Over 40 Filipino Americans were elected to office in the United States during the last midterm elections. However, we all know there is still much work to be done to ensure that Filipino Americans are well-represented at tables and discussions where decisions that affect our community are being made.
The NaFFAA National Civic Leadership Forum aims to build the Filipino-American community’s best future by enhancing the dialogue between local and national decision-makers, and to empower Filipinos to become more civically engaged.
At the #CLF2023, you can:
- Connect with Local Leaders with civic engagement programs
- Build a Local Voter Registration Campaign
- Understand How to Run for Office
- Inspire Each Other
Agenda
Friday, September 29, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Registration Opens
Registration Area – Please look for Natalie Jones
7:00 AM - 8:10 AM
Networking Breakfast [Messina 4, 5]
Participants are requested to go to Main Hall [ Messina 1, 2, 3]
before the Program Proper
8:10 AM
Program Proper Begins
Mariela Fletcher is a licensed residential real estate broker in the State of Washington with RE/MAX Metro Realty since 1990. She holds a Business Degree in Management. Prior to immigrating to the United States in 1988 to join her husband, she owned a manufacturing and exporting business in the Philippines with concentration on hand painted and hand-crafted costume jewelry, gifts and housewares. She was also a Department of Trade and Industry CITEM awardee for “Best in Product Design” and for her contribution to the manufacturing and exporting industry in the Philippines.
She is active in a variety of civic and nonprofit organizations such as National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) as National Secretary since 2014, and Region Chair for the Pacific Northwest, International Drop-In Center (IDIC), a Filipino Senior Service Agency as Vice President, Lake City Future First, as Board Member and Business Development Committee co-chair, and St Matthew Parish as Chair of Parish Life Committee.
Sally Balecha, born in the Philippines, moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 8 in 1972. She grew up there and graduated from the University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College. Sally married her high school sweetheart, and they have two children and an adored granddaughter. In 2000, the family relocated from San Jose, California to Las Vegas where Sally established a successful career as a REALTOR® and later became a Broker-Salesperson. Her commitment earned her recognition as a Top 20 Producer with Realty One Group Southwest in 2015,
maintaining her top Producer status from 2018 to 2022 with her Ong and Balecha Team. Sally’s interest extends to travel, ballroom dancing, and Zumba, but she also actively contributes to the American Filipino community as the President of the NaFFAA Desert Mountain Region. She further embraces her cultural heritage through involvement with the Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas as a Board of Director. Sally’s primary passion centers on supporting her Filipino American community, a role she finds profoundly rewarding. Nevertheless, the ultimate joy in her life is being a grandmother to an enchanting 3-year-old.
8:30 AM
Masters of Ceremonies
“Tita Gloria” as she is lovingly known in the Filipino American Community, is a founding member of the Asian Pacific American Women Leadership Institute (APAWLI), the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) and the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA). In May 2000, President Clinton appointed Gloria to the White House Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Tita Gloria promotes community and economic development programs that help the poor in the Philippines. In recognition of her work, Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos presented Gloria with one of the Philippines’ highest civic awards, the “Linkod Sa Kapwa Pilipino Presidential Award” in 1996.
Gabriel Young currently works as a Staff Assistant for The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) where he helps the Biden-Harris Administration pursue Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for AA & NHPI communities. At NaFFAA, he’s the Operations Manager where he helps develop and implement strategies to increase civic engagement amongst the Philippine American community. Moreover, Gabriel serves as the Policy, Politics, and Puto researcher at LEAD Filipino.
Gabriel recently graduated as an undergraduate honors student from The George Washington University with a B.A. in Political Science: Public Policy Focus and International Affairs. Previously, Gabriel interned for San Jose’s Mayor and California Assemblymember Alex Lee, organized for the Fil-Ams for Biden-Harris Campaign, and was a Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) JSI Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy where he’ll begin his Masters in Public Policy next year to hone his skills in developing socio-economically equitable policies and laws while continually fighting for social justice. Gabriel is a Star Wars fanatic who loves to chat, eat, watch movies, read, and play video games.
