Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

A YEAR ago, the Board of Supervisors, County of San Mateo, California signed a resolution honoring and commending Filipino American Alice Bulos for 40 years of community service. The resolution cited Alice as "an extraordinary citizen of San Mateo County who has played an integral role in our nation’s political arena and our community’s heritage for decades, has worked tirelessly to encourage the participation of minorities in the political process and has led the effort to empower Filipina and other Asian-American women in their personal and professional lives; and is known as the "Grandmother of Filipino-American Politics;’’ and has served as Chair of the Filipino American Caucus, Charter President of the Fil-Am Democratic Club in San Mateo County, the Regional Chair of the National Filipino American Women’s Network, as a Board member of the National Asian/Pacific Democratic Council, on the Board of the Community Initiative on Multiculturalism and the Northern California Disaster Preparedness Network, and as a Board Member of the San Mateo County Chapters of the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association and the American Red Cross." The commendation also thanked Alice for her four "decades of extraordinary leadership in helping minorities, the disenfranchised and under-represented groups in our community and throughout the nation."

Yes, Alice Bulos is an extraordinary woman who has served as an advocate for seniors and women by her numerous activities including the an appointment to the Federal Council on the Aging by former President Clinton, acting as delegate to the White House Conference On The Aging. Her County involvement includes serving as Commissioner for the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women and the Health Plan of San Mateo County. She has served as a Board Member for numerous community organizations and agencies.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Alice Bulos attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines in 1948, graduating with a BA and MA in Social and Behavioral Sciences. She began her professional career as Professor of Sociology at the University of Santo Tomas and eventually became the Chairman of the Department of Sociology. She moved to Sacramento, California in 1977 to pursue a career with CETA as an Employment Counselor.

From 1993 to 2000, Alice was a Clinton Presidential Appointee to the Federal Council on Aging. In 2006, Alice was honored as the Woman of the Year for the 19th Assembly District. Her leadership has guided recently-immigrated residents towards building a better life in America. She has worked to address issues ranging from domestic violence, health care, and the US residency application process.

She has been honored as Women Warrior of the Year by the Pacific Asian American Women Bay area Coalition and has been inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame.

Known as the "Grandmother of Filipino–American Politics," Alice has been a leading voice for increasing Filipino-America political participation for more than 20 years. She has founded and served on many political and community organizations in the greater Bay area.

Currently,she is on the Commission on the Status of Women. She is a member of the California Democratic Party, Chairman Emeritus for the Central Committee of the Fil-Am Democratic Caucus, and a delegate to five Democratic National Conventions, and is the President of the California Health Initiative. Alice is also a charter member of Skyline College’s President’s Council.

Alice’s personal interests include the political empowerment of the community, organizing forums to educate the community, and reading.