Joy Wilkins President (2025–2027), UPAAM

By: Ryan Tejero

 

Founded in 1984, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Michigan (UPAAM) was formed by alumni residing in Michigan to preserve their connection to their alma mater and build a strong network of fellow graduates in the state. Its mission was to uphold the University of the Philippines’ (UP) proud tradition of honor, excellence, and service. As a vibrant and united community of alumni, the members were committed to nurturing lifelong loyalty, promoting active civic engagement, and making significant contributions to UP, the communities they live in, the nation, and beyond.
With the strength of its membership, UPAAM’s vision is to be a premier and leading alumni association that exemplifies the values and legacy of the University of the Philippines—serving as a catalyst for national development, embodying leadership and service, and standing as global ambassadors of academic excellence.
For many years, UPAAM had led successful activities that promote community building, volunteerism and social impact. These include the 5th Annual School Supplies Rescue and Recycle Project (S2R2). This project celebrates its landmark 5th year on August 2. It operates to mobilize community volunteers to collect, sort, and distribute vital academic materials, underscoring UPAAM’s continued commitment to educational equity for underserved students in the Philippines.
One of the planned activities of UPAAM is the Fall Educational Project that will be launched in September of this year. It is a community seminar entitled, “Breaking Barriers, Leading with Care: Combating Mental Health Stigma in Asian American Communities.” This initiative is a high-profile collaboration with the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and will feature a special guest speaker, Dr. Doree Ann Ventura-Espiritu, a fellow UP Alumna and Medical Director of Behavioral Health Services at Henry Ford Health System.
UPAAM also organizes the Outstanding Youth of Michigan (OYM) Awards. This annual event recognizes and provides vital academic scholarships to high-achieving high school graduates of Filipino heritage living in Michigan.
Another event of UPAAM is “Dine Like A Diplomat”
Fundraising Initiative. This is a unique educational event and formal etiquette training workshop, which blends interactive professional protocol training with fine dining mentorship, serving as a dedicated fundraiser benefiting local youth and academic development.
In 2024, UPAAM celebrated
its 40th Anniversary Gala. It was a momentous event as the group pays tribute to the 40 years of service and the OYM scholarship program at the Macedonian Cultural Center. To date, the organization has awarded over 223 scholarships.
Currently leading UPAAM is Joy Wilkins. Joy graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, specializing in Ornamental Horticulture. She migrated to the US in 2008 from Romblon, Philippines. Prior to coming to the US, she worked as a Horticulturist. Here in the US, Joy is a Family Nurse Practitioner working privately as a clinician. She has an extensive clinical background in Emergency Medicine at the Henry Ford Health System and is actively involved in international medical missions. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the University of North Dakota (Graduated with distinct honors); while she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Minot State University, North Dakota (Graduated with flying colors; recognized on the President’s List and Dean’s List).
As an outstanding community leader, Joy is connected with Philippine Nurses Association of Michigan (PNAM) as a member of the Executive Board. She is the reigning Mrs. Asia of Michigan, with previous beauty titles as Mrs. Tourism International 2024 and Mrs. Philippines of Michigan (First Runner-Up, 2022).
If you are a UP alumna/alumnus in Michigan, please contact Joy at joyfesalbonwilkins@gmail.com.

 

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Michigan’s annual S2R2 Project (School Supplies and Rescue Recycle), on August 2, 2025, underscoring its continued commitment to educational equity for underserved students in the Philippines.

UPAAM Founders along with Past and Present Presidents over the years during the White Christmas Party last Dec 2025.