Remembering Thelma Garcia Buchholdt, a Pioneer for Filipino Americans and Women in Politics

Thelma Garcia Buchholdt was a pioneering force in both the Asian American and political landscape. As a Filipino immigrant who became the first Filipino American and woman of Asian descent to serve in a state legislature in the United States, her legacy broke barriers long before diversity in politics was a common talking point. From her early years in the Philippines to her historic career in Alaska, Thelma’s life was an enduring reminder of the contributions that immigrant communities, especially women, have made to American society. 

Early Life and Background

Born on August 1, 1934, in Claveria, Cagayan, in the Philippines, Thelma grew up during a time of political unrest, with World War II shaping much of her childhood. She experienced firsthand the struggles of a country under occupation and the resilience of people recovering from war. These formative years influenced her later commitment to advocacy and public service.

At the age of 15, Thelma moved to the United States to pursue higher education. She attended Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles and completed her graduate studies at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she met Jon Buchholdt, whom she later married. Following graduate school, she taught elementary school for a few years before moving to Anchorage with her husband in 1965, where they raised four children and where Thelma’s future as a political and community leader unfolds.

Early on, Thelma became deeply involved in improving local services, particularly for children and women. Her passion for community service led her to co-found the Boys and Girls Club of Alaska and actively participate in organizations such as the March of Dimes, the League of Women Voters, and the Ad Hoc Committee of Young Democrats in Alaska. She also served on the Alaska State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, marking the beginning of her lifelong dedication to civil rights and community advocacy.

A Groundbreaking Political Career

In 1974, Thelma Garcia Buchholdt was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives, becoming the first Filipino-American woman legislator in the U.S. During her four terms in office (1974, 1976, 1978, and 1980), she passed legislation to protect the environment, improve education systems, environmental protections, public art programs, support domestic violence victims, mental health services, oil and gas taxes, infrastructure, and establishing legislature governing the Permanent Fund Dividend program. 

Thelma served on the House Finance Committee, eventually becoming its Vice-Chair. She successfully secured funding for critical projects, including the Spenard Community Recreation Center, Dempsey-Anderson Ice Arena, the Asian-Alaskan Cultural Center, the Filipino Community Hall in Juneau, and local infrastructure developments like roads and parks. One of her notable achievements was sponsoring an underwater bio-acoustical survey of Alaska’s bowhead whale population and securing funding for the Alaska Commission on the Status of Women.

In 1980, Thelma’s leadership expanded when she became the first Asian-American president of the National Order of Women Legislators and was appointed director of Alaska’s Office of Equal Opportunity in 1994. 

“She Made History”: A Legacy of Leadership, Advocacy, and Empowerment

In 1988, Thelma attended the District of Columbia School of Law, along with her husband, to gain their J.D. Degree. The couple then opened their own law firm in Anchorage, further extending Thelma’s career into legal advocacy. This shift allowed her to continue fighting for justice and equality and work on issues important to their community.

Thelma became an expert on the history of Filipinos in Alaska. She even produced a documentary and authored a history book entitled Filipinos in Alaska: 1788-1958, the only publication to date that focuses on the contributions of Filipino Americans to Alaska’s history. Buchholdt also served as national president of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS).

Thelma passed away in 2007 due to pancreatic cancer, but her contributions to politics, Filipino-American history, and women’s empowerment continue to resonate today. Her story is more than just an individual success. She opened doors for generations of Asian-American women and people of color, proving that the halls of power are not reserved for the privileged few but are meant for those who truly care about making a difference.

Her advocacy for civil rights, education, women’s rights, and Filipino American heritage lives on in the institutions she founded and the lives she touched. Thelma Garcia Buchholdt’s story is a reminder that breaking barriers isn’t just about personal victories; it’s about uplifting communities and reshaping the landscape of opportunity for all.