Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Anthony Fontimayor.
Hi Maria Anthony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am Maria Anthony R. Fontimayor, a passionate advocate for Filipino language and culture, a teacher, workshop facilitator, and youth leadership promoter.
My journey began when I took on the role of Language Coordinator and Instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Language and Culture Center, where I taught the Filipino language and culture. Teaching non-Filipinos was a unique challenge, as I needed to help my students understand the significance of their presence in my classroom. However, teaching the Filipino language and culture to military personnel and non-Filipino students opened my eyes to the beauty of learning a new language and embracing a new culture. This experience sparked my commitment to advocate for the Filipino language and culture in the community. I reflected on how I could help Filipino-Americans, especially those born here, reconnect with their heritage. This led me to actively engage with nonprofit organizations, where I volunteered my time and passion, creating presentations and sharing my knowledge. Over time, I became more visible in efforts to promote and preserve Filipino culture, while simultaneously supporting teachers, students, parents, and the community at large.
I began offering private tutorials on Filipino language and culture, which deepened my involvement in various initiatives. As a member of leadership in several organizations, I helped develop and launch impactful projects. Notably, as I served as President of the Council for Teaching Filipino Language and Culture (CTFLC), I played a key role in piloting the Filipino Language Afterschool Program (FLASP) in an elementary school, reaching young learners and expanding their cultural awareness.
As President of the San Diego Filipino American Educators Association (SD FILAMEDA), I led the organization in launching impactful new initiatives. Each year, SD FILAMEDA has showcased exhibits at the Filipino American Friendship Festival, and we successfully piloted the “Duty to Country” program under the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). This program raises awareness of Filipino-American WWII soldiers and honors their significant contributions to both the United States and the Philippines. I also spearheaded the launch of the “Teacher Ugnayan” series, a platform for Filipino-American educators to connect, share challenges, and celebrate achievements, as well as the Educators and Advocates Appreciation Gathering, which recognizes teachers, school staff, and community advocates dedicated to supporting our youth.
More recently, SD FILAMEDA established the San Diego Filipino Language Academy to meet the growing demand among Filipino-American parents for opportunities for their children to learn and embrace the Filipino language and culture. We also introduced the SD Filipino Academy Summer Program to further this mission. Complementing these efforts, I founded my own company and created the USAPTAYO Club, offering conversational Filipino classes for adults.
Advocating for Filipino culture and language has been a rewarding but challenging experience. There are times when I feel misunderstood, and I’ve often had to rely on my own financial resources and personal networks to secure support and sponsorship for free classes. The Filipino cultural expectation of “seeing is believing” has posed additional hurdles. Yet, despite these challenges, I’ve found ways to make things work and see the fruits of my labor. Through my efforts, both I and my association have received various recognitions. As President of SD FILAMEDA, I was honored with awards from the Philippine Business Improvement and Development Organization (Phil Am Bid). The San Diego Unified School District awarded our association with a proclamation recognizing Filipino American History Month. This highlighted the important role of organizations like SD FILAMEDA in fostering the preservation of our language and culture. I also received recognition as a community leader from the Women of Influence Network. Moreover, I played a significant role in organizing free appreciation gatherings to honor educators and advocates in our community. Additionally, I facilitated group and corporate workshops, helping others learn about the Filipino language and culture.
I am grateful that, after overcoming many challenges, my dedication and passion for preserving Filipino language and culture have yielded beautiful results. My active participation in various organizations has allowed me to make a lasting impact on our community, and I continue to witness the positive effects of our collective efforts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey was far from smooth at the start, but in the end, I proved to myself that with patience, perseverance, and faith in God’s guidance, I could achieve something I am truly proud of
Advocating for Filipino culture and language has been a rewarding but challenging experience. There are times when I feel misunderstood, and I’ve often had to rely on my own financial resources and personal networks to secure support and sponsorship for free classes. The Filipino cultural expectation of “seeing is believing” has posed additional hurdles. Yet, despite these challenges, I’ve found ways to make things work and see the fruits of my labor. Through my efforts, both I and my association have received various recognitions. As President of SD FILAMEDA, I was honored with awards from the Philippine Business Improvement and Development Organization (Phil Am Bid). The San Diego Unified School District awarded our association with a proclamation recognizing Filipino American History Month. This highlighted the important role of organizations like SD FILAMEDA in fostering the preservation of our language and culture. I also received recognition as a community leader from the Women of Influence Network. Moreover, I played a significant role in organizing free appreciation gatherings to honor educators and advocates in our community. Additionally, I facilitated group and corporate workshops, helping others learn about the Filipino language and culture.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a teacher by profession, and more than half of my life has been devoted to education. My career began in the Philippines, where I taught both high school and college. When I moved to the United States, I explored other paths—working in data entry and later in a medical facility—but I soon realized that my heart belonged outside the confines of an office. My true calling was in a larger classroom, connecting with people and learning alongside them every day. I am often recognized as a leader and an organizer—someone who brings people together, transforms challenges into opportunities, and turns problems into motivation for growth.
This calling led me to a position at the Culture and Language Center of the Naval Special Forces, where I taught Filipino language and culture. After the pandemic, I chose to semi-retire to dedicate more time to volunteerism and advocacy work with various organizations. Eventually, I established my own small company, Tell Experience Lane (TEL), LLC, and created the USAPtayo Club. Today, I continue to balance my passions—I work part-time as a Research Coordinator for the College of Nursing at the University of San Diego, while also actively pursuing my advocacy work and offering conversational Filipino language tutorials.
I take great pride in my accomplishments as both a teacher and an advocate for the Filipino language and culture. Establishing my own tutorial company and founding the USAPtayo Club—created to bring Filipino-speaking Filipino Americans together to converse in our native language—are milestones that embody years of dedication, passion, and commitment to preserving our heritage.
If there is something that sets me apart, it is my flexibility and ability to work with people of all ages. I see myself as a leader—someone who looks forward to mentoring others, preparing them to carry on the work I do, or to become successful leaders in their own right. For me, leadership means welcoming new ideas, fresh perspectives, and diverse personalities. While I may have more years of experience, I do not see myself as “the most knowledgeable.” I believe that learning is a lifelong exchange—wisdom flows not only from older, more experienced individuals, but also from the curiosity and creativity of younger generations.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I envision Filipino language and culture education, community advocacy, and heritage language preservation becoming powerful tools for Filipino Americans to continue speaking the language, even if they live outside the Philippines. I hope to see more Filipino American leaders—born and raised abroad—speaking Filipino confidently and taking on leadership roles within their communities. I dream of seeing USAPtayo flourish with active, engaged members; the San Diego Filipino Academy growing into a school where not only Filipinos and Filipino Americans, but people of all backgrounds, can learn the Filipino language and culture; and SD FILAMEDA becoming the central hub for all Filipino American educators.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wordpress.com/home/merrymighty.wordpress.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.fontimayor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-fontimayor-96835a205/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariafontimayor2438
