Founding Executive Director

DC: “It all begins with curiosity and a chip on your shoulder in equal measure to document, preserve, and share our rich Filipino American History.”

RG: “Auntie Dorothy, What do you recommend for the next generations?”

DC: “Find something you are passionate about. There are so many different stories. I like people. I find people to be interesting. Different professions. People came because they had a sense of purpose. Write about it.”

RG” Why does our history matter?”

DC: “This is not just a Filipino story. This is a Filipno American Story. This is American history. We are part of the Americas, even before it was the United States. We were here and continue to be here. History is a cautionary tale. Pay attention. Make a connection to what happened to us in the past and what is happening in the present. Have the courage to stand up for justice and visibility.”

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Born in Seattle on February 6, 1932, Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova grew up in the Central District and Madison Valley neighborhoods. Her Ilocano parents immigrated from the Philippines and owned a grocery store and cafe in the Chinatown-International District. She attended Seattle University, where she earned a degree in sociology. While in college, she became deeply involved in student groups, like the Filipino student club, where she began promoting and preserving Filipino culture. It was also at Seattle University that she met her future husband, Fred Cordova. 

In 1957, with her husband Fred and other families, she co-founded the Filipino Youth Activities (FYA) in Seattle. The FYA offered youth activities like folk dancing, soccer, and a drill team to help young Filipino Americans connect with their heritage. It also served as a hub for broader social activism. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Cordova used the FYA as a vehicle for advocacy. She successfully campaigned for bilingual teachers in Seattle Public Schools and fought for the rights of Philippine-trained medical doctors to practice in the U.S. In the 1970s, she served as director for the DPAA. This project conducted groundbreaking research and oral histories to document the challenges and experiences of Asian American communities. 

Frustrated by the lack of accurate historical information about Filipino Americans, Cordova founded FANHS in 1982. The organization grew from discussions around her kitchen table. She has served as the organization's unsalaried Founding Executive Director for decades, tirelessly dedicating herself to its mission, and continues to be our Resident Historian. Under her leadership, FANHS established the National Pinoy Archives in Seattle. It is one of the largest collections on Filipino American history, containing extensive records, oral histories, and artifacts. FANHS is also responsible for designating October as Filipino American History Month. 

Her actiivism continues. "Auntie Dorothy," as she is affectionately known, has received numerous honors for her contributions, including a 2023 Preservation Champion Award from Historic Seattle. As she enters her nineties, she continues to work on behalf of FANHS and its archives. Her work has had a profound and lasting impact on the preservation of Filipino American history and culture for future generations.

Inaugural National Director

“I’m deeply honored to serve as the newly appointed National Director of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)! With heartfelt gratitude, I honor the legacy of our founders; Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova and the late Dr. Fred Cordova, our beloved Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Fred, whose vision and leadership built the foundation we now stand on. As I step into this role, I’m excited to visit our 45+ regional FANHS chapters across the United States and immerse myself in the vibrant local communities- uplifting local visions, co-creating the next iterations of our collective national kuwento / story, and speaking bold possibilities unto existence! “Cheers to stewardship, building together, and shared progress. 🇵🇭 ✊🏾”

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Romeo Obrador Garcia is the Inaugural National Director of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). Bringing over two decades of leadership in higher education, nonprofit, participatory action research, and community organizing. Throughout his career, Romeo has centered equity and social justice - directing community-based organizations, leading college access programs, advancing equity initiatives in California Community Colleges, and securing resources through grant writing.

As a scholar and practitioner, he is committed to cultural preservation, building coalitions, and uplifting solidarity among generations, identities, and intersections. Currently completing his doctorate in Educational Leadership, Romeo now calls Seattle home, working closely with the FANHS Office & Archives and its nationwide chapters to carry forward the living legacy of Dr. Dorothy Laigo Cordova—ensuring Filipino American history is documented, celebrated, and connected to broader movements for justice and liberation.

Thank you to our dedicated team of older adult volunteers who generously offer their time, expertise, and passion for supporting Auntie Dorothy, FANHS, and the preservation of Filipino-American history through archive support, organization, and numerous volunteer hours at FANHS and in the local community.