| Rozita Villanueva Lee |
Rozita Villanueva Lee was born in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
where her parents immigrated to in the early 1930s from San
Manuel, Pangasinan. She grew up in Keawe Camp Plantation,
Maui and moved to Honolulu with the family during World War
II. She eventually settled in Las Vegas, Nevada with her late
husband Dr. Clifford C.H. Lee well known and loved Allergist.
As in Hawaii, Rozita became active in the Las Vegas
community making a difference in the lives of people. She is
an Asian Pacific American community advocate and leader,
and producer-emcee of her Polynesian Luau entertainment
group, “Drums of the Islands”. Her Luau show has the
distinction of being the longest running Polynesian show on
the Las Vegas Strip, going into their 17th year in 2008. She
utilizes her talent, and skills of negotiation and public
relations in keeping the show alive on the Strip for that long.
where her parents immigrated to in the early 1930s from San
Manuel, Pangasinan. She grew up in Keawe Camp Plantation,
Maui and moved to Honolulu with the family during World War
II. She eventually settled in Las Vegas, Nevada with her late
husband Dr. Clifford C.H. Lee well known and loved Allergist.
As in Hawaii, Rozita became active in the Las Vegas
community making a difference in the lives of people. She is
an Asian Pacific American community advocate and leader,
and producer-emcee of her Polynesian Luau entertainment
group, “Drums of the Islands”. Her Luau show has the
distinction of being the longest running Polynesian show on
the Las Vegas Strip, going into their 17th year in 2008. She
utilizes her talent, and skills of negotiation and public
relations in keeping the show alive on the Strip for that long.
Rozita is the elected National Vice Chair of the National Federation of Filipino American
Associations and was Chair for the NaFFAA Las Vegas chapter for five years prior to that. She
serves as Advisory Board Member for OCA Las Vegas and Women of Diversity, Nevada. She is
also member of the Chancellor’s Advisory Roundtable where she speaks on behalf of the APIA
community on issues relating to education. She is currently on the National Asian Pacific American
Media Coalition that grades the Networks on Diversity issues. She is mentor to many young
people, as well as national resource person on Asian Pacific Americans.
Rozita was special assistant to former Nevada Governor Bob Miller and initiated the Asian Pacific
Outreach council for him and made many speeches on his behalf when he was out of town. She
was founding Chairwoman of the Board of the Las Vegas Asian Chamber and President of the
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Las Vegas chapter. Rozita was co-founder of the Asian
Pacific Forum and brought 20 APIA leaders to the State Capitol to attend a legislative session
where they were recognized with awards. She was also President of the Clark County Women’s
Democratic Club, President of the Ilocano American Association of Nevada and Charter member
of the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club. She studied at the Univ. of Hawaii and obtained her
degree in Communication Studies at Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Rozita created awareness within mainstream America of the cultures and accomplishments of the
Asian and Pacific American communities through PBS television programs she produced and
hosted. She organizes voter education, registration, and mobilization programs which increases
the voter numbers of Asian and Pacific Islanders.
She has received numerous awards, too many to mention all of them, from many entities
including from U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, and from Nevada Governor Kenny
Guinn and Las Vegas City Mayor Oscar Goodman. Rozita was named one of the most influential
women in Las Vegas by Women of Diversity, and one of 100 most influential Filipina women in
the U.S by Filipina Women’s Network. The OCA Asian Pacific American organization awarded
Rozita the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Rozita’s treasures are her children Byron, Craig & EllaVee, and Roxanna & Jay, and her
grandchildren David, Paul, Pharaoh & Ashley, Victor, Nani, Lee, Nick, Kanoelani, Luana & Phil,
Maile, Lokelani, and great grandchildren Bryson and Kehl. She continues to touch positively
those who surround her and credits the love of Jesus Christ as her sustenance and greatest
influence.
Associations and was Chair for the NaFFAA Las Vegas chapter for five years prior to that. She
serves as Advisory Board Member for OCA Las Vegas and Women of Diversity, Nevada. She is
also member of the Chancellor’s Advisory Roundtable where she speaks on behalf of the APIA
community on issues relating to education. She is currently on the National Asian Pacific American
Media Coalition that grades the Networks on Diversity issues. She is mentor to many young
people, as well as national resource person on Asian Pacific Americans.
Rozita was special assistant to former Nevada Governor Bob Miller and initiated the Asian Pacific
Outreach council for him and made many speeches on his behalf when he was out of town. She
was founding Chairwoman of the Board of the Las Vegas Asian Chamber and President of the
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Las Vegas chapter. Rozita was co-founder of the Asian
Pacific Forum and brought 20 APIA leaders to the State Capitol to attend a legislative session
where they were recognized with awards. She was also President of the Clark County Women’s
Democratic Club, President of the Ilocano American Association of Nevada and Charter member
of the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club. She studied at the Univ. of Hawaii and obtained her
degree in Communication Studies at Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Rozita created awareness within mainstream America of the cultures and accomplishments of the
Asian and Pacific American communities through PBS television programs she produced and
hosted. She organizes voter education, registration, and mobilization programs which increases
the voter numbers of Asian and Pacific Islanders.
