Filipino American Cultural Events in South Carolina

Elen Callahan is a fervent supporter of the arts and culture of the Philippines, with a specific focus on strengthening Filipino American relations and communities in the Carolinas. With an extensive background in finance and operations spanning nearly three decades, including the last four years at a non-profit organization, Elen brings a wealth of expertise to the challenges inherent in non-profit initiatives and the complexities of orchestrating successful not-for-profit events. Her unique blend of experience and passion enhances our collective efforts to promote cultural awareness and community resilience in the Carolinas.

Chiara Cox is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and cultural leader dedicated to empowering communities through creativity, heritage, and human connection. Her work in film, music, writing, and advocacy is unified by a mission to preserve cultural identity and inspire collective growth through storytelling and education.

Guided by her Filipino heritage, Cox amplifies Filipino voices that awaken pride and connection. She manages a contemporary Filipino textile collection exhibited across the Southeastern U.S., promoting cultural preservation and sustaining weaving communities in the Philippines.

As a soprano and student of Maestra Evelyn Mandac, Cox bridges art and heritage through music. Beyond the classical repertoire, her performances and music videos celebrate and revitalize Tagalog, Ilocano, Visayan, and Ilonggo music. She received a Filipino Traditional Music and Rondalla Apprenticeship Grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission to study the bandurlin under Maestro Michael Dadap, performing as a founding member of the Rondalla of the Carolinas.

Cox’s documentaries, including award-winning “Mangyan Ambahan: Wisdom for Our Filipino Soul” and  “Evelyn Mandac: The Filipina Soprano Who Broke Opera Glass Ceilings,” highlight underrepresented voices and serve as tools for cultural education and empowerment.

As Music and Art Ambassador for the Filipino American Association of Greater Columbia, she develops programs that foster cross-cultural collaboration and community pride. Her leadership philosophy centers on celebrating others’ strengths, transforming stories into action, and inspiring collective change—honoring heritage while nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.

You can find her on www.chiaracox.com