Guest Speaker

Aisha Ibrahim

Chef Aisha Ibrahim is a trailblazing Filipina chef known for redefining fine dining through a lens of cultural heritage, precision, and innovation. In 2021, she became the first woman, first Filipino, and first queer executive chef at Seattle’s iconic Canlis, one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. There, she wove her southern Philippine roots and global culinary experience into a bold new era for Pacific Northwest cuisine. 

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A former Division I athlete whose injury led her to pursue the culinary arts, Aisha found parallels between high-level sports and fine dining—teamwork, rhythm, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her work has earned her national recognition, including being named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs of 2023, a Time 100 honoree, and a James Beard Award semifinalist. Now, Chef Aisha is preparing to open her own restaurant, one that reflects her heritage from the southern Philippines—regions often underrepresented in modern Filipino cuisine in the U.S. With Michelin-level ambitions, she is forging a path that centers identity, storytelling, and world-class hospitality.

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Guest Performer

Choral Arts Northwest

Founded in 1994, Choral Arts Northwest (CANW) has been led by the dynamic Dr. Timothy Westerhaus since 2022. We inspire, educate, and connect our community through the transformational power of choral music, bringing people together across cultures and experiences. Our performances are more than concerts—they’re opportunities to learn, listen, and collaborate. Recent highlights include partnerships with the Ukrainian refugee community and International Rescue Committee, the Korean community, Birds Connect
Seattle, and The Filipino Community of Seattle. This season, we’re honored to join The Filipino Community in celebrating their 90th anniversary with music that unites hearts and uplifts voices.

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