Midwest Association of Filipino Americans
About Midwest Association of Filipino Americans
Serving the Champaign, IL area and beyond, the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans (MAFA) exists to foster unity and cooperation among Filipinx and Filipino Americans throughout the region. At its core, MAFA is committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where community members can engage in meaningful dialogue about Filipinx culture, identity, and social consciousness. The organization's vision extends beyond cultural celebration to actively bridge members with the greater Filipinx diasporic community while creating pathways to personal and professional growth. MAFA's work centers on preserving cultural roots and supporting the development of Filipino student organizations through intentional programming and relationship-building. Since its establishment, MAFA has grown to encompass a diverse network of Filipino-American and Asian-American organizations across the Midwest, with membership continuously expanding. The organization is particularly recognized for hosting the Midwest Filipino-American Summit, an annual leadership conference that has become a cornerstone event for identity exploration and leadership development among students and young professionals. MAFA's approach emphasizes community-centered values, recognizing that strength comes through collective engagement and shared experiences. By coordinating meetings, events, and collaborative initiatives, MAFA actively works to define and cultivate a distinct Midwest Filipinx-American identity. The organization operates as a charitable entity dedicated to supporting other community organizations that align with MAFA's mission and values, strengthening the entire Filipinx American ecosystem in the region.