Filipino group NaFFAA holds national leadership conference; elects Raga as national chairperson

Aurora, Colorado — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) concluded its 16th National Empowerment Conference with a renewed commitment for Filipino American empowerment through public service, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, community health and safety.

The two-day national dialogue, leadership development, cultural celebration and practical community-building was held August 14–15 at the Hyatt Regency Aurora–Denver Conference Center and co-hosted by NaFFAA Rocky Mountain Region. The conference brought together Filipino American leaders, founders, professionals, public servants, entrepreneurs, artists, health advocates, and emerging changemakers from across the country.

Participants of the NaFFAA two-day national dialogue, leadership development, cultural celebration and practical community-building held August 14–15 at the Hyatt Regency Aurora–Denver Conference Center.

New York Assemblymember Steven Raga takes oath of office as the newly elected NaFFAA chairperson.

New York Assemblymember Steven Raga was elected national chairperson during the conference along with National President: Dr. Alex Africa; National Vice President: Sally Balecha; National Secretary: Giselle Rushford; and National Treasurer: Gabriel “Gabe” Young.

The election honored NaFFAA’s commitment to leadership renewal, national representation and continuity across generations. The new officers were entrusted with advancing the federation’s nonpartisan mission and strengthening collaboration among its regions, partners, and communities.

“I’m deeply honored to serve as NaFFAA’s next National Chair. For nearly three decades, NaFFAA has shown what’s possible when Filipino Americans come together across generations, regions, and backgrounds in service of our community. Representation carries a responsibility to speak for everyone, which means listening closely to our communities, bringing more people into the work, developing the next generation of leaders, and making sure our growing voice leads to impactful action. I’m grateful to everyone who built and sustained this organization over the years, and I look forward to working with our new officers, regions, and partners to carry that legacy forward together,” said Raga.

Under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Community: Starting With Us,” the national empowerment conference 2026 moved from reflection to action. Sessions examined how Filipino Americans had built influence through relationships, representation, entrepreneurship, civic participation, cultural preservation, mental health advocacy and cross-community partnership. The gathering remained nonpartisan and emphasized informed participation, public service, safety, belonging, and shared responsibility.

Fletcher: True empowerment multiplies.

NaFFAA National Chair Mariela Fletcher opened the conference with remarks that deeply resonated with the audience. She honored NaFFAA’s founders, remembered Alex Esclamado’s vision of a united Filipino American community, and emphasized leadership as a responsibility shared across generations—not a privilege reserved for those with titles.

Fletcher challenged every delegate to turn the conference into action through three commitments: “Connect. Listen. Act.” She asked participants to connect with someone new, listen to a perspective different from their own and return home ready to mentor, register voters, build partnerships, serve on boards, run for office and encourage young people to lead.

NaFFAA: Empowering Filipino Americans across generations.

“Leadership begins when you decide to serve. And when an opportunity comes your way, don’t simply walk through that door. Reach back and bring someone with you. Because empowerment should never end with us. True empowerment multiplies.”

Opening keynote speaker Dante “Klink” Ang II, Secretary and Chairperson of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, explored “The Power of Community.” He discussed the growing influence of the Filipino American diaspora and connected diaspora leadership with the responsibility to build bridges, mobilize people and convert shared identity into constructive public impact.

The Founders and Trailblazers Roundtable brought together Rodel Rodis, Loida Lewis, Gloria Caoile, Jon Melegrito and Maestro Michael Dadap, with Dr. Alex Africa moderating. The founders reflected on NaFFAA’s origins, grassroots mobilization, and the work required to establish a unified national voice.

“We were all in this together, and if we stopped believing that, we lost the strength that made progress possible.” said NAFFAA co-founder Gloria Caoile.

Expanded sessions on media literacy in the age of artificial intelligence, sustainable medical missions, nonprofit governance, immigration and transnational living, Medicare portability, Filipino identity, cultural history, dance and music were tackled on Day One. The Emerging Leadership Institute guided young participants through community discovery, problem definition, and the early development of solutions.

Day Two examined how individual leaders had worked in tandem with established organizations. Drawing on the Filipino values of pakikisama and malasakit, the program encouraged participants to serve as bridges across generations, sectors, and communities.

The participants concluded that Filipino American empowerment depended on the willingness to listen, organize, report, invest, mentor, serve and build together. The 2026 conference brought about new relationships, practical tools, cross-regional exchange and renewed commitments to public service, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, community health and safety. # (A press release from Joshua Ang Price.)