8:35 AM - 8:55 AM
In 2014, Andy founded the Tri-Valley Chapter of APAPA in the San Francisco Bay Area and served as Chapter President through 2017. His hard work and commitment to the community led to his promotion to President of APAPA Bay Area Region in 2018 and President of APAPA California in 2020. Andy was awarded “API of the Year” in 2019 by state assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. Currently, besides being the president of Civic Leadership USA, Andy works with several other non-profit organizations. He serves as the president of API Coalition, a board member of the Leadership San Ramon Valley Program, and a board member of Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley. Andy is also a long time Rotarian.
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
Cameron Sasai serves on the Pinole City Council as the first (and youngest) Filipino American Councilmember, proudly representing our city at-large. He participated in NaFFAA’s Run For Office 2022 prior to his being elected into office. Raised in Pinole by a proud Filipina immigrant mother (from Quezon City, Philippines) and a Japanese-American father, Cameron has shared that his mission has been shaped by values of advocacy, resiliency, equity, and social justice. 9:20 AM - 9:25 AM
BREAK
9:25 AM - 10:30 AM
Panel Description: Ever considered running for office? Come join our elected panelists as they discuss life before running for office and discover what inspired them to become elected officials. Listen to them discuss the pivotal moments that led to their courageous decision to run for office, and learn how they were able to overcome the various challenges they faced in the hopes of serving the public effectively.
Juanito Amor Jr - also known as - “Amor” as he is popularly known to everyone is a Fil-Am Vote coordinator. Amor was introduced to NaFFAA as San Diego/Imperial County Region’s youth chair in 2002. Amor envisions creating a national server that would generate an accessible Filipino Database and a strong Fil-Am Vote Program in each of NaFFAA Regions. Currently, he serves as Filipino Language and Voter Outreach Coordinator for the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters Office. Excited in this project, Amor explains the Filipino Database will strengthen the Fil-Am Vote Program. His goal is to finally collect the data and have a Filipino Database created for our community so that it is easily accessible by creating a “Filipino App”. Amor further explains that “FIL-AM VOTE Program must start with the core communication plan thru Voter Registration, Voter Education, Voter Mobilization, Voter Protection, Get Out The Vote (GOTV) programs and recently added, Run for office. It is not enough to simply register Filipino American voters. It is also important to help Filipino Americans understand the candidates and issues on the ballot and to be the best informed voters. Amor lives and breathes the “Bayanihan Spirit”. He continues to support and collaborate with many of the Fil-Am groups and is a positive force in the community. Amor believes that, “Voting starts with YOU. REGISTER & VOTE. Voting is good for our FAMILY, our KIDS, our FRIENDS and our CommUNITY. When we VOTE - We WIN. TOGETHER, WE COUNT. PANAHON NA!”
Panelists:
Erica Mosca is a proud first-generation college graduate who is a former teacher, Non-profit Founder & Executive Director and the first Filipina to serve in the NV State Legislature. Growing up in a low-income household, Mosca experienced first-hand the resilience, tenacity and promise of individuals growing up in marginalized communities and how lack of access and systems perpetuated inequitable opportunities. As her parents always reminded her the definition of success was helping others, Mosca joined Teach For America in 2008 in East Las Vegas after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Boston University. She would go on to work on policy for the Clark County School District Superintendent, earn a MEd from UNLV's College of Education and an EdM from Harvard's Graduate School of Education before using her personal savings to start a non-profit for her former students to also become first-generation college graduates and diverse leaders from the community, for the community. During her freshman session Mosca passed 5 out of 6 bills into law, Chaired the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Caucus and organized regular community members to visit Carson City weekly. She is a proud military spouse and dog mom of their border collie mix Panda.
