Note from Elections Committee: The FYLPRO Elections process typically begin in November, with the General Membership Meeting also serving as the "Town Hall" opportunity for candidates to share their platform to the membership. In the interest of time this year, we are requesting candidates to send a video instead as an option.

Elections Timeline:

Dec. 18: Election announcements
Dec. 20 3pm HST, 9pm EST: Elections Info Session
Dec. 25: Deadline for the public to become active FYLPRO members, and be able to run for office or vote in the elections.
Dec. 18-29: Campaign period
Dec. 30-31: Election Dates: Ballots may be cast beginning Dec. 30 at 8am EST, and shall close on Dec. 31 at 11:59pm EST via electionrunner.com

Elections Committee

Chachie Abara
Kit Z. Furukawa
Leezel Tanglao
Marc Calaguas
JP Ferrer

Email [email protected]

CANDIDATES

Constancio Carvajal Paranal III
Honolulu, Hawai’i
Running for Executive Vice President

Constancio Carvajal Paranal III
Batch 9, Candidate for Executive Vice President

As a proud member of FYLPRO Batch 9, I’ve had the privilege of serving a two-year term as a Board of Director, leading initiatives like the 2023/24 Magiting Roadshow in Honolulu and contributing to the 2024 Immersion and Communications Committees. I launched my legacy project with the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Hawai‘i to support Filipino American entrepreneurs and participated as a mentor in the FYLPRO US Asia Institute Mentorship program for two years.

As a community advocate, I organized a three-day screening of Nurse Unseen, a documentary by Batch 9’s Michele Josue and strengthened ties with the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu by hosting a luncheon for Batch 11’s Nanor Wong and FYLPRO Hawai‘i.

If elected as Executive Vice President, I aim to deepen FYLPRO’s impact by introducing the following initiatives:

1. 1. Public Service Mentorship Pipeline – Train members for careers in public service.
  2. FYLPRO Accelerator/Incubator Program – Expand my legacy project to empower Filipino American entrepreneurs.
  3. Alumni Engagement & Professional Development – Partner with Philippine universities to offer training and leadership programs.
  4. Pathways to National Fellowships – Support alumni in accessing prestigious fellowships to elevate representation.

I’m passionate about uniting and empowering our community to create meaningful change. With my experience and commitment, I look forward to continue helping FYLPRO grow and thrive. I humbly ask for your trust and support."

Daniel Galeon
Montvale, New Jersey
Running for Executive Vice President

"I am proud to nominate Daniel Galeon for the position of FYLPRO Executive Vice President. Over the past two years, Dan has served on the FYLPRO general board, and this year, he stepped in as interim Treasurer on the FYLPRO Executive Committee during our Treasurer’s maternity leave. He is already acclimated to FYLPRO's programs and missions as well as Executive Committee functions.

Dan brings a wealth of experience and a strong background that positions him for success in this role. He has already demonstrated his capability as a leader and a valuable contributor to both the Executive Committee and the broader Board.

In his professional career, Dan has excelled in creating structure, designing operational roadmaps, and setting strategic direction at the executive level for prominent Finance and FinTech companies, including Goldman Sachs, Stripe, Payoneer, and Robinhood. This expertise reflects his ability to deliver effective governance, which will greatly benefit FYLPRO’s board and organization.

Having worked alongside Dan on the board the past 2 years, I have seen firsthand his strength as a servant leader and his mindful approach to navigating complex challenges in our cross functional team environment. These qualities elevate FYLPRO’s ability to address and resolve the multifaceted issues it may encounter.

Dan’s professional and volunteer experience make him an ideal candidate for FYLPRO’s Executive Vice President position. His contributions to national non-profit boards such as the PUSO Foundation and the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting showcase his dedication to uplifting the global Filipino community—values that align perfectly with FYLPRO’s mission. His national network will also open membership, partnership, and fund development opportunities for FYLPRO." - Genevieve Jopanda

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgaleon4/
PUSO Foundation: https://www.pusofoundation.org/leadership
BackScoop Interview: https://www.backscoop.com/newsletter-posts/ice-breakers-with-daniel-galeon

Agnes Lopez
Jacksonville, Florida
Running for Secretary

"I am proud to nominate Agnes Lopez for Secretary of FYLPRO. As a Filipino-American editorial and commercial photographer, storyteller, and community advocate, Agnes is deeply committed to preserving and amplifying Filipino narratives. Her background and experience demonstrates her consistency in honoring our heritage and foster connections within our community and beyond.

With two decades of professional experience, Agnes’ work has been featured in prestigious outlets such as The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, and campaigns for national brands. Beyond her official work, Agnes has dedicated her creative energy to projects that celebrate Filipino history, culture, and identity. Agnes also founded and own Posewell Model and Talent Agency representing BIPOC talent for today's advertising and mainstream branding campaigns.