She has received numerous awards, too many to mention all of them, from many entities
including from U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, and from Nevada Governor Kenny
Guinn and Las Vegas City Mayor Oscar Goodman. Rozita was named one of the most influential
women in Las Vegas by Women of Diversity, and one of 100 most influential Filipina women in
the U.S by Filipina Women’s Network. The OCA Asian Pacific American organization awarded
Rozita the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Rozita’s treasures are her children Byron, Craig & EllaVee, and Roxanna & Jay, and her
grandchildren David, Paul, Pharaoh & Ashley, Victor, Nani, Lee, Nick, Kanoelani, Luana & Phil,
Maile, Lokelani, and great grandchildren Bryson and Kehl. She continues to touch positively
those who surround her and credits the love of Jesus Christ as her sustenance and greatest
influence.
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PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Business Owner – Present from 1991
RVL, Inc. “Drums of the Islands” Polynesian/Hawaiian Entertainment company. Produce shows
of Tahitian, Hawaiian, Fijian, Maori, and Samoan dances for hotels, corporations, conventions,
schools. Show is at Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino,17 years. The longest running Polynesian
show in Las Vegas.
Assistant State Director - 2004
VOICES for Working Families, Mobilize Asian Pacific Americans and Hispanics to register and
vote. We contacted more than 20,000 eligible voters via phone and visits.
Manager -2002
Diversity Training Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Conducted diversity workshops
for staff, employees, and professors.
President - Current
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA). Hired, trained and managed 30 staff and
workers each election year for voter education, registration, mobilization, and protection.
Executive Assistant - 1998
World Trade Center Hotel, Las Vegas. Worked directly with owner Leonard Shoen, U-Haul
founder, prior to his death, in the planning and construction phase of the proposed Casino and
Convention Center and the World Trade Center program.
Special Assistant - 1989 to 1991
Honorable Bob Miller, Governor of Nevada. Managed the Las Vegas office and scheduled his
appointments and meetings. Represented him at functions, gave speeches on his behalf.
Initiated his Asian Pacific American Council.
Vice-President - 1984 to 1989
Nevada Economic Development Company. Managed special projects for the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA), U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and U.S. Housing &
Development Agency (HUD). Traveled throughout Nevada developing training programs for
minority businesses. Coordinated National Minority Business Development Enterprise
Conferences in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. for five years with at least 500 minority
businesses and U.S. Agencies in attendance.
Producer - 1981 to 1983
PBS Television Channel 10 KLVX-TV – Program: SPECTRUM Conceived and implemented a
weekly TV program featuring the ethnic groups of Las Vegas. Wrote scripts, invited guests,
staged all presentations and was on-camera hostess. Was also TV and Radio producer when
living in Hawaii for KHET-TV and KISA radio.
Instructor - 1981
University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Taught Speech 101 and Television Production classes.
Sales & Reservations - 1969 to 1979
Canadian Pacific Airlines, Hawaii. Sales, marketing, reservations for CPAir for 10 years in
Hawaii.
EDUCATION
1979-1981
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Graduated with BA degree in Communication Studies
and continued in Master’s program.
1953-55
University of Hawaii – Undergraduate studies, Teachers’ College
APPOINTMENTS AND AWARDS
ORGANIZATIONS
Current National Vice Chair National Federation of Filipino American Associations
2002 – 2006 Regional & State Chair, NaFFAA, Region XI-Nevada, Utah, Arizona
Current since 2006 Advisory Board member – OCA
Current since 2005 Board Member, Chancellor’s Diversity Roundtable
Current since 2004, Board Member, Nevada Women’s Lobby
Current since 2000, Board member, Nevada Women of Diversity
Current since 1995, Co-Founder, Chair, Asian Pacific Forum
Current since 1998, Member, CC School District Superintendent’s Diversity Committee
Current since 1989, Charter member Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club
Current since 1980, Member, Ka Poe O’Ka’aina Hawaii Club
2000 Chair, 4th National Convention NaFFAA, Bally’s Hotel
1999 -2001 President, Ilocano American Association of Nevada
1996 -1999 Executive Board of Directors of WE CAN Inc. (Working to Eliminate Child Abuse and
Neglect)
1997 – 2000 Board Member, Confederation of Filipino Associations of Nevada
1997 – 1998 Vice-President, Philippine Centennial Movement , Nevada
1995 – 1996 President, Women’s Democratic Club of Clark County
1992 – 1996 Coordinator, Asian Leadership Council for Governor Bob Miller
1994 – 1996 Founding Chairwoman of the Board, Asian Chamber of Commerce
1993 – 1999 Chairwoman, Political consultant & Government Affairs, COFAN
1992 – 1996 Editorial Board Advisor, Asian Pacific Journal, community newspaper
Past - Board of Trustee member Nevada Symphony, Nevada School of the Arts, and Nevada
Self-Employment Trust
Marital Status: Widow of Dr. Clifford C.H. Lee
Business Owner – Present from 1991
RVL, Inc. “Drums of the Islands” Polynesian/Hawaiian Entertainment company. Produce shows
of Tahitian, Hawaiian, Fijian, Maori, and Samoan dances for hotels, corporations, conventions,
schools. Show is at Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino,17 years. The longest running Polynesian
show in Las Vegas.
