development is invaluable.

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Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Secure your spot now and be part of a transformative experience!
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The San Francisco Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization which seeks to promote the economic development of the Filipino-American business community in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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The San Francisco Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization which seeks to promote the economic development of the Filipino-American business community in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Session 1

United for Impact, Where Health, Business & Community Meet

In this opening session, we explore the powerful intersection of healthcare, small business, and public leadership. As Daly City’s largest employer, AHMC Seton Medical Center plays a vital role not only in community wellness but in shaping economic opportunity. Featuring remarks from local and national leaders, this session invites us to reimagine collaboration—where innovation, procurement, and public policy come together to drive a healthier, more inclusive future for all.

Session 2

Advancing Care Through Innovation

This session spotlights AHMC Seton Medical Center’s groundbreaking work in emergency cardiac care and advanced wound treatment. Attendees will hear how the hospital continues its legacy of innovation—from being a pioneer in interventional cardiology to offering one of the Bay Area’s most experienced wound care programs. With insights from frontline professionals, discussions on AI and telehealth integration, this session explores how technology and compassion are transforming care delivery and creating new opportunities for business and community collaboration.

Session 3

Pathways to Partnership - Small Buinsess Procurement & Supplier Diversity

This session explores how equitable procurement practices and supplier diversity programs can create meaningful opportunities for small businesses. Public agencies and healthcare institutions share how they are embedding equity in purchasing, building inclusive partnerships, and expanding access to resources for underserved entrepreneurs—while encouraging collaboration, innovation, and long-term economic resilience. Attendees will gain insights into navigating procurement systems, unlocking new markets, and forming relationships that drive sustainable business growth in diverse communities.

Session 4

Voices of Impact – Community, Culture & Care

This session highlights community leaders and culture-driven entrepreneurs shaping health and wellness through caregiving, advocacy, and innovation. Hear how lived experience, identity, and purpose converge to create meaningful change and expand access to culturally competent care across our diverse communities.

Kevin Mullin

Congressman

Congressman Kevin Mullin represents California’s 15th Congressional District and brings over two decades of public service experience to his role. A former California Assemblymember and longtime legislative leader, he has championed policies focused on transparency, public health, and equity.

In Congress, he serves on the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology—roles that align with his commitment to sustainable, science-driven policy. As someone who is hard of hearing, Congressman Mullin is also a passionate advocate for accessibility and healthcare equity, bringing a deeply personal perspective to health-related legislation.

David Canepa

Supervisor

David Canepa is a San Mateo County Supervisor representing District 5, which includes Daly City, Colma, Brisbane, and parts of South San Francisco and San Bruno.
Before joining the Board of Supervisors in 2016, Canepa served on the Daly City Council and was mayor in 2014. He also currently serves on several key regional boards, including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and the SamTrans Board.
Known for his focus on public health, housing, transportation, climate action, and equity, Canepa brings a community-first approach to leadership and continues to champion initiatives that improve the quality of life in San Mateo County.

Rod Daus-Magbual

Rod Daus-Magbual

Dr. Roderick “Rod” Daus-Magbual is the current Mayor of Daly City, California, having been elected to the City Council in 2018. He previously served as Vice Mayor in 2021 before becoming Mayor in 2022.
Born into an immigrant family from the Philippines, Dr. Daus-Magbual earned his BA in Liberal Studies from UC Riverside, an MA in Asian American Studies from San Francisco State University, and an Education Doctorate from the University of San Francisco.
Beyond his mayoral duties, he is an educator, teaching Ethnic Studies at Skyline College, and serves as the Executive Director of Pin@y Educational Partnerships (PEP), a non-profit dedicated to advancing Ethnic Studies and mentoring future leaders.

Donna Ruff

President Western Regional Supplier Development Council

Donna L. Ruff, MBA, is the President and CEO of the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC), serving Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii. With over 20 years of management experience, she has a strong background in supplier diversity, executive leadership, and business development. Prior to her current role, Ruff held leadership positions in supplier diversity at U.S. Bank and Union Bank. She has been recognized with awards such as the 2020 WRMSDC MBEIC People’s Choice and the 2022 Supplier Diversity Leader of the Year. Ruff earned her MBA from Regis University and a Bachelor of Science from Texas State University. ​

Rico Ligon-Foz

Owner and Licensee of Careway Management LLC

Rico serves as the Owner and Licensee of Careway Management LLC at Country Village, overseeing operations to ensure quality care for residents. Additionally, he is a Project Manager at CiminoCare, a family-owned organization providing senior assisted living services across Northern California. Beyond his professional roles, Rico is a Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino communities.