Judge Cedric A. Kerns was elected to the Las Vegas Municipal Court, Department 5 in June of 1997. At which time he was the first Filipino-American elected in the City of Las Vegas. Judge Kerns served as a Board Member of the Nevada Judges of Limited Jurisdiction as well as the President for the year 2005. In 2006 he was chosen as Outstanding Judge of the Year by the Nevada Judges Association. He has been recognized by Community Partners in the Las Vegas Community and received the “2009 Community Partner Award” from the Foundation for Recovery. In 2013, he received the “Visionary Award” from the Community Counseling Center for his work with families in the Young Offender court. Also in 2013, the Nevada Supreme Court recognized Judge Kerns with the “Legacy of Justice Award. In 2016, Judge Kerns became the recipient of the Foundation for Recovery’s “Brick” award, the foundation’s highest honor. Currently, he is the presiding judge over Las Vegas Municipal Court’s Youth Offender Court (Y.O. Court). This specialized court he created focuses on offenders between the ages of 18-24 and their families who are dealing with substance issues. Judge Kerns, collaborating with the City Attorney’s office, has most recently established a Psychiatric Stabilization and Treatment Court PST in the Las Vegas Municipal Court. Judge Kerns has presented at numerous State Judicial Conferences, National Conferences, and has presented at the National Judicial College.
Ditas Yamane, a dedicated resident of National City's District 3, prioritizes community values and needs as a Councilmember. Her "Neighborhood First" approach focuses on enhancing safety, supporting local businesses, and expanding homeownership opportunities. Ditas actively serves in key roles on various boards, including the Sweetwater Authority and San Diego County Water Authority, demonstrating her commitment to community development and her extensive engagement in real estate associations, emphasizing her dedication to both housing and community welfare. As a Founding President & CEO of the Mabuhay Foundation and former President of the National City Chamber of Commerce, she consistently works to improve the quality of life in National City.
Born in Santa Maria, California, Victoria Seaman serves as a member of the Las Vegas City Council for Ward 2 since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she formerly represented Clark County's District 34 in the Nevada Assembly from 2014 to 2016, as the first Republican Latina elected to the body. Seaman has an Associate degree in Political Science from the College of Southern Nevada, and a Bachelor's degree in Urban Studies with a minor in Family Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is also an entrepreneur and licensed realtor. 
Cisco Aguilar, born in Tucson, Arizona, is a first-generation college graduate with degrees in finance, accounting, an MBA, and a J.D. from the University of Arizona. After moving to Nevada over 20 years ago, he built strong community relationships and served as Special Counsel to the Chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Cisco's diverse experience includes roles with the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship in Germany.
He is proud of his role as the founding Chairman of Cristo Rey St. Viator Board of Trustees, a school aimed at providing opportunities to underprivileged students. Cisco also served on the Nevada Athletic Commission for eight years, working to enhance safety in combat sports. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities like biking and hiking, including conquering remarkable mountains around the world. Cisco is an active member of various boards and community organizations.
10:30 AM - 10:35 AM
BREAK
10:35 AM - 11:40 AM
Panel Description: Do you want to learn how to leverage social media? Hear from panelists Cliff Temprosa and Clare Collins as they discuss aims to comprehensively address the pivotal role of social media in political campaigns, inspire through real-life success stories, and equip campaigners with valuable insights for navigating the digital landscape effectively and responsibly.
Michelle Amor is the Executive Director of the NaFFAA New York State Chapter. At NaFFAA NY, their work has primarily centered on civic engagement and anti-Asian hate initiatives. She also serves as Treasurer of the Filipino American National Historical Society's Metro New York Chapter and as Vice President of the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York. Michelle previously worked on the New York City Council and State Assembly campaigns for Assemblymember Steven Raga. She is also a 2022 Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) alum. Her professional career has been in finance and tech. She currently works as the Chief of Staff & Head of Operations of the family office, SJA Five Eight Investment Management. She spent the prior two years working on strategic initiatives and new products at the commercial real estate fintech startup, Lev, and also previously worked in fixed income trading at SMBC Nikko Securities. Michelle received her BA in Financial Economics from Columbia University, where she served as the President of Liga Filipina of Columbia University.
