Listen to the full conversation on the Perspectives Journal podcast, available to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all other major podcast platforms.
In this episode of Activists Make History, Peggy Nash sits down with Josel Angelica Gerardo to explore her journey as a community organizer and advocate for Filipino-Canadian political engagement. From growing up in the Philippines while her mother worked in Canada to navigating life as a newcomer, Josel shares how these experiences shaped her commitment to grassroots activism.
As a leader in the Filipino-Canadian Civic Action Network and as chair of Pinoys on Parliament, Josel works to ensure Filipino voices are heard in the Canadian halls of power—whether by supporting first-time voters, mobilizing community networks, or breaking down barriers to political participation. She and her team are tackling the unique challenges their community faces, from balancing demanding jobs and family responsibilities to increasing Filipino representation in government.
Peggy and Josel also discuss the power of collective organizing, the importance of seeing oneself reflected in politics, and how everyday advocacy can lead to lasting change.
Tune in to Activists Make History to hear how grassroots leadership is shaping democracy in action. This series has been made possible with the generous support of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union.
Notes:
- The Filipino-Canadian Civic Action Network
- Pinoys on Parliament
- The National forum on Anti-Asian Racism at Toronto Metropolitan University, held November 2021
- From Marketing to Movement-Building: Ground Game and Community Organizing in Party Politics by Bruce McKenna and Jill O’Reilly, Perspectives Journal Jan. 14, 2025