Meryl Ligon-Foz

Executive Director

Meryl is a seasoned healthcare professional with extensive experience in nursing and executive leadership. She currently serves as the Executive Director at Healthy Living at Home, a Mission Healthcare Company. Previously, Meryl held the position of Consulting Quality Assurance Registered Nurse at CiminoCare, focusing on maintaining high standards in senior care services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has pursued further education at Norwich University. Meryl’s commitment to healthcare excellence is evident through her active Registered Nurse License issued by the State of Washington Department of Health.

Venessa Valerio

Caregiving Co

Vanessa Valerio is the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Patient Care at Care Indeed, a premier home care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a background in nursing and business, she brings over a decade of experience in elder care, specializing in dementia support, caregiver education, and patient-centered service.
A co-founder of Care Indeed, Vanessa is a Certified Dementia Coach and a passionate advocate for empowering families and caregivers. She holds a nursing degree from Unitek College, a business degree from the College of the Holy Spirit in Manila, and is currently pursuing a master’s in Gerontology at USC.
She is known for her leadership in caregiving innovation, community education, and improving quality of life for aging populations.

Tim Schulze

COO AHMC - SMC

Tim Schulze is the Associate Chief Operating Officer (COO) at AHMC Seton Medical Center, located in Daly City, California. In this role, he oversees hospital operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to the community. Tim has been instrumental in initiatives such as the collaboration with North East Medical Services (NEMS) to establish an Internal Medicine Residency Program aimed at training future primary care physicians.
Prior to joining AHMC Seton Medical Center, Tim accumulated over a decade of experience as an operations executive, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. He holds a degree from Saint Mary’s College of California.

Warren Delfin

HHRG

Warren Delfin, BSN, RN, is a seasoned healthcare professional with extensive experience in home health and hospice care. He is the CEO and President of Home Health Resource Group (HHRG), a company he founded in 2007 to deliver comprehensive healthcare services to patients in their homes. ​
Prior to establishing HHRG, Warren served as an Administrator at CareLink Home Health, LLC, further demonstrating his leadership in the home health industry. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing from Angeles University Foundation, where he studied from 1989 to 1993.

Pia Barton

Malaya Botanicals

Pia Barton is the Founder and CEO of Malaya Botanicals, a wellness company specializing in CBD products. A Filipina immigrant and former triathlete, Pia turned to cannabis for pain relief and became an advocate for natural healing and women’s empowerment. With a background in real estate, marketing, and events, she launched Malaya Botanicals in 2018 to break the stigma around cannabis and support holistic health.
She’s a recognized voice in the wellness and cannabis industries and frequently speaks at major events.

Richard So

Hep B

Richard So is the Executive Director of SF Hep B Free – Bay Area, leading efforts to raise awareness, provide free hepatitis B testing, and expand access to care—especially in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. With a background in public health and policy from Columbia University, Richard has also served in the Peace Corps and worked in healthcare consulting. He’s a former Co-Chair of the National Hepatitis B Task Force and continues to advocate for equitable healthcare.

Jose Pecho

Chairman

Jose Pecho, a US Army veteran and thriving leader in the real estate and cannabis industries, embodies collaboration, diversity, and service. As Chairman of the Board for the SF Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, he drives impactful change and empowers businesses. Jose sets a powerful example of leadership in action, with a deep commitment to community and multicultural engagement.
As Vice President of Real Estate at STIIIZY and owner of JP Investments, Jose brings innovative thinking and solutions to the complex and evolving cannabis industry. He champions diversity and inclusion at STIIIZY navigating regulations with deftness and integrity, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration for all stakeholders.
Jose’s strategic foresight, extensive real estate experience, and ability to provide effective counsel make him a versatile and adaptable leader. His innovative approach to finding unique property solutions and quick response to industry trends underscore his standout status in the highly regulated sector.
Jose’s strategic foresight, extensive real estate experience, and ability to provide effective counsel make him a versatile and adaptable leader. His innovative approach to finding unique property solutions and quick response to industry trends underscore his standout status in the highly regulated sector.
Jose Pecho is a successful professional and a beacon of service in community advocacy. His diverse experiences, collaborative nature, and unwavering dedication inspire positive change and drive progress as he builds bridges in community and government relations, both locally and globally.

