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Jonathan Lorenzo, Administrator
Jonathan Lorenzo of the Filipino American LibraryIf there's one thing Jonathan Lorenzo, 24 knows (or wants to know) best, it's the Phillipines. As Administrator of the Filipino American Library and, currently, the only paid staffer, Jonathan is charged with a number of responsibilities in his pursuit to educate anyone and everyone about Filipino culture. But it wasn't always like that. It took a trip through Asia and Europe during college , where learning about all sorts of cultures made him curious about why he knew little of his own. Since then, all paths have been leading up to Jonathan's involvement in the FAL. Learn more about this cultural ambassador in this week's Non-Profit Spotlight.
Non-Profit
Filipino American Library
Founded
October, 1985
Website
www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org
www.myspace.com/filamlibrary
Name, Title
Jonathan Lorenzo, Administrator
Age
24
Hometown
West Covina, CA
Current residence
Los Angeles, CA
Education
University of Notre Dame; Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations; Bachelor of Arts; August 2005
Work Experience
Filipino American Library, Administrator, December 2005 - present
People's Alternative Livelihood Foundation of Sorogon, Inc., Ayala Foundation USA's Filipino American Youth Leaders Fellow, June 2005 - August 2005
Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Special Events Assistant, March 2005 - May 2005
Filipno American Library, Development & Programs Intern, June 2004 - October 2004
Ethnicity
Filipino
About the non-profit
FAL is the only community-based Filipino American library in the country.
The mission of the Filipino American Heritage Institute is to actively promote the history, culture and professional achievements of Filipino Americans through educational and cultural programming thereby contributing to the development of a culturally dynamic multi-ethnic America.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
I'm the only paid staff person, so I do whatever needs to be done.
Most notable milestones
FAL opened its very first museum exhibition, which was on "The Filipino American Experience", from August to October 2006.
What's the niche?
Right now I'm doing what I most want to do with my life – educate people about the Philippines and the Filipino American community.
What's the biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is being patient with my ambitions.
What's in store for the future?
FAL will become the main educational and cultural resource in Southern California for everything related to the Philippines and the Filipino American community.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
I would like to be contacted by anyone who is interested in learning about the Philippines or the Filipino American community. Please have them email me at filamlibary@sbcglobal.net
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Best way to keep a competitive edge
My work is not about keeping a competitive edge; it is about serving the community the best way I can.
Guiding principle in life
Do what you want to do.
Yardstick of success
My yardsticks of success are based on goals and objectives that are established before the efforts begin.
Goal yet to be achieved
The most important goal for FAL right now is raising enough money to hire our first ever, full-time staff person.
Best practical advice
Underestimate and overdeliver.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
"I'm proud of you." – my mother
Mentor(s) and why?
Right now I'm honestly not comfortable in calling anybody my mentor.
What motivated you to get started?
It began when I studied abroad in my sophomore year of college. I went on the Semester Around the World Program where I traveled to Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Austria. I learned to so much about other people, cultures, and history, that I began to wonder why I didn't know anything about my own people, culture, and history as a Filipino. That's when I first became interested in the Philippines.
Like best about what you do?
I love the potential of how much FAL can serve the Filipino American community.
Like least about what you do?
I least like the absence of a strategic plan for this organization.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a businessman.
What was your first job?
My first job was being a sales representative for a power tool company.
Biggest pastime outside of work
I enjoy singing karaoke.
Person most interested in meeting and why?
I most want to meet Dr. Tania Azores-Gunter because she helped develop FAL for over ten years.
Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?
The leader in business I am most interested in meeting is Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis because she is currently the wealthiest Filipino in the United States.
Three interesting facts about yourself
- I was born in the Philippines.
- I used to want to become a priest.
- I was a boxer in college.
Three characteristics that describe you
- passionate
- idealistic
- stubborn
Three greatest passions
- Filipino American Library
- Filipino American community
- The Philippines
Favorite book
"The Philippines: Fire on the Rim" by Joseph Collins.
Favorite cause
My favorite cause is educating people about the Philippines and the Filipino American community.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Please publish FAL's contact information:
Filipino American Library
135 N. Park View St.
Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, CA 90026-5215
Phone: 213-382-0488
Fax 213-382-0478
Email: filamlibary@sbcglobal.net;
Website: www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org
Myspace: www.myspace.com/filamlibrary
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