Josie Moralidad Ziman
President/Founder (Alexandria, VA) –
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Josie Moralidad Ziman is a 2018 breast cancer survivor known for her strength, compassion, and commitment to helping others. After facing cancer herself, she chose to turn that experience into something meaningful. Instead of allowing hardship to define her life, she founded Filipino American Cancer Care (FACC), a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that provides support and financial assistance to individuals and families affected by cancer in the Philippines, the United States, and other parts of the world. Josie is also a broadcast journalist and representing the Radio Mindanao Network in Iloilo City, Philippines. Through her reporting, she shares stories of survival, achievement, and determination among Filipinos here and abroad. Earlier in her career, she served as a writer for the Manila Mail newspaper in Washington DC, contributing articles and features until the publication closed. She is the host of the weekly radio program “Pilipinas sa Amerika,” where she highlights the life experiences and success stories of Filipinos living in the United States. The program airs live every Saturday from 11:30pm-12 midnight Eastern Time and Sunday from 11:30-12pm Philippine Time through online streaming and Facebook. Josie also hosts “On The Air With FACC,” a cancer awareness and advocacy program on PHLV Radio in Las Vegas, where patients, families, and advocates share their journeys. In addition to her work in broadcasting, Josie is an author. Her book, The Filipino-American Journey, tells stories of hard work, faith, and unity among Filipinos building their lives in America. Her personal life has included many challenges. Each experience has strengthened her determination to continue her work and serve others who may be facing difficult moments in their own lives. Over the years, her leadership and work in journalism have been recognized with several honors, including the 2023 International Golden Globe Achievers Award, the 2018 Outstanding Community Leader Award from the United Federation of Filipino American Educators in the United States, and the 2022 Outstanding Excellence in the Field of Journalism Award from the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League. From her early days in Iloilo City to her life and service in the United States, Josie continues to share stories that bring hope and encouragement to others. At home, Josie lives with her husband, Barry Ziman, and their Goldendoodle, General. She enjoys photography, cooking, gardening, and reading. Through her writing, journalism, and advocacy, she continues to show that even during difficult seasons of life, a person can still help others and make a difference.​
Melanie Dua
Board Director/ VP External Affairs (Bristol, VA)
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​Melanie Dua (Board of Director/VP External Affairs) from Bristow,
Military Spouse / Mother / Educator
Administration Coordinator and Manpower Manager 2005-Present
Mrs. Washington DC Philippines World 2022-Present
Mrs. Migrant Heritage USA Philippines 2021-2023
World Global Beauty Queen with a Purpose Ambassador 2022-2023
Director of Community Outreach and Queen Ambassador of We Model USA 2022-2025
Board of Advisors, Mrs. USA Tourism 2024
Board Director, Filipino American Cancer Care 2026-2028
Board of Advisors, Glitz and Glamour 2026
Community Leader / Philanthropist / Humanitarian / Advocate for Women, Children, and Military Families
Mrs. Melanie Dua is a distinguished community leader with over 40 years of dedicated experience in community and government service, project management, advocacy, and philanthropy. As a poised executive leader, beauty queen, and public servant, Melanie stands as a beacon of leadership, purpose, and community service, passionate about her mission and driven by the motto of giving back and making a difference. Mrs. Dua earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and holds numerous credentials and certifications in government services, local and international relations, and public affairs. Her role as Administrator Coordinator and Manpower Manager at Dumfries and Fairfax Ambulatory Care Centers, an extended part of the U.S. Department of Defense Military Hospital - A.T. Augusta Medical Center, spans over 20 years, reflecting her dedication to community development. Married to retired U.S. Navy Commander Tito Dua, Melanie is a proud mother of three: U.S. Air Force Colonel Ajay Dua, who is now married to Brinda Shah, an engineer; her other son, Mr. Vijay Dua, Senior Lead Relations Specialist; and her only daughter, Ms. Anna Victoria Dua, Senior Account Manager with Government Services and Apex Systems. She recognizes the vital role her family plays in her accomplishments, stating, “They are my rock and my strong foundation, and they are pillars of our community." Her children are successful in their respective careers and are involved in their parents' annual gift-giving and community service activities. The family legacy of service passionately fosters positive community connections, embodying the mission of "Giving Back and Making a Difference." As a dedicated humanitarian, educator, public servant, and philanthropist, Mrs. Dua advocates for equality and raises public awareness on pressing issues such as child abuse and neglect, human rights, human trafficking, and cancer awareness programs and education. One of her most heartfelt missions is supporting military veterans, especially wounded warriors and the homeless. With her deep connection to the military community, reinforced by her husband's 23 years of service as a Navy Commander and her son's current role as an F-15E pilot Squadron Commander, Melanie’s commitment is personal and profound, and it shows through her local and international engagements that resonate deeply within her mission to make a difference. As an esteemed titleholder, the Queen with many titles symbolizes a great combination of beauty, intelligence, courage, grace, and impactful purpose. She is passionate about service and driven by her vision to uplift communities and empower individuals. Melanie Dua is proud to represent her nation’s capital as Mrs. Washington DC Philippines World 2021 to present, Mrs. Migrant Heritage Philippines USA 2021-2023, Charity Ambassador - World Global Beauty Queen with a Purpose Ambassador 2022, Global World Humanitarian Ambassador 2023, and Director of Community Outreach and Queen Ambassador of We Model USA 2022-2025. She serves on the Board of Advisors for Mrs. USA Tourism 2024, Board of Directors for Filipino American Cancer Care 2026, and Board of Advisors for Glitz and Glamour 2026. She is also a fashion model, customer service facilitator, and a passionate philanthropist and advocate for women, children, and military families.