One of Agnes’ most meaningful projects, The Faces to Remember, honors Filipino World War II veterans, showcasing their sacrifices and resilience. Additionally, her documentary, JAX Filipino Chefs #MoreThanLumpia, is a testament to this dedication. By capturing the stories of Filipino-American chefs in Jacksonville, she aims to educate, inspire, and highlight our contributions to the global food movement which led the formal formation of JAX Filipinos, a non-profit organization that connects the Filipino community in Jacksonville, Florida through cultural outreach, arts, and education. I have witnessed first hand Agnes’ ability to mobilize and organize community earlier this year during her Jacksonville community screening of “Nurse Unseen” which turned out upwards of 350 people.

Agnes is a FYLPRO alumna from Batch 9, 2022 and currently serves on the FYLPRO Board of Directors. As Secretary, she will bring the same level of professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to FYLPRO’s mission. Her organizational skills, storytelling expertise, and ability to connect with diverse audiences will help elevate FYLPRO’s initiatives and ensure its impact endures for generations. " - Genevieve Jopanda

Agnes Lopez Photography: https://www.agneslopezphoto.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnes-lopez-7316834/
JAX Filipinos: https://www.instagram.com/jaxfilipinos/?hl=en
Canva Rebel Article: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-agnes-lopez/

Donny Rojo
San Francisco, California
Running for Treasurer

"I am proud to nominate Donny Rojo to the position of Treasurer for FYLPRO. Donny has over 15 years of professional experience in technology and engineering program management bringing a wealth of technical expertise, operational acumen, and financial oversight skills to the Treasurer role.

His career leading the integration of cutting-edge computer vision systems and proximity sensing technologies into market-ready consumer products spans through companies like Meta, Honeywell, and Sonicare. There, Donny managed engineering teams and delivered complex projects on time and within budget. These roles reflect his ability to oversee financial planning, manage large-scale budgets, and align resources with strategic goals—key competencies for serving as Treasurer.

Donny previously served as FYLPRO Treasurer during his time on the board from 2016 to 2020. Additionally, as Treasurer of FASTER, he successfully managed finances for science and technology advocacy efforts, ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility.

He is also a co-founder of FYLPRO’s TAYO Helpdesk program where he is familiar with TAYO’s operations and funding mechanisms and structure that are tied closely to the FYLPRO Treasurer role. As Treasurer, I am confident that Donny will prioritize strengthening FYLPRO’s financial health, fostering trust through clear reporting, and creating sustainable funding pathways for future programs towards FYLPRO’s sustainability so that it has the resources needed to continue its impactful work." - Genevieve Jopanda

https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnyrojo/

Nikki Chan
Stockton, CA
Running for Director

"Nikki Chan has dedicated her work to supporting communities on their journey towards liberation.
She is the co-founder and currently serves as the Executive Director of Empowering Marginalized Asian Communities (EMAC) in Stockton who’s mission is to help build safe and thriving Southeast Asian communities within the larger Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora. EMAC seeks to fulfill this mission through community advocacy and civic engagement, providing culturally relevant resources, and cultivating the development of social empowerment through the expression of our values: transformative justice, culturally rooted healing, communal resilience, and collective liberation.

She also uses her skills in design and journalism to raise voices of marginalized communities. She has designed for various social justice campaigns like Stop Asian Hate, get out the vote, and police-free schools. She has also written and published headlines at Fusion Media and Mahalaya. She is a proud alumna of lNew Leaders Council, Filipino Young Leadership Program, and Leadership Education for Asian Pacific Executive Nonprofit Leaders Program.

Born in Stockton, CA, she comes from a family of field workers of the “Manong” generation who immigrated to the Central Valley to work in the agricultural fields. Outside of work, Nikki runs her small food business Sarap Sa Chan, that specializes in Filipino and Asian inspired eats that are “yummy for your tummy” and shares taste that are reminiscent of your childhood. She was also finally diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and has been actively navigating and engaging in care practices that support those who are neurodivergent.

Campaign Statement: I am seeking to run for a director position to contribute to the establishment and development of robust internal structures and procedures. Having served as both a founder and a current executive director, I bring hands-on experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to create effective systems that support organizational growth and sustainability. My expertise lies in building frameworks that enhance efficiency, foster collaboration, and ensure long-term success. I am eager to apply this knowledge to strengthen our organization’s foundation and drive our shared mission forward." - Christine Ann Ramos Melendres

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliznchan

Gabriel Kramer
Cleveland, Ohio
Running for Director

"I am proud to nominate Gabriel ""Gabe"" Kramer to the FYLPRO Board of Directors for the open General Director position.