Panelists:
Clifford, a 22-year-old Filipino with Fujianese-Chinese heritage, started his career at 19 under the mentorship of Senator Nathalia Fernandez. He now works as a Budget Policy Coordinator at the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, advocating for progressive policies within the AAPI community. Additionally, he founded the AAPI Caucus of the Young Democrats in the New York Area, serves as the Director of Public Policy at NaFFAA New York, and is dedicated to promoting political empowerment, social justice, and unity among the AAPI Diaspora. Clifford has received recognition for his contributions, including being named a "2023 Power Player Rising" in Politics New York. 
Clare Collins is the Director of Community Relations for NaFFAA-NY and serves as a Community Board Liaison in the Office of Queens Borough President Donavan Richards, with a focus on Western Queens community boards. Her political involvement began with Assemblymember Steven Raga, where she actively supported his City Council and State Assembly campaigns in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Beyond politics, Clare also directs digital communications for the Astoria Welfare Society, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity in Western Queens. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from St. John’s College Annapolis and completed a one-year painting and sculpture fellowship program at the Newington Cropsey Foundation of Art in Hastings, NY.
Keira Fincher is a recent graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a Bachelor of Political Science Degree. She is passionate about public health, education, immigration, and judiciary policy. Keira is a proud Filipina American and the first in her family to graduate college at just 19 years old. She currently serves as a Senior Field Organizer for For Our Future Nevada, a nonprofit organization advocating for progressive policies to benefit workers and their families. She has also attended leadership events and is involved in various Asian American and Pacific Islander political organizations. Keira's goal is to run for state office in Nevada, focusing on healthcare reform and improving public schools through direct legislation. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, exploring new coffee shops, and crocheting, with a special interest in selling crocheted plants on Facebook Marketplace.
Cameron Sasai serves on the Pinole City Council as the first (and youngest) Filipino American Councilmember, proudly representing our city at-large. He participated in NaFFAA’s Run For Office 2022 prior to his being elected into office. Raised in Pinole by a proud Filipina immigrant mother (from Quezon City, Philippines) and a Japanese-American father, Cameron has shared that his mission has been shaped by values of advocacy, resiliency, equity, and social justice. 11: 50 AM - 12:11 PM
Heidi Kasama is a versatile professional with a background in accounting and real estate. She began as a Certified Public Accountant, working on audits for educational institutions and non-profits. In 1990, she ventured into real estate while still managing audits. After selling her accounting firm in 2001, she became a successful real estate broker in Las Vegas. Her brokerage merged with Prudential and transformed into Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices-Nevada Properties.
Heidi is also passionate about property management and excels in real estate negotiations. She’s been recognized with awards like “Realtor of the Year” and served as the 2018 President of the Nevada Realtors (NVR). Outside work, she enjoys family time, golf, reading, travel, and community service. In 2020 and 2022, she was elected to the Nevada State Assembly, representing Assembly District 2. Heidi lives in Summerlin with her husband, Peter, and has a large family, including five daughters and multiple grandchildren.
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch [Messina 4, 5]
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Panel Description: Do you want to learn how Fil-Am Chambers and Corporations positively impact Fil-Am civic engagement and elections? This panel aims to educate about Fil-Am Chambers and Corporations, emphasize their potential role in supporting civic engagement, and provide tangible examples of their contributions to the community and civic initiatives.
Clifford, a 22-year-old Filipino with Fujianese-Chinese heritage, started his career at 19 under the mentorship of Senator Nathalia Fernandez. He now works as a Budget Policy Coordinator at the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, advocating for progressive policies within the AAPI community. Additionally, he founded the AAPI Caucus of the Young Democrats in the New York Area, serves as the Director of Public Policy at NaFFAA New York, and is dedicated to promoting political empowerment, social justice, and unity among the AAPI Diaspora. Clifford has received recognition for his contributions, including being named a "2023 Power Player Rising" in Politics New York.
