Joy Ranchero, RN, BSN, CCRN President, FAASD

By: Ryan Tejero

 

The Filipino American Association of South DuPage (FAASD) is a vibrant civic organization founded in 1985 by first generation Filipino immigrants who shared the same sentiments of belonging, missing families at home, desiring to assimilate to the American culture, yet preserve their own valued heritage and traditions. FAASD is a group of diverse people who came from different provinces in the Philippines but unite to support each other, and to act when there is a need. Through friendship, a family is born – the FAASD family. It started as a small community of friends under the leadership of Mr. Oscar Sales. The framework of the constitution and by-laws of the organization were drafted by Gloria Palisoc, Angel Quiaoit, and Bess Sulit who were pioneer residents of the cities comprising this organization. The largest membership of 2000 members was recorded under the leadership of Francis Manuel. The following cities comprised the core membership of this organization: Willowbrook, OakBrook, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Darien, Downers Grove, Woodridge, and some parts of Bolingbrook. Each of these nine cities has a Board of Director who represents in the FAASD Core Leadership Group.

FAASD has a mission to promote awareness and appreciation of the rich Filipino American heritage, culture, and traditions expressed in various cultural activities. It also seeks to promote integration and tolerance of others in our diverse community. FAASD is about F for friendship, fellowship, and family; A for acceptance; A for action; S for support, and D for diversity.

Yearly, FAASD organizes a gala event which served as its main fundraiser. The gala features Cotillions and presents Philippine Muses. The group also participates in the City of Darien’s July 4th Parade where they present a float. It has been a FAASD tradition to win the President’s Award trophy every year. The group also organizes Cultural Dance Presentations and the Annual Picnic and Christmas Party.

Since October 2021 to date, FAASD has accumulated almost 300 hours of volunteer work at the Food Bank Centers, awarded 3 scholarships at $500.00 each and sent out financial donation in partnership with missionaries in the Philippines that helped rebuild houses devastated by Typhoon Odette in Bacolod, Southern Leyte and Surigao del Sur. This year, FAASD is raising funds to benefit the flood victims in the Philippines particularly in the areas of Antique, and Northern Mindanao, Philippines.

Currently leading FAASD is Joy Ranchero. She was involved with FAASD when she was asked to help by close friend, Jose Soloria (deceased) who became the President in 2016-2018. Joy’s term as president will end in 2023. Joy is a Registered Nurse for 50 years. She retired after 26 years of nursing practice at the Hines VA Hospital in various specialties including ICU, Oncology Geriatrics. Her retirement did not stop her from sharing her mission. She joined the Catholic Diocese of Joliet Partnership in Mission and has done Mission work in the Philippines and Uganda, Africa. She became an active volunteer at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Darien, Illinois as Bereavement Minister. She is a Volunteer councilor at the Upper Room Ministry, which is a Catholic Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Joy grew up in South Cotabato in Mindanao. She completed her Nursing degree from St. Paul’s University, Iloilo City where her parents are originally from, in 1973. She immigrated to the US in 1976. Joy has 2 children and is a proud Lola to 2 grandchildren: Kasper (10) and Henry (2). Joy is a proud mother of Joni L Jones, who is a License Professional Civil Engineer and employed by Jensen Hughes Engineering Company in Chicago as Senior Engineer and Director of Construction Materials Laboratory. Joni is married to Daryl Jones who is a Systems Engineer. Her other daughter is Melissa Joy Ranchero, and she has a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing.

Joy is currently an active Board Member of the Chicago Nightingales FNP. On leadership, Joy sends her message to the FilAm community, “Leadership is about humble service. It is about sustaining the passion, and commitment to work together for a common goal.” To her favorite motto, she says “Surround yourself with positive people and you will likely see life happening for you instead of to you.”

Joy Ranchero President of FAASD

Induction of FAASD Officers.

Winning FAASD Float at the Darien’s July 4th Parade.

FAASD volunteer work at the food bank centers.