More Fil-Am Winners in the 2020 Elections

For more of the Fil-Am candidates who won in the 2020 elections, visit: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/filam-winners-in-2020-elections

Georgia

Karen Watkins, Gwinnett County Board of Education

Karen Watkins

Watkins’ mother was born and raised in the Philippines and came to America to pursue opportunities and met her husband of Caribbean descent, Hugh Mulzac Sr., who was the first Black captain to command an integrated ship in the U.S. Merchant Marines.  As a mother, Karen understands issues that are impacting students and families trying to navigate a school year that looks very different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Karen is an advocate for fully funded public schools, well-paid teachers, and accountability in school spending. She received her MBA from University of Phoenix and BS in Biology from Penn State.

Hawaii

Brandon Elefante, Councilmember, Honolulu

Brandon Elefante

A lifelong resident of the Pearl City and Aiea communities, Elefante learned at an early age the value of responsibility and commitment. He was an only child born to a single mother and also raised by immigrant grandparents from the Philippines, who taught him about respecting others and the importance of hard work. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and business administration in 2008, he became active in the community and pursued a master’s in Business Administration from Chaminade University and graduated in 2011. He worked as a legislative aide to Honolulu City Councilmember Breene Harimoto for four years (2011 to 2014), assisting him in tracking and following infrastructure and development projects, as well as handling constituent issues for the ‘Aiea, Pearl City, and Waipahu communities.  Out of the nine current members on the Honolulu City Council, Elefante is the youngest at 32 years old. He is a recipient of Pacific Businesses News 40 Under 40. He serves as chair of the Committee on Public Health, Safety, and Welfare and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Washington 

Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson, Councilmember, Tukwila

Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson

Johnson is currently the manager of the Supreme Court Commissions with the Administrative Office of the Courts. Her work focuses on statewide projects and policies related to addressing racial equity, gender equity, and language access in the courts. She received her law degree from Seattle University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington.  She serves on the board of the Tukwila Children’s Foundation and is also a board member of the Filipino Lawyers of Washington. She is passionate about mentoring students of color who are interested in pursuing careers in law, policy, and public service.  Cynthia lives in Tukwila with her husband, James, and two sons.

Wisconsin

Angelito Tenorio, Alderman, City of West Alies

Angelito Tenorio

Tenorio and his siblings were born and raised in Milwaukee County, after his parents immigrated from the Philippines.  He got involved in politics because he believed that “climate change is the most pressing issue of our time.”  He served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. An alderman is an elected member of some city governments, like a councilmember. At Wisconsin Conservation Voters, his work has been focused on continuing to fight for justice by empowering supporters, advocating for conservation principles, and holding elected officials accountable. As Engagement and Development Manager at Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Tenorio works with donors, board members, VIPs, and community members in the Milwaukee area to raise awareness and support for Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ campaigns. He is the Co-chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s AAPI Caucus; he believes in electing leaders who represent progressive values.

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