Midwest Association of Filipino Americans

The Midwest Association of Filipino Americans (MAFA), based in Champaign, IL, operates as a dynamic network organization dedicated to promoting Filipino culture and Asian American awareness across the Midwest region. MAFA coordinates comprehensive programming and events designed to unite Filipino and Filipino American communities while supporting the objectives of its growing member organizations. The association specializes in organizing cultural celebrations, professional development opportunities, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen connections among Filipinx Americans. MAFA's signature offering is the annual Midwest Filipino-American Summit (MFAS), a renowned leadership conference that has been providing workshops, team-building exercises, and identity development programming to students since 2012. Beyond the annual summit, MAFA facilitates multiple events throughout the year including the MAFA Picnic, Leadership Retreats, Spring Conference, and specialized Conference within a Conference sessions. These programs are strategically designed to help participants discover their identities, develop leadership capabilities, and connect with the broader Filipinx diasporic community. As a charitable organization, MAFA operates with a commitment to preserving Filipino heritage while cultivating the next generation of Filipino student leaders and professionals. The organization encompasses numerous Filipino-American and Asian-American student organizations throughout the Midwest, creating a robust network for cultural exchange, professional networking, and community building. Whether serving established professionals or emerging student leaders, MAFA provides essential resources and platforms for exploring personal and professional opportunities within the Filipinx American community.