Panelists:
Rudy Pamintuan serves as the Chief-of-Staff to Nevada's Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, overseeing various portfolios including tourism, transportation, economic development, workforce development, and small business advocacy. He previously worked as the Managing Director of Sherman Worldwide, providing advisory services in international affairs, emerging technology, trade, investment, and real estate. Rudy's extensive career includes serving as Chairman of President George W. Bush's Advisory Council on Asian American and Pacific Island issues and promoting international trade agreements. He is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, serving on boards like the Batonga Foundation and the International Leadership Foundation. Rudy is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Diversity Gaming Solutions. He resides in Henderson, Nevada, where he volunteers and is actively involved in the Nevada Republican Club.
Sonny Vinuya currently serves as the Southern NV Outreach Coordinator on Governor Joe Lombardo's team, representing the Governor in Southern Nevada and assisting with constituent matters. Previously, he was the Director for the Office of Small Business Advocacy, where he facilitated small business support in Nevada. For six years, Sonny led as the President and CEO of the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, advocating for small businesses and the AAPI community. He has a wealth of experience in the banking industry, specializing in commercial banking and assisting small businesses with their financial needs. Sonny is actively involved in various boards and community organizations, including the Collaboration Foundation and SOFA (Sing Out for Autism), where he serves as treasurer. He holds a master's degree in healthcare administration and a degree in business management. Sonny is married to Jennifer Vinuya, a director of nurses, and has two sons who are UNLV graduates, Ryan and Raymond.
Charmel dela Cruz is a Serial Entrepreneur, based in Chandler, Arizona since 2007. She co-owns a Furniture & Flooring retail store, and Manila Sunrise, a Filipino grocery & sari sari store located in Mesa, Arizona.
A passionate community leader serving the Filipino and Asian American communities of Arizona, Charmel is the President of the Filipino American Business Chamber of Commerce of AZ (East Valley) and also holds a national position as the Vice President for Special Programs of the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC). Charmel also serves as State President for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, NaFFAA Arizona Chapter, promoting community outreaches and civic engagements. Currently, Charmel is the Vice-Chair of the Council of Filipino Organizations of AZ, and will ascend as CFO Chair and lead the umbrella organization in 2024.
In between her busy work days, Charmel is a devout and faithful Christian, a responsible daughter, the go-to eldest sister, a doting mom, a loving grandma and a loyal friend. She’s generous with her time to serve as a committed Lion member and leader of the Arizona Lions District 21 North.
Mentoring teens and young women in leadership and service is one of Charmel’s passion. So local beauty pageants are her favorite events to organize, as she is also a writer, broadcaster, special event producer and TV director by profession.
Charmel wears many hats in business and in her social life, but one thing that stands out as her best trait whether she’s with her family, community or church, Charmel leads from the front with a sincere heart to serve, she always shows up where she’s needed and gets the job done.
2:00 PM - 2:05 PM
BREAK
2:05 PM - 2:50 PM
Prior to joining Carrara Nevada, Serena Kasama had her Broker Salesperson license at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices of Nevada where she predominantly worked in residential sales. Serena Kasama also simultaneously worked on Heidi Kasama’s 2020 campaign for Assembly District 2. Before real estate and campaigning, Serena Kasama worked for two years as a legislative assistant for Congressman Joe Heck and she also worked in wealth management in San Francisco. Serena Kasama grew up in Las Vegas and graduated from Faith Lutheran High School. She would go on to graduate from the University of San Francisco where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a Minor in Economics.
Councilmember and Former Mayor Melissa Ramoso is a national Filipino American leader and proud daughter of former public servants. Her mother is a former union registered nurse with Los Angeles County. Her father was a U.S. Army veteran, former engineer and union postal worker. She is also a granddaughter of a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Philippine Army during WWII. In the early 1980’s, Melissa’s mother immigrated the entire family to the United States, bought a home and had Melissa not too long after. It is the sacrifices of her mother and family Melissa attributes to shaping who she is today.
