John Eric Swing ‑ a leader in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown who had worked with multiple community organizations serving the Filipino American community – died on June 28, 2020, of COVID-19 complications. He was 48.
He was the executive director of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), which is dedicated to Filipino American empowerment.
Swing was appointed after a yearlong nationwide search. He was excited to work on the redevelopment of SIPA’s headquarters, which looked to include a small-business center, community space and a cultural center. The project was years in the making, and Swing had hoped to see it through.
He had been a staff member at SIPA since 2015 and formed close relationships with coworkers. Eddy M. Gana Jr., who serves as SIPA’s mental health counselor, remembered him for his work ethic and selflessness.