Assistant State Director - 2004
VOICES for Working Families, Mobilize Asian Pacific Americans and Hispanics to register and
vote. We contacted more than 20,000 eligible voters via phone and visits.
Manager -2002
Diversity Training Program, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Conducted diversity workshops
for staff, employees, and professors.
President - Current
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA). Hired, trained and managed 30 staff and
workers each election year for voter education, registration, mobilization, and protection.
Executive Assistant - 1998
World Trade Center Hotel, Las Vegas. Worked directly with owner Leonard Shoen, U-Haul
founder, prior to his death, in the planning and construction phase of the proposed Casino and
Convention Center and the World Trade Center program.
Special Assistant - 1989 to 1991
Honorable Bob Miller, Governor of Nevada. Managed the Las Vegas office and scheduled his
appointments and meetings. Represented him at functions, gave speeches on his behalf.
Initiated his Asian Pacific American Council.
Vice-President - 1984 to 1989
Nevada Economic Development Company. Managed special projects for the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA), U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and U.S. Housing &
Development Agency (HUD). Traveled throughout Nevada developing training programs for
minority businesses. Coordinated National Minority Business Development Enterprise
Conferences in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. for five years with at least 500 minority
businesses and U.S. Agencies in attendance.
Producer - 1981 to 1983
PBS Television Channel 10 KLVX-TV – Program: SPECTRUM Conceived and implemented a
weekly TV program featuring the ethnic groups of Las Vegas. Wrote scripts, invited guests,
staged all presentations and was on-camera hostess. Was also TV and Radio producer when
living in Hawaii for KHET-TV and KISA radio.
Instructor - 1981
University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Taught Speech 101 and Television Production classes.
Sales & Reservations - 1969 to 1979
Canadian Pacific Airlines, Hawaii. Sales, marketing, reservations for CPAir for 10 years in
Hawaii.
EDUCATION
1979-1981
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Graduated with BA degree in Communication Studies
and continued in Master’s program.
1953-55
University of Hawaii – Undergraduate studies, Teachers’ College
APPOINTMENTS AND AWARDS
- Commissioner, Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women
Commissioner, Nevada Clark County Asian American Commission
2007 Lifetime Achievement Award by OCA an Asian Pacific American organization
Named One of Most Influential Women in Las Vegas, Women of Diversity
Named One of 100 Most Influential Filipina Women U.S. by Filipina Women’s Network
Alaka’i Award for Leadership and Community Service – Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club
Exemplary Service to Community Award – Chinese American Chamber of Commerce
Distinguished & Selfless Service to Community Award – Nat’l Federation of Fil-Am Assoc.
Citizen of Distinction Awards from Nevada Governor Guinn and Mayor Oscar
Goodman
Senatorial Recognition for Humanitarianism & Outstanding Service to the Community
Award from U.S. Senator John Ensign
Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Work from U.S. Senator Harry
Reid
Commendation for Outstanding Contribution Asian Pacific American Heritage Month from
U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley
ORGANIZATIONS
Current National Vice Chair National Federation of Filipino American Associations
2002 – 2006 Regional & State Chair, NaFFAA, Region XI-Nevada, Utah, Arizona
Current since 2006 Advisory Board member – OCA
Current since 2005 Board Member, Chancellor’s Diversity Roundtable
Current since 2004, Board Member, Nevada Women’s Lobby
Current since 2000, Board member, Nevada Women of Diversity
Current since 1995, Co-Founder, Chair, Asian Pacific Forum
Current since 1998, Member, CC School District Superintendent’s Diversity Committee
Current since 1989, Charter member Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club
Current since 1980, Member, Ka Poe O’Ka’aina Hawaii Club
2000 Chair, 4th National Convention NaFFAA, Bally’s Hotel
1999 -2001 President, Ilocano American Association of Nevada
1996 -1999 Executive Board of Directors of WE CAN Inc. (Working to Eliminate Child Abuse and
Neglect)
1997 – 2000 Board Member, Confederation of Filipino Associations of Nevada
1997 – 1998 Vice-President, Philippine Centennial Movement , Nevada
1995 – 1996 President, Women’s Democratic Club of Clark County
1992 – 1996 Coordinator, Asian Leadership Council for Governor Bob Miller
1994 – 1996 Founding Chairwoman of the Board, Asian Chamber of Commerce
1993 – 1999 Chairwoman, Political consultant & Government Affairs, COFAN
1992 – 1996 Editorial Board Advisor, Asian Pacific Journal, community newspaper
Past - Board of Trustee member Nevada Symphony, Nevada School of the Arts, and Nevada
Self-Employment Trust
Marital Status: Widow of Dr. Clifford C.H. Lee