In a world that often measures success by wealth or status, Coach Jil Lasaca offers a refreshing and necessary counter-narrative—one grounded in compassion, cultural pride, and community empowerment. Her journey from the sun-soaked streets of Cagayan de Oro to the boardrooms and community halls of Texas is more than a migrant success story—it’s a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and purposeful leadership.
Born the fourth of five children in a humble Filipino household, Jil’s early life was painted with the vibrant strokes of family, tradition, and quiet determination. Her parents may not have lived extravagantly, but they raised children who understood the value of hard work and heart. For Jil, who was navigating the long shadows of accomplished siblings, this meant developing not just ambition but the audacity to dream differently.
The Early Seeds of Ambition
Jil’s upbringing was simple, but it was rich in lessons. Her father was an insurance agent, her mother a serial entrepreneur, and both of them instilled in their children a strong work ethic, a passion for service, and the ability to see opportunities in the most unexpected places. But for Jil, one of the earliest sparks of entrepreneurship came during those long, hot summers when she and her siblings would gather mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts from their backyard. They would blend the fruits with sugar and milk and craft their ice candies, a treat that soon became a neighborhood favorite.
“We didn’t have a lot, but we were resourceful. My siblings and I would get creative, figuring out how to sell our homemade treats to the neighbors,” Jil says, smiling as she recalls the simple joys of childhood entrepreneurship. “That was my first taste of what it meant to build something from nothing—and to connect with others in a meaningful way. It taught me that business is about more than just money; it’s about relationships and community.”
These humble beginnings in business would lay the groundwork for the career that Jil would later build, one centered not just on personal achievement, but on a commitment to service and empowerment.
Finding Inspiration in Books and Stories
As much as Jil’s family instilled a sense of ambition, she also found a deep sense of inspiration in the pages of books. The library became her sanctuary—a place to escape the pressures of family expectations and immerse herself in stories of resilience and purpose.
“There were days when I felt overwhelmed by the expectations placed on me,” she shares. “But books—books saved me. They gave me a window into the lives of people like Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney, Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela. Their stories taught me that with imagination, determination, and a strong sense of mission, anyone can overcome any obstacle.”
It was through the words of these heroes that Jil came to understand the transformative power of imagination. She carried with her the belief that anything was possible, and that no boundary was truly insurmountable if one had the courage to challenge it. As Walt Disney famously said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” And that became Jil’s mantra—a belief that the impossible wasn’t a roadblock, but an invitation to create something extraordinary.
Crossing Oceans, Crossing Boundaries
When Jill moved to the United States, she was not just leaving behind her family, friends, and the familiarity of home—she was embarking on a journey marked by unknowns and unexpected challenges. For many Filipino immigrants, the dream of a better life in America is often met with the reality of cultural adjustment, language barriers, and the painful process of re-establishing oneself in a new society.
Jil’s story was no different. Despite her educational background and professional experience in the Philippines, she quickly realized that the qualifications she had worked so hard to earn didn’t automatically translate in the U.S. Her accent, at times, became a barrier, and the path to professional recognition wasn’t as straightforward as she had imagined.
“There’s this misconception that America is a direct line to success,” she says. “What they don’t tell you is that there are a lot of invisible walls—language barriers, cultural differences, and a constant sense of otherness. But what I’ve learned is that those walls are not obstacles; they are opportunities to grow and adapt.”
Her ability to adapt was fueled by the lessons ingrained in her upbringing—the values of kapwa (shared identity) and bayanihan (communal unity) that she carried with her from the Philippines. It was these values, more than anything, that became Jill’s guiding compass as she navigated her new life. She was determined to build a future not just for herself, but for others—to be a force of positive change in her new community.
Building a Career, Building a Legacy
Jill’s professional journey in the U.S. began with occupational therapy, where she quickly found fulfillment in the work of helping people regain their independence. She also authored the book “Seeing the World Differently“, which explores the experiences of children with autism, shedding light on their unique perspectives and advocating for greater understanding and inclusion. But she also realized that her true calling extended beyond the clinical space. Community empowerment became a central theme of her work, and she began to blend her therapy expertise with her entrepreneurial spirit, branching out into real estate, life coaching, and business therapy.
Her focus was always on impact—on creating opportunities for others, whether that meant helping families find affordable housing or guiding aspiring business owners through their own professional hurdles. “I’ve always believed that business is a tool for social good,” she says. “It’s not just about making money—it’s about creating opportunities, lifting others up, and building communities.”
Her leadership in the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce in Dallas-Fort Worth is a prime example of this approach. As chairperson, Jil worked tirelessly to provide Filipino entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities they needed to succeed in a competitive market. Through her efforts, countless small businesses found a voice, and more Filipino American entrepreneurs gained the confidence to pursue their dreams.
Advocating for Heritage, Building Bridges
While Jil’s professional success is impressive, her commitment to cultural preservation is what truly sets her apart. As the founder of Santacruzan Dallas, a modern celebration of Filipino heritage, Jil sought to both honor her roots and provide meaningful support to underserved communities in the Philippines. Through the Santacruzan initiative, Jil raised funds to build libraries in rural areas, providing children with access to books, education, and a space to dream.
“There’s a saying in the Philippines that, ‘The best way to help is to teach.’ Education has always been close to my heart because I know that it’s the gateway to everything else,” Jil reflects. “Building these libraries is not just about providing books—it’s about giving children the tools to build their futures.”
These libraries, small but significant, are symbolic of Jil’s larger mission: to offer hope and opportunity to those who might otherwise be overlooked. They are physical manifestations of her belief that education can transform lives and that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to thrive.
Looking to the Future: A Vision for the Philippine Cultural Center
While Jil’s accomplishments are already remarkable, her vision for the future is even more expansive. She dreams of creating a Philippine Cultural Center in the U.S.—a hub for Filipino creativity, education, and cultural exchange. This center would be a space where Filipino Americans could come together to celebrate their heritage, learn about their history, and contribute to the ongoing growth of their community.
“Imagine a place where Filipino Americans can connect with their roots, discover new opportunities, and see how their stories contribute to the broader American tapestry,” she says. “That’s what I hope to create—a space that’s not just about remembering the past, but about shaping the future.”
A Legacy of Influence, Integrity, and Empowerment
At the heart of Coach Jil’s journey is a powerful truth: true success lies in the impact we have on others. Her path has been anything but easy, yet it has been marked by an unwavering dedication to lifting others, embracing change, and staying true to one’s mission.
She encourages every Filipino American to embrace their potential and to use their unique experiences as a source of power. “Influence isn’t about fame or followers,” she says. “It’s about using your platform to make a difference. To serve. To give back.”
As Jil’s story continues to unfold, one thing is clear—she is not just shaping her own destiny; she is shaping the future of Filipino Americans, ensuring that their voices are heard, their stories are told, and their legacy is honored.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge,” Albert Einstein once said. For Coach Jil, it’s been both—the knowledge gained from her roots, and the imagination to envision something greater. Her story is a bridge between nations, between generations, and between what is and what could be.
And she’s only getting started.