The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will convene its 16th National Empowerment Conference (NEC) on Aug. 14–15, in Aurora, Colorado, bringing together Filipino American leaders, advocates and community members from across the United States for one of the organization’s largest national gatherings.
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Aurora–Denver Conference Center, with pre-conference networking scheduled for Aug. 13. Organizers said the two-day event will focus on collective action, leadership development and youth empowerment, culminating in the Bayanihan Awards Gala on the evening of Aug. 15.
Dr. Michelle Mras, a transformational leader, international best-selling author and United Nations Ambassador of Peace, has been announced as one of the keynote speakers. Organizers said Mras will share a personal message on resilience and the power of community in driving social change, emphasizing leadership and collective impact.
NaFFAA leaders describe the biennial-style gathering as a key platform for collaboration and national dialogue, drawing participants from its regional chapters nationwide. The conference is expected to feature panels, workshops and discussions aimed at strengthening civic engagement, advancing policy priorities and building leadership pipelines within the Filipino American community.
Founded in 1997 by journalist and community leader Alex Esclamado and other advocates, NaFFAA is the largest nonpartisan, nonprofit umbrella organization representing Filipino American institutions and individuals in the United States. It was established in response to workplace discrimination, immigration challenges and the need to unify the political voice of a growing Filipino American population.
Today, NaFFAA represents more than 4 million Filipinos across the country through its regional network spanning the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Its work centers on civic engagement, leadership development and national advocacy, including efforts on immigration reform, healthcare equity and cultural recognition.
The NEC serves as a cornerstone of that mission, offering a national space for coalition-building and policy alignment. Organizers say this year’s conference will also highlight emerging leaders and youth voices, reflecting a continued emphasis on intergenerational leadership.
The event is open to the public, with early registration incentives offered to encourage participation. Interested attendees can register and learn more at naffaa.org/nec2026.
In addition to programming, the conference will spotlight Filipino American culture and community through networking events and culinary experiences led by Executive Chef Paul “Paulie” Cauilan of the host venue.
NaFFAA has played a prominent role in Filipino American civic life for nearly three decades, including advocacy for Filipino World War II veterans and efforts to expand community-based resources. Its national conferences have historically served as convening spaces for addressing pressing issues while reinforcing a shared sense of identity and purpose.
While The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) has not formally recognized NaFFAA as an organization, many of its founders and national and regional leaders have been honored individually over the years. Among them are Loida Nicolas Lewis, Michael Dadap, Rozita Lee, Gloria Caoile, Mariela Fletcher, Marie Cunning, Bing Branigin, Jannelle So, Rod Mercado, Jason Tengco, Steven Raga and Brendan Flores.
Lewis, a past NaFFAA national chair, is also a founding honorary adviser of TOFA. Flores, a longtime NaFFAA leader, served as TOFA chairman of the board for nearly a decade, underscoring the close ties between leadership in both institutions and their shared commitment to advancing Filipino American visibility and empowerment.