Gabe is an accomplished journalist who specializes in reporting on race and equity issues, a focus that has earned him numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and a national reporting prize from the Asian American Journalists Association. In addition to his professional achievements, Gabe has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the President of the Filipino American National Historical Society’s Ohio chapter and as an Executive Committee Member for the Cleveland Asian Festival. These roles showcase the skills and commitment he would bring to FYLPRO.

As a news reporter and documentary producer for Cleveland’s NPR and PBS stations, Gabe has developed a wide range of skills. While his expertise as a writer, storyteller, and communicator is evident, his true strength lies in connecting with people. Gabe’s work requires him to deeply understand the challenges individuals face and identify solutions to address them. This ability to empathize and engage meaningfully with others is a quality he would bring to the FYLPRO Board of Directors.

Gabe has a natural talent for building relationships and fostering collaboration. Most recently, he worked with members of the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section, enabling FYLPRO to strengthen its connections with U.S. Embassy exchange program alumni. This effort elevated FYLPRO’s profile and reinforced its relationship with key partners.

Gabe has expressed to me and other alumni how profoundly FYLPRO has impacted his life. He feels deeply grateful for his Batch 11 experience and regards FYLPRO as an extraordinary organization filled with exceptional individuals. He recognizes the respect and recognition it commands within both Filipino and Filipino American communities and is eager to contribute to its continued growth and development.

Please consider Gabe’s dedication, leadership, and journalistic expertise as invaluable assets to the FYLPRO Board of Directors. His ability to understand pressing issues and identify effective solutions will undoubtedly enhance the FYLPRO experience for future delegations." - Genevieve Jopanda

https://www.gabrielkramer.org/fylpro

Jamille Nagtalon-Ramos
Sicklerville, New Jersey
Running for Director

"I am proud to nominate Jamille Nagtalon-Ramos to the open FYLPRO Board Director position.

Dr. Nagtalon-Ramos is a distinguished educator, researcher, clinician, and award-winning multi-published author. She is an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University and a women’s health nurse practitioner at Penn Medicine. She earned her undergraduate nursing degree from Rutgers University and completed her master’s degree in nursing and doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Nagtalon-Ramos’ research centers on two vital areas: (1) advancing the sexual and reproductive health of Filipino women in the global diaspora and (2) fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and equitable access to healthcare.

She is an alumna of FYLPRO’s 9th Batch in 2022. Her legacy project, where she garnered funding by Rutgers Global Institute, is a research study aimed to better understand how young adult women in Metro Manila access healthcare information and how these factors influence their attitudes and healthcare service utilization.

A devoted advocate for her community, Dr. Nagtalon-Ramos actively serves on the boards and committees of national organizations, including the Filipino Community Health Association, Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health.

Dr. Jamille Nagtalon-Ramos’ global health advocacy aligns seamlessly with FYLPRO's mission of engaging young leaders to make a meaningful impact within Filipino and Filipino American communities. Her work addresses critical issues that resonate with FYLPRO’s goals of cultural and community advancement, as well as fostering connections between the Philippines and the global Filipino diaspora. Additionally, her expertise in research and grant writing can help propel FYLPRO in continuing building a legacy of meaningful change." - Genevieve Jopanda

https://rutgers.app.box.com/s/56nj12e7c6qxhz2j31r7aaawi8kj68dr

SCHEDULE DETAILS

Dec. 18: Election announcements

An Announcement promoting an updated fylpro.org/elections page shall be sent via email to FYLPRO’s membership and posted on social media.

Dec. 18 - 28: Candidate filing period.

Active members are allowed to NOMINATE individuals to run for open positions, provided they have clear consent (written, email/text, or verbal is OK) from the candidate. Nominators will also serve as representatives of the candidate and will answer the questions on behalf of the candidate on the form. (Otherwise, it’s much easier if the candidate fills out the form directly).

Those interested in running for office - thank you! - can fill out this form to get in the ballot: https://forms.gle/FxrUvnqA6yypmvXT8

The Elections Committee will review the submissions as they come in. If the candidate is qualified and has submitted all the required documents, their name will be published on this page. The form will no longer accept responses on Dec. 28 midnight.

Dec. 18 - 29: Campaign period

The campaign period is governed by the following guidelines:

Voters this year may learn about the candidates through the official page at fylpro.org/elections.
Official FYLPRO social media accounts, including the affiliated Groups on Facebook shall NOT be used as a campaign venue, therefore campaigning is not allowed from the candidates. Only official elections announcements shall be posted during the period.
Candidates are allowed to utilize their own resources, such as personal social media accounts and websites to get creative for their campaign.
Candidates must exercise responsible campaign methods, acquire contacts via ethical means, avoid “spam-like” multiple messaging or posting, and must avoid using FYLPRO resources for election purposes.
Posting on FYLPRO Alumni FB Group is allowed, but note that the group is limited to alumni only.
Candidates may invite voters to ask them questions directly.
Candidates who currently own a fylpro.org email address must refrain from using their official email for campaign purposes.
No monetary compensation or transactions must occur among the candidates and voters.
All reports on violations shall be reviewed by the Elections Committee. The Committee shall determine the appropriate sanction for any violation or alternative action.