Aaron Orcino

Preident

Aaron is passionate about amplifying community and commerce. He’s been a Kultivate Labs team member for 4 years, advocating for small business development and helping to build the SOMA Pilipinas cultural and economic corridor. He is a founding member of the Undiscovered Night Market team. He has recently launched his newest program called SEED Network that provides resources and access to consulting services to BIPOC owned businesses. This will be his 2nd year running the SEED Network and Accelerator Program.
Aaron has spent time at large companies like Facebook and Blizzard Entertainment, and can wear many hats: project manager, product manager, program manager and UX designer. He is currently a Design Program Manager on the Facebook App Design team.
Aaron is also program lead for Filipinos Feed the Frontlines. The program has raised over $150k to help stabilize Filipino owned restaurants and have delivered over 14,000 meals to essential workers, senior citizens and those in need.

Shan Serran

Vice President

Dynamic, creative, and seasoned digital marketing executive with over 15 years of comprehensive experience catalyzing business growth through innovative marketing strategies.
As the founder and CEO of Veewz, I have driven my team to disrupt traditional digital marketing paradigms, providing transparent and tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes. My broad expertise includes search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing (SMM), and the successful implementation of various marketing automation tools.
As a leader, I believe in fostering a collaborative environment, mentoring talent, and integrating cross-functional teams for maximum efficiency. My continued pursuit of staying abreast of digital trends and technological advances demonstrates my commitment to spearheading digital transformation and revenue growth in every organization I serve.

Lorna Dietz

Lorna Dietz

Armed with a management, marketing, ethnic public relations, and sales background in several industries, Lorna’s digital marketing know-how since 1996 makes her a valuable networking and strategic business consulting resource. See About.Me/RadiantView, RadiantView.com, and LLD.USPress.wordpress.com.
Lorna Dietz was honored First Runner-Up (the highest-ranking award for this category) for “Community Blogging” at the 2012 New America Media’s Ethnic Media Awards for Northern California & Central Valley in San Francisco, CA (better known as an ethnic Pulitzer Awards event). She was also honored as one of Filipina Women’s Network’s 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US, Behind the Scenes category, in Washington DC (2007). Lorna’s speaking skills were recognized in 1983 when she won the first runner-up trophy in the “Speech to Entertain” contest, Philippine Toastmasters Convention, representing the Sinulog Toastmasters Club of Cebu City
Lorna Dietz is a Notary Public of the State of California (June 13, 2015 to June 12, 2019). She consults for small businesses that need her writing, marketing, and social media skills. Lorna also works as a Life Agent for Eric Swanson’s Allstate Insurance Agency in San Francisco, California, marketing life insurance, fixed annuities, IRAs, retirement, disability, long term care, college plans, and workplace supplemental benefits.

Yvonne Go

Treasurer

Yvonne Go began her career at Bank of the Orient in 1985 where she had oversight responsibilities for Preferred Banking, marketing, business development, human resources, branch operations, community development and corporate philanthropy. In addition, she also served on the Bank’s Executive Committee, Director and Management Loan Committee, and Asset and Liability Committee.
In her current role, Yvonne serves as Director at Orient Bancorporation and Bank of the Orient, where she steers corporate planning, human capital management, enterprise risk management and growth strategies for Bank of the Orient and its subsidiaries.
An active member of the community, she serves as Board Director for the Hong Kong Association of Northern California and is the Treasurer and Board Director for the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce.
Yvonne was also a former Regent at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory, San Francisco where she was a member of the Development Committee.

