DOROTHY AND FRED CORDOVA

Dr. Cordova is a legendary scholar and historian who alongside her late husband, Fred Cordova, founded the Filipino American Historical Society in the 1980s. What began in Seattle sparked a movement across the country to found local nodes preserving Filipino-American history in communities. everywhere. Without the Cordova's work, the development of our Filipino-American collective consciousness would only just be beginning. While collecting robust archives of family history, Filipino- American newspapers, and oral histories FANHS has brought it to life. 

Dr. Cordova has led countless initiatives that have worked to bring the Filipino American community across the country closer together. Further, has led creative projects and solidarity actions to unite Filipinos across the diaspora with those in the Philippines. Recently, for Filipino-American history month held annually in October, FANHS held hours of zoom story sharing sessions attended by hundreds across the country. 

During each iteration of the menu so far, the Cordovas have remained. And they will continue to remain, no matter how much the menu changes. This choice is deeply intentional, as they have built the foundation for so many projects focusing on Seattle. With their instrumental guidance, Seattle Public Schools were able to launch the first ever curriculum on Filipino history. To community elders, thank you for being our bedrock.