CHERISHANN DIAMZON / CONTRIBUTOR

San Diego Superior Court Judge Rohanee Zapanta told attendees at the University of San Diego’s third annual Filipino American History Month celebration that their presence matters.

“The fact that you’re here is enough,” Zapanta emphasized during her keynote address Oct. 1 in Copley Library’s Mother Hill Reading Room.

The free public event drew students, faculty, staff and community members for an evening of reflection, community and celebration.

Zapanta, who earned her bachelor’s degree in 1998 and law degree in 2002 from USD, is the second Filipina American to serve on the San Diego Superior Court. She was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018.

The event featured traditional Filipino dance performances by Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization (FUSO) members, musical    performances   and   dinner.

During the question and answer session after her speech, Zapanta discussed some of the stereotypes that Filipino Americans face – particularly pressure to pursue careers in nursing or medicine.

“To consider the barriers and consider the stereotypes is kind of one of the first things that becomes daunting,” Zapanta said. “I think to overcome any kind of stereotype is to really learn to be comfortable and open up.”

Zapanta used a metaphor about home ownership to explain her approach. She asked whether someone would keep visitors at the  driveway, on the front porch or invite them into the living  room.

“You’re still the master and controller of what you want to share, but you can be that person to let them in,” Zapanta said.

Zapanta emphasized three pillars that guided her career: connection, community and compassion. 

She encouraged students to share their stories and be visible. 

“We can’t expect to see others if we’re not willing to share things about ourselves, and we’re not willing to acknowledge that the fact that you’re here is enough,” Zapanta said.

Zapanta grew up  in San Diego’s Paradise Hills neighborhood as the child of immigrants. In a bilingual household, she often helped relatives navigate forms, medical care and immigration processes. 

She  didn’t consider law school until her senior year at USD, when a friend applied and she began thinking about the “why” behind laws. USD awarded her a scholarship to attend law school.

As a public defender, Zapanta specialized in representing clients with serious mental illness and developmental disabilities for 13 years.

When students expressed feeling imposter syndrome about life post graduation, she offered direct advice.

“You don’t have options ‘till you have offers,” Zapanta said. “Work for the offer.”

USD senior Gabbie Arellano appreciated the event’s intimate setting.

“It’s always a good thing to come to these events where the crowds are a bit more intimate and we can make a better connection with each other because they’re not only educational, but they’re familial in a sense,” Arellano reflected.

USD  first-year  students Lauren Urquico and Adriel Riomalis, both FUSO members, attended by choice rather than for class credit.

“It’s really inspiring, especially because I have a similar background as her, like being born here but having immigrant parents from the Philippines,” Urquico said.

Riomalis said the message applies beyond the Filipino American community.

“Her journey, her inspiration, her story can be applicable to anyone who strives for a new goal,” Riomalis said.

Urquico noted  how Zapanta’s presentation highlighted connection, community and compassion.

“I just thought that was really inspiring, just because she takes pride in her Filipino culture so well,” Urquico said.

USD sophomore Sofia Dinglasa performed traditional Filipino dance during the celebration.

USD FUSO students perform a traditional dance at the Filipino American Heritage Month celebration. Amelie Sedlack/The USD Vista

“Being able to see that representation, especially in her field and at her level in her field, I think it’s definitely empowering  to a lot of people who don’t get to see that,” Dinglasa said.

Several students and faculty expressed the hope that more people would attend future events, including non-Filipino community members.

“Filipino culture is so welcoming,” Urquico emphasized.

Dinglasa said she’d love for everyone to try Filipino food. 

“I personally think it’s really good,” Dinglasa shared.

In 2023, Zapanta was named one of the “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” by the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network.

Starting  in  Fall  2025, Zapanta will teach Professional Identity  Formation  at USD School of Law. She currently serves on USD’s Alumni Board of Directors.

October marks Filipino American History Month, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in the continental United States on Oct. 18, 1587. 

With the  third-largest Filipino  population  in  the country, San Diego County was a fitting backdrop for Zapanta’s message. Students left thinking less about career strategy and more about what it means to simply show up.

Judge Rohanee Zapanta gives a speech at USD’s Filipino American Heritage Month Celebration. Cherishann Diamzon/The USD Vista