With new officers, NaFFAA gears up for more political action

NaFFAA pioneers (from 3rd left to right) Gloria Caoile, Jon Melegrito, Rodel Rodis, , Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Michael Dadap, among others, join current Chairman Brendan Flores (sixth from left) in renewing calls for unity and active political involvement. INQUIRER/Jun Nucum

LAS VEGAS – The National Federation of Filipino American Associations swore in new leaders during a spirited regrouping at the Harrah’s Hotel in Las Vegas recently.

Inducted as its new president, Mariela Fletcher expressed gratitude at engaging “members, selfless community leaders, guiding founders, and everyone in-person again” at the 25-year-old federation’s 14th National Empowerment Conference.

Fletcher thanked NaFFAA founders and past presidents for creating a path for political engagement and vowed to bridge generations within the Filipino American community.

She will also focus on strengthening the federation’s regional and state structures by working closely with its local leaders and sharing best practices and monthly newsletters.

NaFFAA President Mariela Fletcher vows to strengthen regional and state structures for more effective political engagement.

Fletcher said NaFFAA’s Hate Crime Task Force will do its best to respond to hate crime reports, assist hate crime victims on the ground, build a network of task forces across the country while increasing digital resources and setting up a defense fund for hate crime victims.

She said founder Loida Nicolas-Lewis’ challenge to Filipino Americans “to be at the table lest they become merely part of the menu,” was a call to action.

“As we steadily increase towards five million Filipino Americans, (we need) to create a pipeline of Filipino American leaders who will represent us on local boards, commissions, city councils, states, and national offices through NaFFAA’s Run for Office Program. Let’s get out, vote and have our voices heard,” stated Fletcher.

Fletcher thanked  founders present at the conference who gave insights on the early struggles of NaFFAA. They included Gloria Caoile, Jon Melegrito, Rodel Rodis, Michael Dadap and Nicolas-Lewis. The exemplary leadership of Alex Esclamado (deceased) was also remembered.

Fletcher is joined by new officers:  National Vice President Christopher Rivera, National Secretary Aldrin Carreo and National TreasurerAngeles “Jelly” Carandang. Past President Brendan Flores will continue on as Chairman.