FILIPINO-AMERICAN SAMAHAN OF MAINE
Meet The Team
Sarah Boothby
President
Sarah C. Boothby has served as president of the Filipino American Samahan of Maine since its founding in 2021. A native of Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines, and longtime resident of Brunswick, Maine. She graduated from the University of Luzon in the Philippines with a degree in
Medical Secretarial Science and Business Administration.
Sarah spearheads 780 members of Filipino American Samahan of Maine bringing community together and promotes Filipino cultural heritage, provides mutual support, civic engagement, charity, and education.
She retired from L.L.Bean after 30 years of experience in retail operations and customer service. Motivated by her passion for business and her commitment to helping others achieve homeownership, Sarah maintains an active Maine real estate license. She also continues to assist clients with real estate investments and property management.
Sarah's commitment to the Filipino community was shaped by her father, who taught her the value of giving back, generosity, and kindness. Her tireless support for annual events -- including Samahan's Summer Bash, Fundraising Gala, Outreach Program, Scholarship Awards, Halloween celebration, and Family Christmas Party-- reflects that commitment.
Cesar Emano
Vice President
Mark Balfantz
Secretary
Cesar Emano retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service at NAS Brunswick, Maine. He served as the Flag Enlisted Aide to 5 Admirals and in Submarine Warfare aboard USS Providence SSN 719 and USS Jefferson City SSN 759. After military service, he worked at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at VA Togus, Maine; Northeastern Ohio VA Medical Center; Iliana VA Medical Center; and Iowa City VA Medical Center as the Chief of Center Development and Civic Engagement.
Mark is a compliance professional and licensed attorney at a community bank in Maine, leveraging a comprehensive legal and regulatory background with a specialized focus on the banking industry.
Before transitioning to the private sector, Mark served for a decade on active duty as a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Major. His military career included a deployment to Iraq and significant roles in Washington, D.C., where he served as supervisory appellate counsel and defense counsel in a capital case.
Deeply committed to civic leadership in Maine, Mark is a former at-large member of the Portland School Board and a former board member of the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children. He currently serves on the board of the Laudholm Trust and is an active member of the VFW Post in Portland.
Eden Gagne
Treasurer
Eden Gagne is an educator, homeschooling advocate, children’s book author, freelance graphic designer, hobbyist event decorator, and experienced banking professional. She worked in a bank as a bookkeeper and teller for almost eight years prior to coming to the USA gaining valuable experience in financial management and customer service.
She also served as Secretary of the Filipino-American Samahan of Maine for five years, contributing her time to support the organization and its community programs. Through this experience, she developed an even deeper appreciation for community service, cultural preservation, and the importance of bringing people together.
Whether she is creating educational materials, writing stories for children, supporting homeschooling families, or designing and decorating events, Eden brings creativity, passion, and heart to everything she does. She is grateful for every opportunity to learn, create, serve, and inspire others through the work she loves.
Norberto Ramos hailed from Subic Zambales. He was a former president of Subic Tambuli Lion's Club in his hometown from 1993 to 1994. He was also a secretary and senator of Jaycee international Club in Olongapo City in 1994 through 1995.
From 1988 to 1996, he was Head Field Inspector of the Environmental Sanitation and Management Office(E.S.M.O.) of Olongapo City.
Norbert is a long time professional musician and performed in many parts of Asia and has performed with many known Filipino artist here in Maine.
He is currently the stage and music director of Samahan.
Norberto Ramos Sr.
Board Member
Me-Ann Emano is a dedicated wellness professional and certified Group Fitness Instructor with over 20 years of experience. She holds specialized certifications in Zumba, Aqua Fitness, SilverSneakers, and Toning. An outdoor adventurer, she stays active by paddleboarding, skiing, kayaking, hiking and traveling.
She has a strong commitment to cultural preservation and volunteer service, through instructing and performing in traditional dance programs throughout the country.
Me-Ann's teaching journey is as vibrant as her fitness background. After moving to Maine with her Navy husband, she homeschooled her children, taught at private schools and now serves as a Lead Teacher and Fitness instructor at the YMCA Auburn-Lewiston.
Believing that health is wealth, Me-Ann takes great pride in being a community caretaker starting with her family and for all those she meets along the way. Bringing vital wellness expertise to the team, she makes healthy living simple, engaging and fun. Her advocacy is deeply personal; serving five years as her mother's nutritionist fueled her passion for flavorful and healthy cooking. Through enthusiastic support, she keeps our community energized, motivated, and driven for success.
Me-Ann is serving as Fitness and Health Coordinator for Samahan.
Me-Ann Emano
Board Member
Cora Jimenez
Board Member
Cora Jimenez has over twenty five years of working in IT industries with various roles and experiences in developing and managing integration and applications systems. Cora is a board passer of Electronics and Communications Engineering in the Philippines. She has a good work ethic and a troubleshooter.
Outside of her work, she is happily married to Alex. Together, they are blessed with amazing, successful ladies and take great pride in them. She strives to be hands and feet of Jesus.
Cora serves as Samahan IT and Web Operations Coordinator together with Alex.
Alex Jimenez
Board Member
Alex Jimenez works at Crown Automotive Sales in Massachusetts, where he serves in the IT department, overseeing the company’s network infrastructure and ERP systems.
Beyond his professional career, Alex is a devoted husband to his wife, Cora, and a loving father to their three daughters. His children’s accomplishments, along with his own educational journey, have deeply shaped his passion for education. Two of his daughters graduated as valedictorians, while the third graduated in the top five of her class and is also an accomplished athlete. Their achievements have strengthened Alex’s belief in the power of education, making it one of the causes he is most passionate about supporting and advocating for.
Alex is also actively involved in his church, currently serving as a member of the church board. As a committed Christian, he strives to serve others, strengthen his community, and live out his faith through leadership, family, and service.
Alex serves as Samahan IT and Web Operations Coordinator together with Cora.