Aisha Ibrahim To Keynote Filipino Community Of Seattle’s 90th Anniversary Gala

The Filipino Community of Seattle, a cornerstone nonprofit serving Southeast Seattle since 1935, will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a Gala Fundraiser on Saturday, November 1. The event will run from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton.

The gala will feature an inspiring keynote address by award-winning Filipina chef Aisha Ibrahim, along with cultural performances that highlight the organization’s legacy of service and community. New partner Choral Arts Northwest will present music by Filipino composers, and the intergenerational FCS Kalahi Cultural Dance Ensemble will showcase traditional folk dances. Emcee Arnaldo Inocentes and auctioneer Christine DeCastro will guide the evening.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Filipino Community of Seattle’s wide-ranging programs for seniors, youth, families, immigrants, small businesses, and other marginalized groups across the region.

“90 Years and Counting” is more than a theme—it reflects a living legacy. Since 1935, FCS has served as both a cultural hub and a provider of essential social services. Its history is defined by intergenerational service, cultural preservation, and a continued commitment to equity and belonging.

The gala will highlight stories of the people who bring FCS to life, showcasing its role as a transformative force in Southeast Seattle. The organization remains focused on honoring Filipino heritage while building partnerships that strengthen community bonds far beyond its own cultural base.

Guest speaker Chef Aisha Ibrahim is a groundbreaking Filipina chef known for her precision, innovation, and deep cultural roots. In 2021, she became the first woman, first Filipino, and first queer executive chef at Seattle’s iconic Canlis. There, she reimagined Pacific Northwest cuisine by infusing it with the flavors and stories of her southern Philippine upbringing.

A former Division I athlete whose injury redirected her path to the culinary world, Ibrahim brings a team-centered, disciplined approach to fine dining. Her work has earned national recognition, including being named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2023, a Time 100 honoree, and a James Beard Award semifinalist.

Now, Ibrahim is preparing to open her own restaurant, one that highlights underrepresented regions of the southern Philippines with Michelin-level ambitions. Her vision blends heritage, hospitality, and identity-driven storytelling.

For more information, visit fcsseattle.org.