When my f
amily and I immigrated to America, it was just us. Like most immigrants, you leave behind all your family and everything you know familiar. But one thing known about Filipinos, is that we are hospitable by nature. This made it easier to connect with fellow Filipinos. I remember as a young girl my mom would meet a Filipino in passing and they wouldn’t be a stranger, she would approach them like family and invite them over for dinner.
Through the years, what started as strangers becoming newfound family over dinners and stories of the homeland, would turn into conversations of how to connect with other local Filipinos and ways to celebrate our rich culture.
In 1995, this eventually blossomed into what is proudly known now as CMFAA.
I was fortunate enough to be one of those kids that grew up in it. I was surrounded by familiar Filipino faces and favorite Filipino dishes participating in all key events and dances centered around our culture and traditions.
26 years later reflecting back on these childhood memories, I now find myself in awe all these years later to have now become the current President of not only an important association that I am fond of and hold dear to my heart, but an association that is pertinent to the local enrichment and awareness of Central Mass’s Filipino community.
I have traveled the world, lived across the country (from Massachusetts,Florida to California), contracted for top fortune 100 companies (from Sony, Disney to Viacom), produced some of the biggest names in Hollywood (from Tom Hanks, Katie Couric to Miley Cyrus), worked with some of the most successful people in the world (from Oprah, Lauren Powell -Jobs to Nancy Pelosi), and led successful global fundraisers that made headlines (MS featured in Forbes to Hurricane Yolanda featured in TMZ), achieving some of my wildest dreams in my career and philanthropy but this new role as the president of CMFAA is one of my biggest childhood dreams. It is a title I do not take for granted and it is a title I do not take lightly. I will take all the things I’ve learned in life and all the paths I’ve walked, to apply to this role as your president.
In 2020, I co-organized the first Philippine flag raising at Worcester City Hall. I also co-wrote the official proclamation that was read by Worcester’s 6th term mayor, Joe Petty, declaring the month of October as Filipino American History Month followed by the first time raising of the Philippine flag while our local community sang our national anthem. History was proudly made on that day and I was dedicated to make sure we made it an annual tradition in October 2021 and with firm plans to do so for all the future years.
I will continue to apply all my determination and volunteer my heart, my time, my efforts and skills to make a difference as President. Thank you for choosing me and thank you for being a part of this journey that I promise, will be a memorable and impactful journey worthwhile!
With love,
Sarai Camiso Ricciardi
