• Register now for the 15th National Empowerment Conference + 2024 Civic Leadership Forum
15th National Empowerment Conference + 2024 Civic Leadership Forum
• Register now for the 15th National Empowerment Conference + 2024 Civic Leadership Forum 15th National Empowerment Conference + 2024 Civic Leadership Forum
National Federation of Filipino American Associations-Nevada
Since its inception in 1997, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has been dedicated to promoting the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans across the United States. As a non-partisan and non-profit organization, NaFFAA stands as the largest national coalition of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations, and individuals.
NaFFAA's reach spans fourteen member regions covering the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands, reflecting its broad and inclusive representation.
In Nevada, the Filipino American community is one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups, significantly impacting the state's cultural, economic, and political landscape. As this community expands, so does its potential influence in elections. The growing voting power of Filipino Americans can be pivotal in shaping policies and leadership at both local and state levels to better reflect their needs and interests.
NaFFAA Nevada plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing the interests of the Filipino American community in the state. Through its advocacy efforts and programs, NaFFAA empowers individuals and strengthens the community's economic and political influence. As the demographic continues to grow, NaFFAA's initiatives are vital in ensuring Filipino Americans are represented and their contributions recognized within Nevada's vibrant multicultural landscape..
Our Top Stories for 2023
Join us for a Historic Filipino American Event! Be part of NaFFAA’s 15th National Empowerment Conference (NEC) and 2024 Civic Leadership Forum on August 16-17, 2024, at The Atheneum in Detroit, Michigan. Co-hosted by NaFFAA Michigan, this landmark event will bring together Filipino American leaders from across the nation for two days of inspiration, empowerment, and community building. Hear from visionary speakers, participate in dynamic activities, and connect with fellow trailblazers dedicated to making a difference.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our heritage, honor our history, and shape the future!
National Empowerment Conference delegates from NaFFAA regions pose for a photo after the event | August 7, 2022 I Photo by Vic Esquivel
Reminiscing the 14th NEC and 25th Anniversary Celebration
NaFFAA’s founders and leaders, minus Alex Esclamado, at the Aug 4-6, 2022 National Empowerment Conference. From left: Jon Melegrito, Rodel Rodis, National Chairman Brendan Flores, Loida Nicolas Lewis, and Michael Dadap. Photo by Vic Esquivel
NaFFAA officers take their oath before National Chair Brendan Flores. From left, Mariela Fletcher as the new national president; Christopher Rivera, national vice president; Angeles Carandang, national treasurer; members of Board of Trustees Gio Duaqui, Art de Joya, and Armin Sayson.
At the Entrepreneurs Panel: Ginger Dimapasok, Martin Tuazon, Riezl Baker and Art de Joya, moderator.
At the recently concluded 14th NEC & 25th Anniversary
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) successfully hosted its 2022 National Empowerment Conference (NEC) from August 4-7, 2022 at Harrah's in Las Vegas, NV.
Through the theme, “Navigating the Present, Shaping the Future”, NaFFAA addressed key issues impacting the community post-Covid and laid out a roadmap to build a unified vision for the community the next 25 years and beyond. Nearly 600 NaFFAA supporters, including national and local Filipino American leaders, elected officials, celebrities, influencers, business leaders, and community advocates, attended the 3-day conference with the “Navigating the Present, Shaping the Future” theme.
The three-day conference had three focus areas to shape its future: national advocacy, leadership development, and civic engagement featuring speakers and discussions on issues affecting the Filipino American community, such as mental health, LGBTQ+ community, Fil-Am Alerts Program, and anti-Asian hate.
Flores concluded, “I would like to express my gratitude to our host state of Nevada, host Desert Mountain Region, executive board, trustees, regional/state chairs, and volunteers. Thanks to all who participated. The most important thing now is what we do with what we gained during the conference as we press forward together towards the next 25 years of NaFFAA. I hope that instead of saying 4 million strong, we can proudly say that we are more than 5 million strong. We need the younger generation, our youth, to step up and rise up to the challenge. This is a collective effort. Together, let’s make history and continue to write our story.”
Twenty-five years later, NaFFAA’s 2022 NEC successfully convened over 1,000 Filipinos from all generations and regions throughout the United States.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak graces the opening of the National Empowerment Conference. He is welcomed by, from left: Leo Belmonte, Desert Mountain region chair; Mariela Fletcher, national president; Brendan Flores, national chair; Gloria Caoile, founding member; Jacque De Joya, Nevada State chair; and Amie Belmonte, member of the Board of Trustees