Filipino Community Events in Illinois

Janice is a passionate attorney dedicated to increasing access of Filipinos to high quality legal services, especially in the areas of divorce, custody, child support, and alimony. She was born at Clark Air Force Base in Angeles City in the Philippines. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy Studies in 2005 and DePaul University College of Law in 2013. Janice noticed that there were few attorneys providing legal support to Filipinos, especially women and single mothers, in family law. Because of the strong Catholic tradition in the Philippines, divorce is a taboo topic with little support available to Filipinos seeking advice and assistance. Janice hopes to provide understanding and compassion to Filipinos struggling to find support with these legal issues. Being fluent in Tagalog and having strong ties to her Filipino heritage, Janice is able to effectively advocate for her fellow kababayan in the American court system.

The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association at Chicago-Kent College of Law represents a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting and amplifying the voices of Asian Pacific American students within the legal profession. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this student organization serves as a gathering place for individuals passionate about advancing representation and understanding within the law school community. Operating under the Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago-Kent College of Law, the association embodies the values of inclusion, cultural awareness, and peer support. The organization recognizes the importance of creating spaces where Asian Pacific American law students can build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and develop professional networks that extend beyond their time in law school. Through collaborative efforts and shared commitment, members work to foster a sense of belonging and community. As part of Chicago-Kent's diverse array of student organizations, this group contributes to the rich tapestry of student life at the institution. The association's presence on campus reflects Chicago-Kent's dedication to supporting student-led initiatives that celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding among the law school community. Students involved in the organization benefit from connections with peers, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to contribute to meaningful conversations about representation in the legal field. For Asian Pacific American law students attending Chicago-Kent in Chicago, IL, or those interested in supporting this community, the association provides an important platform for connection and growth. The organization continues to evolve as Chicago-Kent enhances its student organization infrastructure, ensuring that vital community spaces remain accessible and impactful for current and future students.

The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) represents a vibrant community within Loyola University Chicago School of Law, serving as a home for students from South, Southeast, and East Asia as well as anyone passionate about advancing Asian Pacific American representation in the legal profession. Established in 1988, APALSA has grown into a cornerstone organization that celebrates cultural diversity while fostering professional development and meaningful friendships among law students in Chicago. At its core, APALSA's mission centers on building community and providing support for Asian Pacific American law students navigating law school and early careers. The organization recognizes the unique experiences of students from countries including India, China, Pakistan, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea, creating an inclusive space where members feel valued and supported. Rather than limiting membership to students of Asian descent, APALSA welcomes all law students interested in understanding and supporting AAPI perspectives within the legal community. The organization's programming reflects its commitment to both celebration and professional growth. Annual events like the Diwali celebration highlight cultural traditions, while the Career Development Forum provides practical guidance from accomplished attorneys and recent graduates. The APALSA Alumni Award honors the achievements of former members, strengthening the bond between current students and the broader Loyola alumni network across Chicago. First-year students find immediate pathways to involvement through 1L Liaison roles and mentorship programs that connect them with experienced peers. APALSA's relationships with prominent bar associations—including the Asian American Bar Association of Chicago, South Asian Bar Association, and others—extend the organization's reach beyond the law school, creating a robust network of support throughout Chicago's legal community. By joining APALSA, students become part of a close-knit community dedicated to increasing the visibility and success of Asian American interests at Loyola and throughout Chicago.

Located at the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, Illinois, the Philippine Student Association represents a dedicated community of student members committed to celebrating and sharing Philippine culture with their peers. This student-led organization embodies the spirit of cultural preservation and community building, serving as a home away from home for Filipino students and an educational resource for those curious about Philippine traditions and contemporary culture. The association operates within the dynamic student life ecosystem of UIUC, where it fulfills an important role in supporting Filipino and Filipino-American students throughout their academic journey. Members gather to celebrate important cultural events, share traditional foods and customs, and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. The organization recognizes the importance of maintaining cultural connections while embracing the diversity of the UIUC community in Champaign. As a student organization at the University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, the Philippine Student Association demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering diverse student communities and supporting cultural expression on campus. The group's activities and programs reflect the values of solidarity, cultural pride, and mutual support that define the student experience in Champaign. Through meaningful engagement and authentic community building, the association creates lasting bonds among members and contributes to a more inclusive and culturally aware campus environment at UIUC.