For over 20 years, Melissa served and advised federal and state legislators. Currently, she is District Director for California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, 66th District. She now runs the very same office she was an intern for in 2003. She served as a Senior Adviser for U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu, 33rd District for over nine years. She has aided trafficked Philippine Nationals, helped veterans and reunite families. She also served as Congressman Lieu’s Campaign Manager and Coordinator for his Congressional race and re-election.
Melissa served in California Democratic Party leadership since 2009. She has run a multitude of political campaigns through the last two decades. In 2013, Melissa was elected by acclamation and motioned by Tita Alice Bulos as the youngest State Chair in the 35-year history of the Filipino American Democratic Caucus of the California Democratic Party. In 2017, she was elected by acclamation as State Chair to the California Democratic Party Asian Pacific Islander Caucus. Melissa is the first in the State Party’s history to hold two State Chair positions at the caucus level. She has served as a California Democratic Party Executive Board Member. Melissa still serves as a Los Angeles County Democratic Party Member and delegate to the Democratic State Central Committee.
Dana Walch currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of RedRock Strategies, a nationally recognized political and public relations consulting firm. In this position, Walch is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the organization,
budgeting, and client management.
Other positions that Walch has held include:
- Republican Director of the Franklin County, Ohio Board of Elections
- President of SBR Strategy Group, a political and organizational consulting and research firm
- Director of Elections for the Ohio Secretary of State’s office
- Campaign Manager of Ken Blackwell’s successful campaign for Ohio Secretary of State
- Executive Director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin
- Political Director of the Ohio Republican Party
Walch’s specific areas of expertise include:
- Campaign Management
- Organizational Management
- Research techniques such as public opinion polling and project planning
- Election administration
- Public administration and budgeting
A native of Akron, Ohio, Walch holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Political
Science from the University of Akron. He also holds a Certificate in Applied Politics from the Ray C. Bliss Institute at the University of Akron and is a Certified Election Registration Administrator through The Election Center and Auburn University.
Walch and his wife Amy are the proud parents of three children, Samuel, Benjamin and Rachel.
2:50 PM - 2:55 PM
COFFEE BREAK
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
Panel Description: You too can run for office! Witness Sonny Vinuya and Craig Valdez inspire potential candidates, educate on campaign speech writing and delivery, and facilitate valuable discussions through questions about their personal experiences and expertise.
Sieng Lee is the National Field Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), the nation’s leading national nonpartisan organization whose mission is to engage, educate and empower Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to strengthen their voices and create impact. Sieng is a Hmong American refugee who emigrated to the United States in 1991 and started his career as a organizer in 2014 when the Minnesota state legislature predominantly consisted of white legislators, with only three AAPI members in its entire history, only one of whom was serving. Sieng has since become an influential and effective campaign manager and field director of political campaigns in Minnesota, having led the campaigns of nine BIPOC electeds, six of AAPI descent, into their first terms of state or local office in the state.
Panelists:
Sonny Vinuya currently serves as the Southern NV Outreach Coordinator on Governor Joe Lombardo's team, representing the Governor in Southern Nevada and assisting with constituent matters. Previously, he was the Director for the Office of Small Business Advocacy, where he facilitated small business support in Nevada. For six years, Sonny led as the President and CEO of the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, advocating for small businesses and the AAPI community. He has a wealth of experience in the banking industry, specializing in commercial banking and assisting small businesses with their financial needs. Sonny is actively involved in various boards and community organizations, including the Collaboration Foundation and SOFA (Sing Out for Autism), where he serves as treasurer. He holds a master's degree in healthcare administration and a degree in business management. Sonny is married to Jennifer Vinuya, a director of nurses, and has two sons who are UNLV graduates, Ryan and Raymond.
Craig currently serves as the Senior Political Manager at Run for Something (RFS), a national organization that recruits and supports passionate, diverse, young progressives to run for local and state office. In his role, Craig strategically fosters key national political partnerships to advance RFS’ mission and vision. As the proud son of immigrant parents from the Philippines, Craig has witnessed firsthand the injustices and systemic barriers his family faced. These personal experiences propelled him to
pursue a career in advocacy work. Craig remains a steadfast activist for the Southern Nevada Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community with a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized groups all across the country. Craig holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He currently lives in Las Vegas with his fiancée, Angelyn, and their dog, Koa.
