Mariela Fletcher, national chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), underscored the expanding role of overseas Filipinos in nation-building during the 2026 Filipino Diaspora Summit.
Speaking at the summit’s Economic Engagement panel, Fletcher emphasized that the Filipino diaspora’s contributions extend well beyond financial remittances, pointing to leadership, entrepreneurship and civic engagement as key drivers of development.
“Honored to have been part of the panel at the 2026 Filipino Diaspora Summit discussing ‘Beyond Remittances: Diaspora Contributions through Investment and Entrepreneurship,’” Fletcher said in a Facebook post. “The Filipino diaspora’s impact reaches far beyond the money we send home. Through our knowledge, leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community service, we help strengthen both our adopted countries and the Philippines.”
“Beyond remittances, we are remitting ideas, leadership, opportunity, and hope,” she added.
Fletcher, elected NaFFAA national chair in August 2022, leads one of the largest advocacy organizations representing more than 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans across the United States. Under her leadership, NaFFAA has expanded initiatives in civic engagement and political participation, including its Run for Office program, which aims to build a pipeline of Filipino American leaders.
She also oversees the organization’s Hate Crime Task Force, which supports victims and promotes community protection efforts nationwide.
Based in Seattle, Washington, Fletcher brings decades of professional and entrepreneurial experience. She has worked as a licensed real estate broker with RE/MAX Metro Realty since 1990. Prior to immigrating to the United States in 1988, she operated a successful manufacturing and export business in the Philippines, earning recognition from the Department of Trade and Industry. She later founded MANILA MANILA, a Filipino deli and retail store.
Her civic work includes service on Seattle’s Commercial Affordability Advisory Committee and as a board member of Lake City Future First.
Fletcher’s leadership and advocacy have earned national recognition. In 2023, she was honored with The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) for International Leadership, recognizing her contributions to advancing Filipino American representation and global engagement.
