CANDIDATES

Dan Galeon, President-Elect Candidate

Montvale, NJ

As a board member for the past three years and former interim Treasurer, I have focused on building a strong, sustainable foundation for FYLPRO. My work has centered on long-term strategy, driving initiatives that strengthen financial health, expand external partnerships, and foster cross-collaboration. With my background in finance and regulatory management, I have helped ensure sound decision-making and responsible growth that positions the organization for lasting impact.

Beyond governance, I have contributed to cohort programming and leadership development over the past two years, helping to cultivate future leaders who carry our mission forward. I have also recruited and mentored new delegates, bringing in individuals with the passion and vision to sustain our work. As someone experienced in community organizing, I bring a balance of people-centered leadership and operational insight. Voting for me ensures we continue to be a powerful vehicle for Filipino leaders and allies in the diaspora to deepen their immersion, strengthen their connection to the homeland, and build a lasting legacy of leadership and service.

Melvin Joseph Labao Dizon, Director Candidate

Kapolei, Hawaii

I am Melvin Dizon, a Doctor of Social Work candidate at the University of Southern California, retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, and medical social worker. Over the past six years, I have combined healthcare, philanthropy, and leadership to advance equity and expand access to essential services for underserved communities. My journey has included earning five degrees in five years, raising seven figures in philanthropic funds, launching slush funds for single mothers and survivors of domestic violence, and serving on multiple boards to drive systemic change.

I am running for the FYLPRO Board because I believe in the transformative power of connecting the Filipino diaspora to the motherland. FYLPRO is more than an organization—it is a movement that bridges cultures, creates global partnerships, and amplifies our community’s collective voice. Serving on this working board is not only an honor but a responsibility to ensure that our community thrives across generations.

You should vote for me because I bring a unique blend of military discipline, clinical expertise, crisis management, and philanthropic innovation. My skills in program design, policy development, fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration will help strengthen FYLPRO’s capacity and visibility. I also bring a network of leaders in healthcare, academia, and global philanthropy who are eager to partner in advancing our shared mission.

I am committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, fostering sustainable impact, and ensuring that FYLPRO remains a beacon of service and empowerment for Filipinos worldwide.

Links:

• www.linkedin.com/in/melvin-dizon
  
• https://www.megabonhawaii.com/team
  
• https://filipinofiestahi.com/
  
• https://naswhi.socialworkers.org/About/Board-of-Directors
  
• https://www.hawaii.edu/behavioral-health-training/about/team-leadership/
  
• https://www.jcihonolulu.org/board-of-directors-1
  
• https://health.hawaii.gov/substance-abuse/files/2024/05/SW24071-2.pdf
  
• https://www.filipinojaycees.org/awards
  
• https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/Warriors-Find-Hawaiian-Healing-at-Wounded-Warrior-Project-Workshop
  
• https://www.asuhmanoa.com/copy-of-the-110th-senate-2022-2023
  

Christine Melendres, Director Candidate

San Ramon, CA

Christine Melendres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Founder & CEO of Sweet Mango Therapy Group, a California-based psychotherapy practice dedicated to serving Filipina/x/o and AAPI women and families through compassionate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care. Based in San Ramon, she leads a team of eight clinicians who share a commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for healing. Their mission is to help our communities overcome mental health challenges and thrive—guided by the values of integrity, compassion, healing, and community.

As an alumna of the 2022 FYLPRO Immersion Program, Christine continued to serve within the organization as a Board Member as well as answered the Board's request to Chair the Membership Committee. Her FYLPRO legacy project, the GAMOT Wellness Summit, created a national dialogue on Filipino mental health, wellness, and cultural healing, and was supported by GMA Pinoy TV as a media partner. In a separate collaboration, she partnered with One Down Media to lead a social media campaign centering Filipino mental health and representation, amplifying community voices through digital storytelling and advocacy.

Previously, Christine held leadership roles with the Asian American Psychological Association’s Division on Filipinx Americans and the Therapinay Bay Area Chapter, where she supported initiatives that fostered professional growth and cultural healing among Filipino mental health providers.

Beyond her professional work, she stays grounded in service by volunteering at her parish faith formation program and local school library, helping nurture community and belonging among children and families.

She is running for re-election to the FYLPRO Board because she believes in the power of connection, culture, and community as pathways to healing and leadership. FYLPRO bridges generations and geographies—it’s where leaders collaborate to create lasting impact for Filipinos worldwide.

I ask for your support in re-electing Christine because of the value she has brought to FYLPRO so far. Her innovation and outreach has elevated member and alumni engagement through the monthly virtual mixers which contributes to FYLPRO's sustainability. She brings experience in strategic growth, program development, and community partnerships, grounded in empathy, cultural pride, and the spirit of Kapwa. Christine is committed to expanding wellness-centered leadership and strengthening the bonds that unite our global Filipino community.

• https://sweetmangotherapy.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2uEKi9VGB4

Jewls Lagman, Director Candidate

Fullerton, California

I’m Jewls Caunan Lagman, born, raised, and proudly rooted in Southern California. I earned my B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Southern California and currently serve at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which supplies imported water to the region through the Colorado River Aqueduct and the California State Water Project. My professional background spans wastewater and drinking water treatment operations, water quality, and resource management, allowing me to see firsthand how infrastructure sustains and interacts with our communities.

Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a commitment to leadership and inclusion. I’ve held leadership roles in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and am the current President of my company’s Employee Resource Group for Women. I am currently leading the formation of our Filipino Employee Resource Group. I’m also an active member of FYLPRO and the Filipino American National Historical Society – Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter. These organizations have strengthened my voice and taught me to lead with empathy, authenticity, and cultural pride.

My journey as a Filipino-American is one of reconnection. I grew up disconnected from my heritage and am now on a healing path to reclaim what was nearly lost. Through this process, I’ve realized the power of visibility and storytelling. As a director, I hope to uplift and empower Filipino-Americans—especially those on their own journeys of rediscovery—by creating spaces where we are seen, valued, and celebrated.