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Dua has received numerous accolades, including honors from the Department of Defense for her exceptional contributions as a civil service leader. Her achievements include the Management Excellence Award and recognition as Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year on multiple occasions. A lifelong learner, she has pursued a wide range of certifications and credentials across government, international relations, and professional affairs. Additionally, she served as a Training and Curriculum Specialist, CPR instructor, and Customer Service Instructor with the Moral Welfare and Development program with the Navy Child Development Programs abroad. A respected figure in her community, Mrs. Dua is the recipient of the 2025 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden for her extensive volunteerism and commitment to humanity. She has also received commendations from the House of Representatives of the Thirty-First Legislature of the State of Hawaii for her exemplary leadership and dedication to education and service. Nominated by Dr. Patricia Watts, CEO of We Model USA, she has been selected as an honoree for the 2025 Global Economic Development Summit & ICONIC Awards Experience, hosted by Women of Wealth Magazine and MBQ Magazine. Along with her husband, she was honored with the Philanthropic Hero Award from Filipino American Cancer Care and received "Making a Difference" Awards from the Lion’s Club Organization and Migrant Heritage Organization. Mrs. Washington DC Philippines World continues to inspire those around her. Melanie was highlighted during the Year’s Women History Month 2025 as one among the Top Women Leaders in the DMV community by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce for her continued leadership and commitment to community service and impact. Beyond her titles and community service, this beauty queen and fashion enthusiast believes that one can achieve anything in life by dressing for it. She has showcased her unique style on various prestigious runways, participating in events like the Japan Festival Fashion Show, Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Washington DC Fashion Week, Tatiana Cole’s Fashion Shows, Andre Soriano’s Fashion Shows, and numerous charity fashion show galas. Her confidence and unwavering belief in her purpose propel her forward as she aims to leave a legacy for her children and family. “I see volunteerism and compassion as my personal creative art,” she expresses, “where I can express myself, fulfill my intentional purpose, and leave a legacy." As a mother and public servant, Mrs. Dua embodies the essence of a beauty queen with a purpose. A mentor and empowered woman, she champions change and encourages others to pursue their dreams with confidence. Through her work, she not only forges a path as Mrs. Washington DC Philippines World but also gracefully embraces the beauty of sisterhood and friendships formed through shared purpose and passion. She has learned that visibility comes with responsibility, and these are her lessons in using influence for meaningful advocacy. She has designed a life she loves by turning her passion into her mission, striving to leave a meaningful legacy for her children and family.
“Families are our greatest gifts,” she reflects, “and their love and support have transformed me into the strong, powerful woman I am today. I believe in leading by example and hope to inspire others to have confidence in themselves, set their goals, and never give up.” She adds, by teaching her children about humility, honesty, faith, and integrity, she believes that “the trophy is earned in the hours that no one is watching. Only you know how many hours you put in behind the scenes, while many might take the credit. In the final analysis, only you and God know.”
​Carl Abella
Board Director/VP External Affairs (Bethesda, MD)
Carl is the CEO and Owner of Alpha Travel Services for more than 4 decades, graduated with a Master's degree in Business Administration with HONORS @ George Washington University In Washington DC. He is the first Filipino to become a member of Amadeus which is the worlds leading travel technology to power better journeys for billions of people. He is a multi-awarded community leader and had been one of the recipients of various Filipino-American awards. Carl was born and raised in Sampaloc, Manila. At a young age, he lost his mother to ovarian cancer. Deprived of funds and food Carl became homeless and worked odd jobs to feed and clothe himself. Some good friends and their families took him in and even helped him go to school. He came to the U.S. in 1972 after graduating from high school with the intention of making his life better so he can also help the people who were once hungry like him. Often times at the gift-giving activity, Carl would carry big and heavy bags of chocolates and other snacks to give to the poor kids in the Philippines. “You don't know how it feels to be hungry and long for food or for something as simple as a chocolate.” Carl would always say that and would travel all over the Philippines including remote places like Calauit, Palawan, the slums of Manila, and the mountains of Luzon and Davao. He is always excited to meet the locals and wanted to tell them that Filipinos abroad haven’t forgotten them. That they should strive to better themselves and pay forward what they have received.
