Board of Directors

Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance

Meet the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance Board of Directors

Catherine Uy

President

Catherine Carandang-Uy

Co-Founder and President, Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA)

Cathy Uy is an accomplished executive, cultural strategist, and community leader with over 30 years of experience as an enterprise IT executive, guiding strategic initiatives and global partnerships across sectors. Her professional career is defined by a commitment to excellence, cross-cultural engagement, and strategic innovation.

As Co-Founder and President of the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA), Cathy leads the organization’s mission to promote Filipino and Asian American heritage through inclusive programming, civic partnerships, and community celebration. Under her leadership, HSPAA has grown into a respected platform for cultural diplomacy, intergenerational pride, and sustainable community-building.

Cathy’s broader portfolio includes founding Kubo Restaurant in New Jersey, a hospitality venture honoring Filipino culinary tradition, and SCAT Productions NY, a high-scale event production company recognized for organizing major performances, including the internationally acclaimed Jabbawockeez.

She has contributed to Filipino American media as a reporter for Filipino Reporter and Filipino Express, and as a lifestyle columnist for Headline Philippines. Her civic leadership extends across major organizations, having served as Chairwoman and Board Director of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), and as a long‑standing member of the Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM). Cathy also served as a Community Advisor for the Harvard Graduate Commons Program and founded the first Filipino Culture Club at Harvard University, creating a lasting space for cultural pride and student engagement.

Whether organizing large-scale festivals or intimate community rituals, Cathy’s work is rooted in joy, resilience, and representation—championing dignity and legacy-building across Filipino and Asian American communities.

Satrick Uy

Vice President

Satrick Uy

Satrick Uy is currently the Vice President of Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA). He is a dedicated individual with a passion for organizing and coordinating special events. As the Director of Banquets at Harvard University, Satrick brings his expertise and creativity to ensure memorable experiences for the university community and its guests.

Before his tenure at Harvard, Satrick honed his skills in the hospitality industry, working as Restaurant and Room Service Manager at esteemed establishments such as the New York Palace Hotel, W Hotel, Regent Wall Street Hotel, and RIHGA Royal Hotel NY. His experience in managing restaurant service operations and banquet services equipped him with a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of customer satisfaction.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Satrick has actively engaged with various organizations and initiatives. He played a pivotal role in SCAT Productions, contributing to the success of the entertainment company. Satrick’s passion for community-building and cultural awareness led him to found several Filipino-American groups, including the Cambridge Fil-Am Group and the Boston Fil-Am Group. These organizations, including TGIF (“Thank God I’m Filipino”), aim to celebrate Filipino culture and foster a sense of belonging within the Filipino-Americancommunity.

Satrick’s most recent venture, the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA), showcases his commitment to creating a platform for the Philippine-American community within the Harvard Square area. As the founder of HSPAA, Satrick spearheads initiatives that promote cultural exchange, education, and advocacy.

Satrick Uy’s diverse background, combining expertise in event management, hospitality, and community engagement, makes him an invaluable asset to the non-profit organization he represents. Through his tireless efforts and dedication, he continues to make a positive impact on both the Harvard University community and the broader community he serves.

Josephine Jalandoni

Founding Board Director

Josephine Jalandoni

Josephine Jalandoni is currently a Board Member of the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA). A tireless advocate of Filipino heritage, Joji, as her close friends fondly call her, has facilitated cultural shows for the Filipino American community in New York for about a decade. Her most memorable feat was the 2018 Philippine Independence Day Parade on Madison Avenue, where festival performers from Iloilo City and Guimaras province regaled New Yorkers with colorful imagery and dance, a feat no other Filipino-American leader has done. A nurse by profession, Jalandoni promotes cultural shows to keep Filipino heritage alive for future generations.

She is known among New York City Ilonggos as “the Mother of Dinagyang and Manggahan Festivals in the New York City Philippine Independence Day Parade.” A New Jersey-based nurse, originally from Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Jalandoni, who has a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration/Nurse Executive Program from the Teachers College at Columbia University, has gone above the regular duties of a nurse and currently holds the position of infection control and associate prevention director at her place of employment.

Jalandoni has served as president of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) and the Silliman University Alumni Association New York-New Jersey Chapter, where she has worked in many community activities.

Satrick Camerone Uy

Secretary

Satrick Camerone Uy

Satrick Camerone Uy is currently the Secretary of Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA). He is a dynamic individual with a zest for cultural affairs, cooking, and fashion. Currently working as a business analyst at an energy company, Camerone‘s professional acumen is matched by their dedication to promoting cultural awareness and fostering meaningful connections within their community. With an innate passion for diverse cuisines, Camerone savors the flavors of different cultures, finding inspiration in culinary traditions. His love for food and fashion fuels their creativity, enabling them to appreciate and celebrate the unique expressions of style found across cultures. Camerone‘s commitment to making a positive impact through their involvement with community building and making food for others reflects their deep belief in the power of cultural exchange and the transformative potential of shared experiences.