Ben Menor Jr

Board Member

Community Developer, Consultant, Trainer, Producer, and Author.
In business and community, Ben Menor, Jr. is best known as a master planner and community builder. Menor’s 40-plus years of programs, projects, and infrastructure development reflects his diversity of knowledge, experiences, and relationship-building skills. Everyone who has been trained or mentored by “Manong Ben” or “Uncle Ben” understands the responsibility of carrying forward, to the next generation, a rich legacy of consciousness-building and crosscultural heritage. Mr. Menor’s platform on Community Development is based on “an intergenerational and intercultural approach to building environments that maximize human potential.
”Ben Menor, as a lecturer and author, continues to share his broad knowledge of business, media, economics, sociology, politics, and community development — from classrooms to board rooms.
”Ben Menor, as a lecturer and author, continues to share his broad knowledge of business, media, economics, sociology, politics, and community development — from classrooms to board rooms.
Ben’s past political experiences as a state commissioner in the Juvenile Justice Commission, California Governor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, television producer and host, Bureau Manager for print media, business consultant for multinational corporations, as well as his political consulting career in the Philippines and the USA, blend harmoniously with his continuing role as an educator and advisor since 1975 to high schools and college student organizations with their Pilipino Culture Night (PCN). As a trainer in organizational development, his KISS (Keep It Simple & Sharp) Leadership Boot Camps have elicited comments that range from “I now understand what ‘Point of Order’ means” to “Our lives are forever changed!
Ben’s past political experiences as a state commissioner in the Juvenile Justice Commission, California Governor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, television producer and host, Bureau Manager for print media, business consultant for multinational corporations, as well as his political consulting career in the Philippines and the USA, blend harmoniously with his continuing role as an educator and advisor since 1975 to high schools and college student organizations with their Pilipino Culture Night (PCN). As a trainer in organizational development, his KISS (Keep It Simple & Sharp) Leadership Boot Camps have elicited comments that range from “I now understand what ‘Point of Order’ means” to “Our lives are forever changed!
”Ben Menor believes that “entrepreneurship without borders” can successfully bridge the complex rivers of change in today’s uncertain economy. Business endeavors, ranging from new technologies to health and wellness projects, are combined with responsibilities and advisory capacities in community-based organizations such as, to name a few, SVAPADC, FPACC, SFFACC, FACCSV, 4C’s, Rotary Club of Daly City & Colma, SF Unified Lions Club and SJ Maharlika Lions Club, Coalition 2001: Celebration of Unity in Diversity, NaFFAA, FANHS, and FACCGN. Ben Menor has received numerous citations for his work with diverse communities including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Santa Clara County, Inc., League of United Latin American Citizens, Asian American Community Involvement, Inc., Human Relations Commission of Santa Clara County, KQED “Local Asian Pacific American Community Hero Award,” and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Numerous recognitions from Filipino organizations throughout the United States.
Menor has worked for companies and institutions that reflect his business and professional acumen: Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce, 2008-Present, Vistaland Corporation, 2015-June 2016, ACE Corporation, 2015, Ayala Corporations, 2010-2015, FilAm SODC, 1993-2004. Pertinent additional employment information: KTSF Ch 26, 1985-1989; Philippine News, 1983-85 and MV-LAUSD, 1975-1983.
Ben Menor, Jr. graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Community Studies and Communication, with Honors, 1974 and a Secondary Teaching Credential at the same university, 1976.

Cris Ibarra

Board Member

Cris is a licensed California lawyer who has been practicing in San Francisco since 1982, handling civil litigation, family, probate, immigration, disability, business and international transactions. He works with a diverse group of professionals across the United States, Canada, the Philippines and other parts of southeast Asia on migration, infrastructure development, technology, tourism, health care and education
Cris spent ten years at Xavier School, Metro Manila, before graduating G. Washington High School in San Francisco. He started at San Francisco State University and graduated University of California, Berkeley in Asian American Studies and Conservation of Natural Resources, after which he obtained a juris doctor from the University of California Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. He was a Howard University R.H. Smith Community Law Fellow doing economic development projects in Northern California, and later began advising government, nongovernment organizations and capital companies on emerging market issues. He was a State Bar of California commissioner on judicial neutral evaluation.
Cris is a senior fellow with the Council Exchange Board of Trade in Washington, D.C., and Virginia (and of the National Minority Technology Council), assisting with policy development for diverse American communities and social equity projects. Cris manages a California benefit corporation. He is business advisor for a handful of non-profit organizations on culture, basic health care and education for poor children.