Mark E. Pulido was elected to the Cerritos City Council in March 2011. He served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2013 and as Mayor in 2014. He was re-elected to the City Council in 2015, and became Mayor Pro Tem in 2017 and Mayor in 2018. Pulido is a Council liaison to the ABC Unified School District and Cerritos Community College. He serves on the City's Performing Arts and Library committees. Pulido is the Council's alternate delegate to Sanitation Districts 2, 3, 18 & 19/Waste Management. Pulido graduated with honors from Whitney High School in the ABC Unified School District. He received his bachelor's degree in History and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he served as UCLA Student Body President. He received his Master of Public Policy degree from The University of Chicago as a Woodrow Wilson National Fellow. Additionally, during his graduate studies, he served as a graduate fellow of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Institute at the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau for Justice Assistance in Washington, D.C. Pulido and his wife Gloria have two children. 3:30 PM - 3:35 PM
BREAK
3:35 PM - 5:15 PM
Sieng Lee is the National Field Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), the nation’s leading national nonpartisan organization whose mission is to engage, educate and empower Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to strengthen their voices and create impact. Sieng is a Hmong American refugee who emigrated to the United States in 1991 and started his career as a organizer in 2014 when the Minnesota state legislature predominantly consisted of white legislators, with only three AAPI members in its entire history, only one of whom was serving. Sieng has since become an influential and effective campaign manager and field director of political campaigns in Minnesota, having led the campaigns of nine BIPOC electeds, six of AAPI descent, into their first terms of state or local office in the state.
Cameron Sasai serves on the Pinole City Council as the first (and youngest) Filipino American Councilmember, proudly representing our city at-large. He participated in NaFFAA’s Run For Office 2022 prior to his being elected into office. Raised in Pinole by a proud Filipina immigrant mother (from Quezon City, Philippines) and a Japanese-American father, Cameron has shared that his mission has been shaped by values of advocacy, resiliency, equity, and social justice. 5:20 PM
Mark E. Pulido was elected to the Cerritos City Council in March 2011. He served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2013 and as Mayor in 2014. He was re-elected to the City Council in 2015, and became Mayor Pro Tem in 2017 and Mayor in 2018. Pulido is a Council liaison to the ABC Unified School District and Cerritos Community College. He serves on the City's Performing Arts and Library committees. Pulido is the Council's alternate delegate to Sanitation Districts 2, 3, 18 & 19/Waste Management. Pulido graduated with honors from Whitney High School in the ABC Unified School District. He received his bachelor's degree in History and Asian American Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he served as UCLA Student Body President. He received his Master of Public Policy degree from The University of Chicago as a Woodrow Wilson National Fellow. Additionally, during his graduate studies, he served as a graduate fellow of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Institute at the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau for Justice Assistance in Washington, D.C. Pulido and his wife Gloria have two children. 5:40 PM
Kris Valderrama, a former Respiratory Therapist, transitioned to become a Strategic Communications Specialist with experience in organizations and unions, including AFSCME and APALA. She co-hosted "Valderrama’s America," a multicultural TV news magazine. Kris's political career began in 2006 when she was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. She has held leadership roles such as Deputy Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker Pro Tem and has been involved in various committees, including Rules & Executive Nominations and Legislative Policy. Kris has been an active member of the Maryland Legislative Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus and Women Legislators of Maryland. Moreover, she served as Chairman of NAPACSL, representing legislators from 37 states, focusing on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community issues. Her legislative accomplishments include laws like the Time To Care Act, Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, and Disclosing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Act.
6:00 PM - 6:05 PM
6:05 PM - 7:00 PM
Closing Reception [Wine Cellar] Cash Bar / Heavy hors d’oeuvres
Dinner is optional
Send us a Message:
For questions, contact Ryan Namata
ryan.namata@naffaa.org
Special Thanks to Our Partners
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