Rhea Barlin So

Board Member

Rhea Barlin So

Rhea Barlin So is an accomplished community organizer and cultural programmer dedicated to fostering inclusive public spaces, grassroots engagement, and cross cultural collaboration. She currently leads the Footprints of Boston summer activation at Brewer Fountain in Boston Common, where she curates everyday experiences that celebrate the city’s diversity through art, music, local entrepreneurship, and community partnerships.

Rhea holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing, providing her with a strong foundation in strategic planning, brand development, and community engagement. Her academic background complements her extensive hands-on experience in public programming and the nonprofit sector.

In addition to her current work, Rhea is an active member of the Harvard Square Phil-Am Alliance, where she advocates for Filipino-American culture and promotes community involvement through events, advocacy, and outreach initiatives.

Recognized for her collaborative approach, meticulous attention to detail, and deep rooted connections within the communities she serves, Rhea is passionate about transforming public spaces into environments that are joyful, inclusive, and truly reflective of the people who gather there.

Nela Charade Galang Puno

Board Member

Nela Charade Galang Puno

Charade works at the intersection of healthcare transformation, social entrepreneurship and innovation. She graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School in 2023 with a Master’s in Public Administration.

She is the Co-founder of Green Hero Corporation, a product development company committed to championing Philippine medicinal herbs through science-based nutrition.

“Everything we develop and produce aims to champion Philippine therapeutic herbs in partnership with our network of communities —“real people” making products that bring meaning and connection to your home.”

Being a cancer survivor, she has been in constant pursuit of ethically sourced therapeutic herbs and an advocate on preventive health.
As the Deputy Secretary General for Health Legislation for the National Unity Party (NUP), she consults on government efforts focused on universal healthcare.

Her engagement with Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA) as an advisory Board Member lies on her belief that strengthening the Filipino- American community through networking and outreach events gives a stronger sense of inclusiveness, independence and pride- because empowered people become agents of change in their own lives and actors of their own development.

She has over 15 years of experience in regulatory affairs management, operational transformation and business development having occupied leadership positions in the private and public sector. In this regard, she has led strategic engagements in business turnarounds, process reengineering, organizational change, best-practices accreditation and digital revolutions.

Charade was the first woman Director-General of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appointed by the country’s President. She has successfully steered the national agency through its challenging stages of reform, restructure and operational expansion in public service delivery. Under her leadership , FDA accomplished such important milestones in the streamlining of regulatory processes and procedures (anti-red tape) , the roll-out of enforcement (fight against counterfeit, corruption) and the decentralization of regional offices (better access to public service ), all these enabling the FDA to be a more responsive, citizen- centric public health authority. Charade is also a recipient of the 2018 Best-M Government Service award at the World Government Summit in Dubai. When she’s not working, you can find Charade traveling and diving into pharmacies, going to the beach, or taking care of her dog and three cats.

Maya Johnson

Board Member

Maya Johnson

Maya Johnson is a dedicated entrepreneur, esthetician, and proud Filipina with a strong commitment to community, healing, and cultural representation. As the owner of Honey Lash Bar & Spa, she seamlessly integrates beauty, faith, and mental health to empower women to feel radiant both inside and out.

As a valued board member of HSPAA, Maya applies her spiritual foundation, business acumen, and passion for Asian culture to her initiatives. She is devoted to amplifying voices, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting mental health within the Asian community and beyond.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Maya finds tranquility in nature, prayer, and cherished moments with loved ones. She believes that beauty is a reflection of divine design and that every individual possesses a purpose deserving of recognition.

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Rachel Anne Wolfe-Spitaletta

Board Member

Lidy Chan

Rachel Anne Wolfe-Spitaletta is a Filipino-American singer, songwriter, actress, author, and community leader whose life work bridges the worlds of entertainment, entrepreneurship, faith, and cultural advocacy.

A Musical Legacy
Born into a celebrated musical family, Rachel is the daughter of the late Annie Brazil, the Philippines’ “Queen of Jazz,” and the sister of Richard Merk, known as the “Prince of Jazz.” Rachel began her own professional journey at age 14 and rose to national prominence in the 1980s, becoming a household name across Philippine television, film, and advertising.

Entertainment & Pageantry
Her multifaceted career includes hosting iconic variety shows such as GMA Supershow and Student Canteen, as well as starring in feature films alongside the industry’s most prominent actors. In 1984, at just 16 years old, she was crowned Miss Young Pilipinas in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. As a recording artist, Rachel made history as the first Filipino artist to release a 12-inch extended single under OctoArts International, later recording for major labels like Viva Records and Sony BMG. Her discography remains available today on Spotify and Apple Music.

Corporate Leadership & Service
Beyond the stage, Rachel has demonstrated significant business acumen. She spent seven years with Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, notably serving as Head Merchandiser for the launch of the brand’s infants and toddlers line in the early 1990s. In this role, she oversaw distribution across high-end department stores throughout the Northeast United States. She later transitioned her people-centered passion to the Wyckoff YMCA, where she spent seven years fostering a welcoming community through excellence in customer service.

Author & Community Advocate
Rachel is the author of My Heart, My Prayers, My Wisdom, a deeply personal reflection on motherhood, faith, and the evolving seasons of life. Now based in Oakland, New Jersey, she remains a dedicated storyteller and mentor. She serves as a church cantor and has developed vocal and stage presence programs for local youth, nurturing the next generation of performers.