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Maria Zenaida Deza Steinhauer
Board of Director/Chair Financial Assistance Committee (West Orange, NJ)
Zenaida came to the United States in 1986 with her twin sons Patrick and Cedric. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Ernesto C. Deza, a psychiatrist who practiced both in Iloilo, Philippines, and in the United States. He died in the early 70s in the Philippines a year after he retired. Zenaida’s mother was from Banate, Iloilo from the Brillantes family. She passed away in 2012 in the Philippines. Zenaida is an alumna of St. Paul College Iloilo, a nurse by profession, and married to William Steinhauer, a retired CPA. Zenaida received her MPA degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. in 1997. She worked for NJ Department of Health as a nurse consultant for 17 years before retiring in 2019. As a retired nurse, Zenaida wishes to make a difference in the life of every cancer patient by serving the community. She believes that Filipino-Americans should be united in the battle against cancer.
Allan Gadia-
Treasurer/ Board of Director (Fort Washington, MD)
Allan is a native Washingtonian and seasoned telecommunications professional, currently is a Network Planner and oversees the Field Services team at Allied Telecom. In 2019, he achieved the distinction of earning a Master of Science in Financial Management and Information Systems from the University of Maryland.
Before his tenure at Allied Telecom, Allan held the role of Deputy Director of Finance & Technical Services at The Koba Institute. Notably, during his time with Koba, he took on the additional responsibility of serving as their Computer-Based Learning Specialist. In this capacity, Allan played a pivotal role in establishing educational programs tailored for adolescents with special needs, facilitating their journey to earn a high school diploma.
Allan currently resides in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he shares his life with his devoted wife, Laarni, and together they are parents to two wonderful children, September Leeh and John Audrey Paul. In his spare time Allan enjoys activities such as fishing and bowling with friends. Remarkably, since 2010, he has also served as a Professional Wedding Planner, dedicated to creating joyous and memorable experiences for couples on their special day.
A significant source of inspiration for Allan is his father, a survivor of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This profound familial connection and his father's resilience serve as major motivators for Allan's enthusiasm in contributing to FACC, underscoring his commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Aissa Encomienda
Board of Director/VP Internal Affairs Operations (Baltimore, Maryland)
Aissa, currently works as a Senior Loan Mortgage Officer, Area Director of Wise Lending (Commercial Loans) Real Estate Investor, Minority Business Licensed, Small Business Licensed, PE Dance Teacher at Royal International Christian Academy and most of all, she’s a loving Mom for 2 Boys. She loves to dance and help other people. She has been a Zin or Zumba Instructor for 6 years now. Aissa participated in various Zumba Fundraising events like Breast Cancer, Youth for Christ and started her Yearly Fundraising for the School of the Blind in the Philippines. This is very close to her heart because she’s also Legally Blind. In 2007, Aissa’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and seeing her going to couple of surgeries and treatments including the double mastectomy Aissa became a full time caregiver and took it as a blessing to take care of her loving Mom. Aissa also witnessed her mother’s roller coaster emotions & depressions and it was not easy for their family.
In 2008, her Mom was declared cancer free but she passed away in July 2010 because of a stroke. Aissa’s aunt in Canada lost her battle on breast cancer in 2008 fighting for 4 years. She was only 46 years old and her uncle in Canada is currently fighting colon cancer. Aissa is a big supporter of FACC!
Shirley V. Tanuyan
Board of Director BSN RN CDP (Anaheim, California)
Shirley is the Founder & CEO of Origins Home Health Care & Origins Home Health Care Plus that has generated over 7 figures income & has created more job opportunities merely within a short 2 years of founding home care despite challenging situation & fierce competition. She started her nursing career at a very young age. Coming from a big family and a culture of love, care and respect for their parents, she helped them take care of her younger siblings while they went to work to meet their financial needs. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing to start her formal nursing career in a government medical center. In 2003, Shirley was diagnosed with breast cancer. For her, it was a shame and stigma to have cancer. She did not want to tell her friends what she was going through thinking they would feel pity on her and she was ashamed. Even after she went back to work, when her colleagues asked her if she is okay, and if she was ready to go back to work, it made her upset and angry. She always tells them that she’s okay and they should not be soliciting or asking confidential information. She survived her oral chemo treatment and radiation went well. She went for every 6 months to follow up mammogram for several years after and was followed up by her surgeon. Shirley is thankful for the gift of life that God gives her. She believes that nobody should be alone in their struggle and giving hope and encouragement to others through sharing your own story, may be what they need to hear that makes a difference between hope and despair.​
