For Immediate Release
Medford, Mass. (Jan. 30, 2025) - PAMANA successfully held its Filipino American High School Leadership Conference at Tufts University, bringing together high school students, university students, and professionals to foster leadership, cultural pride, and community service.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers who inspired and guided the young attendees. Panelists included Colton Lord and Glenn Dazo, Registered Nurses and Content Creators; Clyde Castro, DJ, Sales Professional, and Business Owner; Elysia Rodriguez, Former TV News Reporter and Public Relations Professional; Charles Santiago, Realtor; and Bren Bataclan, Artist. These accomplished professionals shared their career journeys, emphasizing the importance of cultural pride, resilience, and community involvement in achieving success.
Leadership co-chairs Stacey Domingo and Ruanne Catapang curated a dynamic program that encouraged dialogue, mentorship, and hands-on community service. Participants engaged with the panelists, gaining valuable insights into their career paths and the values that have shaped their achievements. The event underscored the importance of representation and the power of mentorship within the Filipino American community.
A highlight of the event was the continuation of PAMANA Cares, the organization’s flagship community service initiative. Conference participants and PAMANA board members worked together to assemble care packages with groceries sourced from local Filipino businesses, including Pinoy Republic & Sons, Sure Pinoy Food Mart, and Asian Food Mart. These care packages will provide essential support to 63 Filipino community members and families in need throughout New England, reflecting the organization’s commitment to service.
Reflecting on the event, PAMANA Board Chair Jelyn Masa shared, “It is deeply inspiring to see the enthusiasm and passion of our young leaders. Events like this showcase the power of community and the importance of investing in our future.”
Immediate Past Chair Jennifer Coliflores added, “This leadership conference is a testament to the vision and dedication of PAMANA. From our first Leadership and Mentoring Seminar in 2015 at Boston College to this incredible gathering at Tufts University, we continue to see the impact of empowering young Filipino Americans to lead with pride and purpose.”
Since its inception, PAMANA has been committed to nurturing the next generation of Filipino American leaders. The organization first launched its high school leadership initiative in 2019 in partnership with the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) at Harvard University. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, PAMANA sustained its efforts through a series of online leadership workshops. This year’s conference at Tufts marked a return to in-person engagement, further solidifying PAMANA’s role as a cornerstone of leadership development in the Filipino American community.
PAMANA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the local Filipino community and the Philippine Consulate General in New York for their unwavering support. Together, we continue to build a brighter future for our youth, rooted in cultural pride and community solidarity.
For more information about PAMANA’s initiatives, visit www.pamanainc.org.
About PAMANA: PAMANA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Filipino culture, supporting community service initiatives, and fostering leadership development among Filipino Americans. Through programs like PAMANA Cares and leadership workshops, PAMANA inspires individuals to make meaningful contributions to their communities while staying connected to their heritage.
Media Contact:
Elysia Rodriguez
PAMANA Board Member
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