Who we are
Rooted in history.
Reaching forward.
For over three decades, CIRCA Pintig has built community through theater, arts, and advocacy for Chicago’s immigrant communities. Here’s where we come from, what we believe, and where we’re headed.
Our story
CIRCA Pintig’s roots trace back to the early 1980s, when our founders - newly arrived from the Philippines - found support and inspiration in the immigrant communities of Chicago. Born from the experiences of political refugees and economic migrants, our organization embodies the resilience, creativity, and communal spirit of immigrant communities. The name “Pintig,” meaning “heartbeat” or “pulse” in Filipino, reflects our commitment to keeping the vibrant pulse of immigrant cultures alive and strong in America’s multicultural landscape. For over three decades, CIRCA Pintig has been dedicated to empowering immigrant communities, honoring our founders’ experiences, and paying forward the gifts of life and love that sustained us in our early years.
Our mission
- 01
Developing and popularizing a community arts aesthetic and pedagogy that speaks to the immigrant experience within America’s evolving multicultural landscape.
- 02
Celebrating the diverse histories and artistic legacies of America’s cultural terrain through participatory art creation, including theater, visual arts, and digital media.
- 03
Providing essential resources and grassroots services to immigrants through our Immigrant Resources (IR) initiative.
- 04
Fostering education, organization, and mobilization (E-O-M) through community performances, workshops, and advocacy.
Our vision
- 01
Immigrants are fully empowered to determine their collective destinies and realize their hopes and dreams.
- 02
Diverse voices are heard, celebrated, and preserved.
- 03
Cultural traditions are shared and honored across generations.
- 04
Art and music serve as a catalyst for social change, understanding, and community building.
- 05
The spirit of mutual support and familial love that sustained our founders continues to thrive and inspire.
Meet the Team
The people building CIRCA Pintig’s next chapter.
Board of Directors
Gemma Esmalla, DM, MS, RN
Board President
Narni Ilagan Yoder
Board Vice President
Christy Aliposa, RN
Secretary & Membership
Joanah Weingart
Treasurer & Finance
Rey Belen
Education & Outreach
Anna Guevarra, PhD
Research & Programs
Ashley Dequilla
Board Member
Foline Roos, RN
Board Member
Advisory Board
Riza Belen
Advisory Board Co-Chair
Greg Taruc, DPT.
Advisory Board Co-Chair
Levi Aliposa
Advisory Board Member
Angela Mascarenas, Ph.D.
Co-Founder
Staff
Ginger Leopoldo, M.A.
Executive Director
RJ Silva(he/him)
Artistic Director
Luis Pascasio, Ph.D.
Funds Development Officer
Larry Leopoldo
Teaching Artist & Grant Specialist
Actors Ensemble
Rich Adrian Lazatin
Carina Lastimosa
Mari Joy
Nina Mae Vidal Howard
Joselle Reyes
Amanda Payne
Mikael Silan
Associates and Artists
Creative Collaborators
Filipino American Historical Society - Chicago
Essential Invisible
SamaSama Project
Asian American Art Chicago
Nothing Without A Company
HANA Center
Chicago DanzTheater
The Ampliverse
Filament Theatre
Jarvis Square Theatre
Greenhouse Theater
Office address
2229 S. Stewart Ave, Unit A
Chicago, IL 60616
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