Organizing Filipino and AAPI communities nationwide
Dr. Angelica Cortez is an award-winning activist, community builder, and public policy executive with more than 15 years of experience advancing civic engagement, health equity, and movement-building within Filipino and Asian American Pacific Islander [AAPI] communities. She is the Founder & CEO of LEAD Filipino, a national organization focused on Filipino American civic leadership and grassroots mobilization.
Dr. Cortez is a recognized voice on matters of Filipino and AAPI political engagement, where her organization and work has been featured by NBC Bay Area, ABC7 and at the White House. She is a recipient of numerous honors, including Silicon Valley Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Woman of Influence, the Larry Itliong Legacy Award, and the Stanford Health Care Community Health Advocate Award.
She serves on the boards of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Campaign Board, Sacred Heart Community Service, and as a National Trustee with the Filipino American National Historical Society [FANHS].
Dr. Cortez holds degrees from San José State University, the University of San Francisco, and the University of Southern California.
Dr. Cortez is a recognized voice on civic leadership, grassroots organizing and building Filipino and AAPI political power. Explore selected interviews, panels and media appearances here.
35,000
Community Members Engaged
5+ Cities
National Footprint
10 Years
Building LEAD Filipino
$2M
Raised for Progress
Learn more about Dr. Cortez’s advocacy and community power-building work
National nonprofit organization focused on Filipino American civic leadership
National social welfare organization dedicated to building civic infrastructure
Headwear and accessories brand that intertwines Southeast Asian essence
Integrated impact initiatives focused on community, workforce and economic development