MARIA ISCEL BULATAO

CHAIR

Maria (she/her) is a registered nurse, photographer, CPR instructor, Hataw dancer and the owner of Made By Mree. She enjoys creating and sharing treats that are influenced by the flavours she grew up on as an immigrant Filipina in Canada. Maria first joined the Kapisanan community as a Volunteer Coordinator for the 2015 Kultura and continued to assist as a volunteer working on fundraising strategies until 2017. In 2020, she joined Kapisanan's community engagement committee and is excited to help enrich, support and highlight the Kapisanan community.

Rachel Evangeline Chiong
Secretary

Rachel (she/her) was a past co-facilitator for Poetry is Our Second Language and copy manager for Islands & Aswangs. She is an author and journalist, currently working on her upcoming YA novel.

Jose cacho-lim

treasurer

Jose (he/him) has over 10 years experience in the accounting field and spent some time sitting on the board of Thunder Woman Healing Lodge as a treasurer, until he stepped down in 2019.  He has called Toronto home for over 20 years and currently lives in North York with his husband of 5 years.  He speaks Ilocano and understands Tagalog.  He holds an MBA and is currently in the final stages of the CPA designation program.

Shannon Benigi-an Mulholland

Shannon (she/her) is a T’karonto-based Fashion Designer and Communications Supervisor working in a law firm. 

She is a York University graduate with a BA in French Translation and has over 8 years of customer service experience. Shannon is extremely passionate about the arts, particularly fashion, and is the founder of a small clothing business she started in 2020 named Benigi-an Designs, inspired by the colours and nature of the Philippines.

Her goal is to use her talents and experiences as a way to connect with community and play a role in uplifting Filipino/a/x youth.

CHELSEA CARPIO

Chelsea is a 2nd generation Filipina-Canadian with over 15 years of Filipino dance experience with Filipino Folklorico Canada (FFC) in Toronto. Here she was a principal dancer from 2016 to 2019 and participated in one national dance exchange, and two international tours. Her professional background is in Human Resources where she built her career in corporate and non-profit spaces. Through every role she's had, Chelsea has brought a comprehensive perspective and focus on transformational change, leadership development, and critical support systems.

marissa largo

Marissa Largo (she/her), PHD has been a mentor and facilitator for CLUTCH and currently serves on the K's Board of Directors. She is a highly-regarded researcher, artist, curator, and educator whose work focuses on the intersections of race, gender, settler colonialism, and Asian diasporic cultural production.

EIRENE CLOMA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Eirene (they/she) has been a volunteer at Kapisanan since 2015. Shortly after the leadership transition in late 2014, she took on the task of managing rentals at the former space in Kensington Market. She supported Kultura in 2015 and 2016 as a stage manager. Bringing her passion for non-profit governance, Eirene joined the board in September 2017 and became Chair in June 2018.

Eirene is the keyboardist, bassist, and vocalist for Pantayo, the all-women kulintang ensemble.

marie sotto

Artistic Director

Marie Sotto (they/them) is a Scarborough born Filipinx Futurist, Art Witch and Storyteller. A dynamic community catalyst, Marie has over a decade of experience in arts leadership, cultural strategy and creative programming. Marie is also an illustrator and new media artist. Continuously inspired and energized by community, Marie strives to build a just and hopeful future for future generations of Filipino/a/x.

NERUPA SOMASALE

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Nerupa's involvement with the Kapisanan community began in 2014 as a participant in Poetry is Our Second Language and as a volunteer for the 9th year of Kultura. She has a degree in History and Curatorial Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University and over 10 years of experience working with non-profit arts organizations in programming, producing and youth mentorship both nationally and internationally. Nerupa is also a DJ, assistant director, social media specialist and advocate for affordable housing in her neighbourhood Parkdale, Toronto.

MARIA PATRICIA ABUEL

program manager

Maria Patricia Abuel (she/her/siya) is an emerging multidisciplinary artist, community worker, and arts facilitator. She completed her Honours Bachelor’s of Art Studio Specialist degree at the University of Toronto Scarborough. She has been an active member of Kapisanan since 2011 and is a proud CLUTCH Volume 5 alumnus and BABAE Filipina Theatre program participant. As a Scarborough-based first generation Filipinx artist, she is passionate about bringing meaningful arts programming to the community, especially to equity-seeking groups.

HONEY ABADA

FINANCE ADVISOR

MARIA BELTRAN

Philippine Studies Group Researcher

Maria Beltran (she/her) is an undergrad at Toronto Metropolitan University studying language, culture, and cognition. She has experience in both quantitative and qualitative research, as well as event planning and peer mentorship through her involvement in student government and campus initiatives. Maria is also a writer, multimedia artist, and advocate of children and youth rights. She is especially concerned about the pressing issues that affect her generation today, but believes in creating progress through the arts & media. 

LEAH MARCELO

PASKO SA KULTURA FESTIVAL COORDINATOR

Leah Marcelo is a creative collaborator born and raised in the Philippines and currently based in Toronto, Canada. She has a decade of experience producing, planning, managing, and coordinating Arts and Culture events and programs. Presently, she is pursuing a Post Graduate Certification in Arts Management at Centennial College in Toronto. She finds fulfillment in developing events that aim to promote arts and culture and producing educational programs and workshops for the art community.

Reena Goze

Pasko sa Kultura Marketing and Communications Intern

Reena (she/they) is a Filipinx-Canadian multidisciplinary artist and educator with a background in theatre performance and production, social media marketing, and arts coordination from University of Toronto-Mississauga and Sheridan College. Reena is thrilled to be working with Kapisanan's team as Marketing Intern and support the artistic development and engagement of young Filipino/a/x leaders.