Zachary J. Borja

Board Member

Zachary J. Borja is a highly skilled marketing professional and Principal Consultant at BorjaPlus, a digital marketing agency in San Leandro, CA. With expertise in creating and promoting content for social justice and environmental impact causes, Zachary has worked with clients such as Mills College, ThredUp, and Doordash. He previously served as a Social Media Manager at Blue Arris, where he led successful campaigns for non-profit causes. Zachary also has experience as an Account Manager and Program Director at PilotCity, connecting high school students with career opportunities. He holds an Associate’s degree in Entrepreneurship & Marketing and is involved in various professional and community organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, sales, social media marketing, and team management, Zachary is also proficient in software like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Google Suite. Outside of work, he is interested in sustainability, PC gaming, fencing, photography, and edible gardening.

Pearl Parmelee

Board Member

Pearl Parmelee attended Feati University as the first female to enroll in BS Aeronautical Engineering and while in college was recognized by Department of Education as one of Most Outstanding Coed of Metro Manila for 1976/77.
She is currently a Commissioner for Contra Costa Arts & Culture and Business Development Director for Latino Food Industry & Filipino Food Movement. She is active in promoting and mainstreaming Filipino food and products through her consulting company .
She has volunteered at different organizations and found out that conflicts are best resolved with FOOD which for her became a form of communication and way of sharing our culture and heritage. Resolving the question why Filipino Food is not as well accepted as our other Asian neighbors has been her mission and Filipino Food Movement inspire her to mentor, share, promote and continues her journey that FOOD is a common ground that we can all connect and understand our culture and heritage better. By sharing our food and table the conversation that occurs is an ice breaker like no other as a community and as a family unit.

Pam Santos

Board Member

Raised in the Philippines, Pam has worked in technology and product marketing in Asia, Europe and North America before becoming involved in fundraising for start-ups and nonprofits. With the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce she is particularly invested in proposal writing as she would like to help enable economic opportunities in underserved communities.She is currently a Regional Vice President of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association Americas (UPAAA) and serves on their Permanent Endowment Fund. She is also co-chairing the Diversity and Inclusion Committee (D&I) in an elementary school in Washington, D.C.She earned an engineering degree from the University of the Philippines with Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Oblation scholarships.

Tristan Wise

Board Members

Tristan Wise is a dynamic sales and partnerships professional with extensive experience in driving revenue growth, forging key alliances, and strategic market expansion.
As a dedicated member of the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFFACC), Tristan is passionate about empowering Filipino American entrepreneurs and businesses through his network, community engagement, and driving collaborative initiatives.
Having recently relocated to San Francisco from Asia, Tristan brings a global perspective to business development, with deep expertise in cross-cultural partnerships and market expansion strategies. With a background spanning industries from cybersecurity to AI, he offers valuable insights into the technology sector. Tristan is eager to contribute his expertise in strategic sales, client relations, and business growth to support and strengthen the Filipino American business community.

Nathaniel Thomas

Board Members

Nathaniel Thomas has had roots in the Bay Area since his grandfather retired from the United States Coast Guard in the 1970’s. The Philippine-born, third-generation American has split his time between the Philippines and the West Coast since his youth.Attending grade school in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nathaniel moved to Manila to complete his high school and parts of his undergraduate studies
Following three years in San Francisco’s Financial District, Nathaniel transitioned to pursue his entrepreneurial curiosities. He has since established himself as a versatile producer, successfully delivering live theatre productions, wedding ceremonies, professional interviews and podcasts, and corporate event broadcasts. Additionally, he lends his dynamic voice to sport-specific broadcasts as a live analyst.
Equipped with the knowledge of both Philippine and Stateside practices, as well as the practical experience of Business Development and Professional Relationship building, Nathaniel is eager to serve the San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFFACC) Board of Directors.He hopes to help members foster creative strategies for brand growth and recognition in today’s cluttered marketplace. Nathaniel is excited to bring his cross cultural and creative media experience to empower the chamber members.

