Welcome, Board!
AFIRE is honored to welcome three new members to the Board of Directors: Clarissa Aljentera, Ria Arcangel, and Jess Jose. They joined the AFIRE board in August 2025 alongside current board members Mark Calaguas, Tina Ramirez Moon, and Abbey Eusebio.
From Board Chair, Mark Calaguas: "We are so incredibly thrilled to welcome Ria, Clarissa, and Jess to the board of directors! As the season changes on our calendars, so too does a new chapter open in the story of AFIRE. In an era of escalating attacks on the safety and dignity of immigrants everywhere, AFIRE remains dedicated to ensuring that the Filipinx/a/o community not only survives, but thrives. In addition to hard work and a commitment to core values, realizing this vision will also take fresh perspectives and bold, new ideas. Tina, Abbey, and I can't think of a better time to have these three passionate leaders join AFIRE on this journey."
Clarissa Aljentera
What brought you to AFIRE?
I have long admired the work of AFIRE as a participant in its Tagalog program and community member participating with events. As a Chicago transplant, AFIRE allowed me to connect with the Chicago Filipina/o/x community in ways that felt nurturing and in solidarity as well. The experience of kapwa is so grounding that I'm eager to contribute to a movement my child can also experience as he grows up.
Why are you excited to do this work?
This time in our community and nation is in great need of voices and leadership rooted in a Filipinix lens. Our unique stories, our resilience, and our desire to care for others can be a guiding light for others in our community and beyond. The community excites me as I love the way we gather intergenerationally. Pieces of that are what's missing today and something I believe AFIRE can share with others. I'm looking forward to meeting community members and more intentionally understanding what our organization needs to do to continue the movement.
Jess Jose
What brought you to AFIRE?
My desire to serve the Filipino community led me to AFIRE. I believe that providing support for immigration, citizenship, and social and economic justice is essential for our community to flourish. AFIRE's mission speaks directly to my own values, and I am eager to contribute to its work.
Why are you excited to do this work?
The need to support and uplift people in our community has never been greater given the challenging times we have. I am eager to join the AFIRE board and lend my skills, knowledge, and experience to this vital work, ensuring success in meeting our goals and sustaining our programs.
Ria Arcangel
What brought you to AFIRE?
I am honored to join AFIRE Chicago’s Board and continue the organization’s important work of advocacy, empowerment, and community building. As someone deeply connected to Chicago and the Philippines, and passionate about uplifting immigrant and underrepresented voices, I was drawn to AFIRE’s mission as it is both urgent and inspiring. I immigrated to the United States when I was five years old, and at an early age witnessed the difficult journey my parents went through to obtain citizenship for our family, while simultaneously working hard. I came to AFIRE in search for a community of Filipinos committed to the same values as me, and who want to uplift not only others in our community but also other marginalized communities.
Why are you excited to do this work?
I’m especially excited to work alongside community leaders and neighbors to expand opportunities for engagement, strengthen resources, and create spaces where people feel seen and supported. I can't wait to learn from my fellow board members and to work alongside them to build a strong future for AFIRE. For me, this role is not just about leadership—it’s about listening, learning, and collaborating so that together we can build a more inclusive and thriving future for our communities.