Best practice recommendations:

The webpage can include campaign links from the candidates. Take advantage of this to possibly link to a Google slide or online-based presentation that you can update.
The Elections Committee allows for “updates” on candidates’ online profile at fylpro.org/elections until December 28. Just email [email protected] or notify Kit at (808) 291-9407 for your revisions and we will strive to be timely in updating the page.
The Elections Committee shall be referencing fylpro.org/elections in reminder membership emails leading to the Elections

Dec. 20: Elections Info Session

This event via Zoom will invite current and past leadership to answer candidate questions. If you are unsure about running for office, best to attend this event. Zoom link and details will be sent to active members via email.

Dec. 25: Deadline for FYLPRO membership

Anyone who has paid dues or has acquired active membership before Dec. 25 at 11:59 p.m. EST shall be considered “ACTIVE” members of the organization. Only active members can run for office or vote in the upcoming election.

Dec. 30 - 31: FYLPRO Elections

Election Runner codes and links shall be emailed to voters on Dec. 29 as a final reminder. Ballots may be cast beginning Dec. 30 at 8 a.m. EST, and shall close on Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST. via electionrunner.com. Voting takes less than 2 minutes electronically.

Candidates receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared the winner.

Before Jan. 2: Unofficial announcement to candidates, Deadline for appeals if any.

After publishing the results on electionrunner.com, Candidates shall be contacted for the results and are given the opportunity to appeal no later than Jan. 2, if there are any disputes. If all goes well, then an official announcement is scheduled.

The Elections Committee submits a report to the FYLPRO board and adjourns.

Jan. 5: Official FYLPRO Announcement

TIE

In the event of a tie, the Elections Committee shall convene the involved candidates to discuss and agree on a tie-breaker procedure. The three options are:

Conduct special elections: This will be similar to a “recount” and the parties will rely on the voters changing their vote for a different outcome.
Board Decision: The current sitting board will have a special meeting closed to the public (executive session) to decide on the result. If a candidate is a member of the board, they will be excused.
Coin Toss or Draw sticks: If the candidates agree to making a quick and hard decision, the Elections Committee will leave it to fate to decide with a coin toss or draw sticks, or similar.

Expectations serving on the FYLPRO Board?
As a member of the Board of Directors, you will work with the FYLPRO Executive Committee led by the President in deciding and executing on the overall strategic direction, fiscal health (including Give-Get responsibilities) and future projects of the organization.

Purpose: The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, establishes policy, oversees the operations and financial performance of FYLPRO's and assesses the Board’s own effectiveness. Our Board Members will serve on several committees, including:

Executive
Finance & Audit
Marketing & Communications
Fundraising & Development
Governance and Legal (ByLaws and Elections)
Program & Events
Technology

Expectations when attending a meeting:

Be well informed on issues and agenda items in advance of meetings
Contribute skills, knowledge and experience when appropriate
Listen respectfully to other points of view
Participate in organizational decision-making
Financially support the organization
Assume leadership roles in all board activities, including fundraising
Represent the organization to the public and private industry
Educate yourself about the needs of the people served (general membership)
Remain informed about the organization
Know the organization’s history, mission and goals

Requirements and Qualifications:

A minimum of 10 hours a month
Board member individual Give-Get minimum: $1000 (50% in-kind is OK)
Personal commitment to devote the time necessary to perform the responsibilities of a Board member
Strong communication and collaborative skills
Previous non-profit board experience is an asset

Compensation: Board Members work voluntarily without any compensation.

The organization’s guiding principles include:

Integrity – Accountability, Preservation of History, Leadership, Pride in Being Filipino
Innovation – Data-driven, Creativity
Inclusivity – Compassion, Collaboration, Kapwa, Bayanihan

Our core purpose - reasons why we do what we do:

Bridge connection between Filipinos and Fil-Am issues
Representation in numbers and credibility
To discover, design and define the Filipino brand

We aim to:

Capture and magnify the voice of the Filipino youth community in the US (ages 40 & under)
Preserve the Filipino culture, customs, and values
Build empathy towards Filipino community both in the Philippines and the US
Maintain grassroots and non-partisan approach of working locally in the fields of: arts/culture, business, design, education, engineering, finance, government, medicine, policy, and technology that will have an impact nationally and globally
Continue and strengthen the dialogue with the highest officials and policymakers in the Philippines and US, leaders of industry, media, artists and cultural experts, and entrepreneurs.

Interested to know what candidates submitted in last year's elections?

FYLPRO Elections 2024

CANDIDATES

SCHEDULE DETAILS

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