Ginger Leopoldo, M.A. is a dynamic professional and ​community leader pursuing a doctorate in ​Organizational Leadership. With extensive experience ​as an educator, actor, director, producer, and ​community organizer, she has made significant ​contributions to the arts and education sectors. Over ​her 20 years of teaching, Ginger has been instrumental ​in developing youth heritage curriculum and arts-​based literacy programs for at-risk youth.

As the Executive Director of CIRCA Pintig, a leading ​arts organization in education, activism, and ​advocacy, Ginger harnesses her UIC Theatre alumna ​background to empower the next generation. Her ​journey began as a youth member of the Pintig ​Cultural Group, where she has been actively involved ​since its inception in 1991, deeply shaping her artistic ​and personal identity.

Ginger has received an individual artist grant from ​DCASE to spearhead the KAPWA Theatre Project, ​collaborating with community-based arts and ​educational organizations across Chicago, including ​her own neighborhood of Armour Square/Chinatown. ​Under her leadership, CIRCA Pintig produced "Panther ​in the Sky" in collaboration with the Chicago ​Danztheatre Ensemble, addressing critical issues such ​as gun violence. She has also been pivotal in bringing ​"Sama Sama Solidarity in the Fields" to communities in ​Chicago—a play that highlights the solidarity among ​Filipino and Mexican labor rights organizers. This ​production is intended for young audiences and ​supports the TEAACH Act, promoting awareness of ​Asian American history.

Additionally, their commissioned play, "Daryo's All ​American Diner," won the Best Play award from ​Broadway World Chicago in 2023. This impactful ​production creatively addressed the challenges of ​Asian hate during the pandemic, fostering dialogue ​and understanding within the community.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Ginger serves as ​the Volunteer Coordinator and Outreach Officer at the ​Rizal Center, a community hub for Filipino Americans. ​Recently elected as a Board Trustee for the Filipino ​American National Historical Society serving the ​Midwest Region, she is committed to preserving and ​promoting Filipino American history and culture. ​Notably, she and her KAPWA team are producing the ​inaugural Chicago Filipino American Theatre Festival, ​featuring 33 plays in honor of CIRCA Pintig's 33rd ​Anniversary and in celebration of Filipino American ​History Month in October 2024.

Ginger’s influence extends to her role as an artistic ​associate for various local performing arts ​organizations, and she is honored to serve as a judge ​for Miss Asia Chicago, where she aims to uplift and ​celebrate the diverse talents and cultural heritage of ​empowered Asian women in the community.

For more information about her impactful work, visit ​www.circapintig.org.