Cultural Leadership
A cornerstone of her current work is her leadership with the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HSPAA) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As a member of the Board of Directors, Rachel plays a vital role in promoting Philippine heritage. She served as the host and headlining performer for the inaugural Filipino American Festival at Harvard Square and continues to be a driving force for the organization’s cultural and educational missions.

Rachel is married to businessman John Spitaletta. At her core, she embodies the harmony between artistry and purpose—inspiring others through her voice, her story, and her unwavering commitment to community and personal growth.

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Members & Volunteers

Meet the newest members of the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance Team

Ralph Samson

Creative & Technology Director

Ralph Samson

Ralph Lauren Samson
Creative & Technical Director, HSPAA

RL leads the design and execution of visual assets, promotional materials, and graphics that reflect HSPAA’s vibrant celebration of Filipino American culture. His creative leadership brings cohesion and impact to print and digital content, including signage, posters, and social media visuals that elevate community engagement.

As founder and CEO of Design District Studios LLC, RL brings over a decade of expertise in graphic design, print production, and marketing strategy, infusing each HSPAA initiative with clarity, cultural resonance, and professional polish.

Katrina Uy

Member

Katrina Uy

Katrina Uy

Kurt-Michael Songcog

Member

Kurt-Michael Songcog

Kurt-Michael Songcog holds an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Criminology, Law, and Society from UC Irvine. Originally from Queens, NY, he has a passion for supporting diverse student communities, drawing from rich experiences in intercultural communication, academic advising, and orientation. Kurt loves learning people’s stories, experiencing cultures, trying new food, discovering new music, and karaoke. A seasoned mover having lived in the Philippines and several U.S. states, he brings adaptability and enthusiasm to his work supporting students’ success and growth. As a member of HSPAA, he is excited to contribute through his passion for student development and open, inclusive engagement.

Lidy Chan

Contributing Member

Lidy Chan

Lidy Chan is an accomplished, veteran leader in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. She started her community service when she was in elementary school in Cebu, Philippines by tutoring students and providing free school supplies to underserved students in her school. She continues her community involvement when she came to the United States in early 1990 and decided to reside in Boston, Massachusetts.

Lidy serves as a Board Member of the Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance (HPAA), Culture and Arts Director for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), a member of NaFFAA Massachusetts Dance Troupe, Director of Philippine Mainstream Advocacy of Non-partisan Associations, Inc (PAMANA), a Board member of Foxborough Cultural Council (FCC), a member of St. Mary’s Choir. Advisory Board member as well as Immediate Past President for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Boston Chapter and Treasurer for Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC).

Lidy works at Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) as a Risk Financing Manager. In addition to her day-to-day duties overseeing the Risk Management and Insurance Department, she is involved in MassDOT’s many programs serving as a mentor, Partners in Transportation Diversity Planning Committee member, Chair of AAPI Heritage month celebration, a founding member for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Employee Advisory Council, a member of the MassDOT Employee Resource Group (ERG) Council.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with minors in Economics, Banking, Finance and Marketing at Southwestern University, Philippines. She attended a finance continuing education at Northeastern University, Boston and completed her associate in risk management designation at Insurance Institute of America. Lidy resides in Foxborough with her husband Jeff, two children Julie & Jessica, and a toy poodle Winston.

Vanessa Sernal-Rosalan

Board Member

Vanessa Sernal-Rosalan

Originally from Manila, Philippines, Vanessa Sernal-Rosalan is a dedicated leader in faith-based service and specialized education. A prominent figure in the Central Massachusetts Filipino Catholic community, she has spearheaded cultural traditions like Simbang Gabi and the inaugural Sinulog Festival in Holliston.

Vanessa is a trailblazer in her professional field, having served as the first Asian President of the Association of Massachusetts Educators of Students with Visual Impairment (2022–2024). She continues her advocacy as the incoming 1st Vice President of the Concord Lions Club—the first Asian to hold the role—and as a District Representative for the Massachusetts Lions Low Vision Network.

A highly credentialed expert, Vanessa holds three Master’s degrees (Special Education, Vision Studies, and Orientation & Mobility) from UMass Boston and a leadership certificate from Harvard. She lives in Acton with her husband, Marvin, their son, Sean, and their Pekingese, Tsubee.

Marilou A. Lee

Board Member

Marilou A. Lee

Driven by a holistic commitment to the well-being of “everyone and everything,” Marilou A. Lee is expanding her lifelong mission of care beyond her established career as a medical provider. Having achieved her goal of supporting community health through medicine, she is now pivoting toward environmental stewardship and global sustainability.

As the founder of “Kalikasan Ko Ventures, Inc.”, Marilou is tackling the global plastic crisis head-on. By partnering with innovative organizations in the Philippines, she is championing the transition to biodegradable products derived from renewable and reliable sources. Through this venture, she aims to bridge the gap between human health and ecological preservation, turning her dream of a cleaner, healthier planet into a reality.

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Harvard Square Philippine American Alliance