About

The Philippine American Society of Ohio (PASO) is a non-profit Foundation with the mission to promote and protect the welfare of its members, the Philippine-American Community, and the Asian-American Community in Northeast Ohio. We work to cultivate the continuation of Philippine culture among our members, promote civic involvement between the Philippine-American community and local, state, and Federal governments, and foster cooperation and relations between our organization and other local, state, and national Philippine and Asian-American organizations.

Bayanihan sa Ohio: Our Heritage Calls Us to Serve, Our Community Gives Us Purpose

Our Mission

Empowering our Community

We believe in creating a supportive network that uplifts Filipino-Americans across Northeast Ohio. Through mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and community resources, we advocate for the social, economic, and personal well-being of our members.

Celebrating Our Heritage

Filipino culture is rich with traditions, values, and practices that deserve to be honored and shared across generations. We create spaces and experiences that allow our community to connect with and celebrate their cultural roots.

Our Mission

Amplifying Our Voice

As Filipino-Americans, we are an integral part of Ohio's civic landscape. We encourage active participation in local, state, and federal civic processes to ensure our community's voice is heard and our interests are represented.

Building Bridges

We believe in the power of partnerships and cooperation. By building relationships with other cultural, community, and professional organizations, we amplify our impact and create a more connected community.

Our Officers.

PASO's officers form the dynamic core of our organization, working in harmony to advance our cultural mission across Ohio. United by their passion for Filipino heritage and community building, this leadership team blends traditional values with forward-thinking approaches. They're committed to fostering cultural pride among Filipino-Americans while creating inclusive spaces where diversity is celebrated. From preserving cherished traditions to pioneering new programs that engage younger generations, our officers balance honoring our past with embracing our future. Together, they ensure PASO remains a vibrant force in Ohio's multicultural landscape—connecting communities, empowering members, and sharing the richness of Filipino culture with ever-widening circles.

Christine Siy

President

Armando Damian, M.D.

Chairman of the Board

Christine Castro

Vice President

Rosana Garcia

Secretary

Aimee Von Lehmden

Treasurer

Fe Juan

Executive Director

Our Board of Directors.

Where Vision Meets Action.

Our Board of Directors serves as PASO's collective compass, bringing diverse expertise and shared passion to guide our organization. Each director brings unique insights to our cultural mission, extending PASO's impact throughout Ohio's Filipino community. Together, they safeguard our traditions while embracing the evolving identity of Filipino-Americans in the Midwest. They don't just make decisions—they create spaces where our culture can flourish for decades to come.

Jessica Strasburg, M.D.

Director

Jocelyn Butler

Director

Toribio Flores, MD

Director

Audrey T Godoy

Director

Thelma Ortega

Director

Our Advisory Board.

Our Advisory Board brings wisdom and experience to PASO's mission. These respected cultural stewards provide valuable historical context, strategic guidance, and connection to our organization's roots. Our advisors offer perspective that helps PASO navigate challenges while seizing new opportunities. They are our institutional memory and our inspiration, ensuring we honor our past while confidently stepping into the future. Together they actively mentor the next generation of Filipino-American leaders. Through their stories and experiences, they create a bridge between heritage and innovation, helping us maintain authentic cultural connections in an ever-changing world.