IAM FAME honors outstanding teachers, community leaders

Posted: July 18th, 2025 ˑ Filled under: Culture, Education ˑ  No Comments
Outstanding Educators 2025

Mark your calendars for August 22, 2025! The International Association of Multicultural and Filipino-American Educators, Inc. (IAM FAME, Inc.) is set to host its inaugural Teacher Empowering Achievement & Cultural Heritage (TEACH) Awards in New York City.

This celebration will honor outstanding educators and Filipino American leaders who’ve made significant contributions to education and cultural preservation.

Formed on March 3, 2025, IAM FAME, Inc. has quickly spread its objective to connect, support, and celebrate multicultural and Filipino-American educators worldwide and cultivate an inclusive educational landscape and passionately promote Filipino culture.

The organization was co-founded by Dr. Archie Manalo (Founding President, based in Las Vegas), Dr. Eleuterio Timbol (Co-Founder, Queens, NYC), and Dr. Myleen Legaspi (Co-Founder, Philippines and Overseas).

“Our main goal is to help,” states Dr. Manalo. “We want to share what we have learned, for which we are grateful. We are providing new formats, best practices, all the knowledge we have gained from working in the U.S. And it’s all free.” Dr. Timbol adds, “We are committed and dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive, rich educational landscape of Filipino culture… Our goal is to promote Filipino culture and support other Filipino teachers who are having struggles.”

Honoring Excellence: The TEACH Awards

The inaugural TEACH Awards celebrated 16 individuals and one organization for their profound impact on education and cultural heritage. These prestigious awards acknowledge those who ignite a passion for learning, foster academic growth, empower students, and safeguard cultural heritage.

Jocelyn Delos Santos, a community leader in the Filipino American community in NYC and one of the awardees, shared that such recognition serves as a “driving force to amplify the dedication and work that each educator is doing in the community whether inside or outside the classroom.”

Outstanding Educators of 2025

Ten educators were honored for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to shaping the next generation:

  • Dr. Ana Isabel G. Espino (Teaching Excellence): A Social Studies teacher and department chair in Odessa, TX, recognized for her focus on equity and critical thinking.
  • Dr. Everly Rose C. Platon (Inspiring Minds): A NY-based educator lauded for fostering curiosity, creativity, and integrating mindfulness into her teaching.
  • Kate Nwako (Teacher Impact): A veteran NYC Public Schools teacher empowering students with disabilities and actively involved in community service.
  • Shawn Chisty (Educational Leadership): An Education Leader and Diversity Coordinator in NYC, recognized for transforming institutions.
  • Arnold P. Libayo (Innovative Teaching): Honored for over two decades of groundbreaking mathematics education in both the Philippines and NYC.
  • Jocelyn Delos Santos (Community Engagement): A preschool teacher dedicated to nurturing learning environments and fostering community partnerships.
  • Arwin A. Alitagtag (Dedicated Service): A High School Mathematics Teacher in Salt Lake City, UT, committed to fostering a strong college-going culture.
  • Nadia Jackson Henry (Inclusive Teaching): A Math and Special Education teacher in NYC, championing diversity, equity, and social justice.
  • Bernadeth P. Peña (PEACE Award – Pre-K & Elementary Educator Achieving Child Excellence Award): Recognized for 25 years in early childhood and elementary education in the Philippines and U.S.
  • Joel Dogelio (PRIDE Award – Pre-K & Elementary Recognizing Innovative Dedication to Excellence): An early childhood educator in the Bronx known for his innovative and excellence-driven approach.
Community leaders to be honored

Cultural Heritage Awards

Six Filipino American leaders and one organization received Cultural Heritage Awards for their exceptional contributions to preserving and promoting cultural identity:

  • Elton Lugay (Gawad Bandila Dangal ng Lahi – Pride of the Nation Award): A Filipino American journalist and community leader, founder of “The Outstanding Filipinos in America” (TOFA).
  • Cristina DC Pastor (Yaman ng Lahi Award – Treasure of the People Award): Founding Editor of TheFilAm.net and co-host of “Makilala TV,” dedicated to enriching Filipino cultural identity.
  • Dr. Francisco S. Sy, MD, MS, DrPH (Gawad Tanglaw – Beacon of Light Award): A distinguished Professor of Environmental and Global Health, recognized for visionary leadership in public health.
  • Maureen Johnson (Gawad Lingkod Bayani – Servant Hero Award): Deputy Senior Director at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, honored for selfless service in early childhood education.
  • Judilyn F. Canete (Gawad Makabayang Kababaihan – Patriotic Women’s Award): Founder of MedStar Billing Technology and Resources, recognized for empowering women and pioneering healthcare training.
  • Talisay Association, USA (TAUSA), led by President Manuel Balazon (Gawad Bayanihan – Spirit of Solidarity Award): Honored for embodying communal unity and cooperation within the Filipino American community and in the Philippines.


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