Raymond Garcia

Board Member

I’m passionate about sustainable energy solutions, and I’m proud to work with Unified Power. We use a combination of proven technologies and innovative Induction Heating technology to create a highly efficient and reliable source of solar, thermal electric power. Our flexible options adjust automatically to electrical demand, and there’s no need for fuel, which means clean, carbon-free emissions. I’m committed to supporting global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development, and I believe that Unified Power’s solutions offer clean, reliable, highly efficient, scalable, and sustainable electric power to my clients.

Yolanda O. Stern

Advisor

At the hub of Filipino American Businesses for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Yolanda O. Stern, a “Daughter of Mindanao”, is a quiet but formidable force in coalition building and partnerships. Handpicked as “Professional of the Year 2011” by Cambridge Who’s Who for the Non Profit Management Industry, Ms Stern is the charter founder and Chairman Emeritus of the largest business organization of Filipino Amercans in the United States– the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce. She is also the co-founder, along with her husband, Dr. Thomas K. Stern, of the One World Institute (OWI), a private charity for Health and Education that benefits Cambodia through the Sobhanna Foundation and in the Philippines, through the Department of Health and various NGOs.
Ms. Stern is widely remembered for spearheading the global campaign to win the Reacquisition of Citizenship and the Absentee Voting Laws of 2003, in partnership with Mr.Jose Molano Jr. of the CFO. Together, they cobbled the global coalitions that collected the signatures through her Federal Express account. Ms Stern also obtained the joint bi-national and bi-cameral Phil-US resolutions that won the Filipino Veterans their additional supplemental health benefits. Hers was also the first foreign organization to forge a Memorandum of Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) after the signing of the Peace Pact between President Fidel V. Ramos and Chairman Nur Misuari. She is the key link to the Philippine US Business Council (PUBC), an arm of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (PCCI) and has been a presence since 1987 when she was president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco and later of the California Coalition of Fil-Am Chambers. She values and maintains these connections today

Neil Frank R. Ferrer

Advisor

Mr. Neil Frank R. Ferrer is the Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in San Francisco, which has consular jurisdiction over Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington State, and Wyoming. His tour of duty as Consul General began on 20 January 2021.
Consul General Ferrer is a career diplomat with extensive experience in the foreign service, including consular work, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. He has served in various capacities at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, China (2001-2003); Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom (2003-2009); and Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Canada (2011-2013). He was Consul General of the Philippines in Vancouver, Canada from 2013 to 2018.
Consul General Ferrer is a career diplomat with extensive experience in the foreign service, including consular work, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. He has served in various capacities at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, China (2001-2003); Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom (2003-2009); and Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, Canada (2011-2013). He was Consul General of the Philippines in Vancouver, Canada from 2013 to 2018.
Prior to his assignment to the U.S., Mr. Ferrer served as Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines from August 2018 to January 2021.
Consul General Ferrer served as Chairman of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, United Kingdom from 2007 to 2011. The MSC is the senior technical body of the IMO and Mr. Ferrer is the only Filipino diplomat thus far who has been elected as MSC Chairman. Mr. Ferrer presided over numerous international meetings of the IMO and led global efforts to improve maritime safety and security.
Mr. Ferrer served as President of the IMO Diplomatic Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW Convention), held from 21 to 25 June 2010 in Manila, Philippines. This Conference adopted major revisions to the STCW Convention and its associated Code, now referred to as the Manila Amendments. The Conference also adopted a resolution nominating 25 June of each year (the day when the amendments were adopted) as the Day of the Seafarer. The Day of the Seafarer has now been included in the annual list of United Nations Observances.
Consul General Ferrer is recipient of a distinguished award for Filipino diplomats, the Gawad Mabini, with the rank of Dakilang Kamanong (Grand Cross), conferred by the President of the Republic of the Philippines on 29 June 2010.
Mr. Ferrer finished his Master of Arts in International Boundaries, with Distinction, at the University of Durham in the United Kingdom. He completed the course work for the Master of Science in Economics at De La Salle University and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines.
Consul General Ferrer is married to Miriam M. Ferrer and they have four children.

Audie T. Vergara

Advisors

Hello! I specialize in marketing and business development, where my ability to connect with people and understand their needs has been key. My career has taken me across various roles, from product development to consulting, both in the U.S. and internationally. This has taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience.