New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga was elected national chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) at the organization’s 16th National Empowerment Conference, held Aug. 14-15 in Aurora.
Raga, who represents parts of Queens and previously served on NaFFAA’s national board, succeeds Mariela Fletcher as chair of the national Filipino American umbrella organization. His election returns a longtime NaFFAA leader to a central role in shaping the federation’s next chapter.
The conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center and co-hosted by NaFFAA’s Rocky Mountain Region, brought together Filipino American leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, artists, public servants and young professionals from across the country. The gathering was organized around the theme, “Harnessing the Power of Community: Starting With Us.”
In its post-conference release, NaFFAA said delegates also elected Dr. Alex Africa as national president; Sally Balecha as national vice president; Giselle Rushford as national secretary; and Gabriel “Gabe” Young as national treasurer.
Raga brings a record of Filipino American community organizing and public service to the role. He founded Pilipino American Unity for Progress, known as UniPro, and previously served on NaFFAA’s national board. He has also served as executive director of Woodside on the Move and in policy, advocacy and government roles before his election to the State Assembly.
“I’m deeply honored to serve as NaFFAA’s next national chair,” Raga said in a statement. “For nearly three decades, NaFFAA has shown what’s possible when Filipino Americans come together across generations, regions and backgrounds in service of our community.”
“Representation carries a responsibility to speak for everyone,” he said. “That means listening closely to our communities, bringing more people into the work, developing the next generation of leaders, and making sure our growing voice leads to impactful action.”
The conference followed an opening reception Aug. 13 and concluded with the Bayanihan Awards Gala and Fashion Show on Aug. 15, according to NaFFAA’s event materials.
In opening remarks, NaFFAA National Chair Mariela Fletcher urged participants to turn the conference’s conversations into service, mentorship and action.
“Ask not only what our community can do for us—ask what we can do for our community,” Fletcher said, according to a NaFFAA release. “What can I contribute? Whom can I mentor? Whose voice can I lift? What door can I open for someone else?”
Fletcher urged delegates to “connect, listen, act,” encouraging them to build new relationships, hear perspectives different from their own and return home prepared to support young leaders, participate in civic life and strengthen local partnerships.
Dante “Klink” Ang II, secretary and chairperson of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, delivered the opening keynote. NaFFAA’s published program also listed Dr. Michelle Mras, Sara Moore, Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Mayor Ron Falconi and Sheilah Jane Troiano among its keynote speakers.
The event included a founders and trailblazers discussion with Rodel Rodis, Loida Lewis, Gloria Caoile, Jon Melegrito and Maestro Michael Dadap, moderated by Dr. Alex Africa. Organizers said the forum reflected on NaFFAA’s formation, grassroots organizing and the continuing effort to build a unified Filipino American voice.
Sessions also addressed media literacy, artificial intelligence, immigration, nonprofit governance, Medicare portability, mental health, Filipino identity, cultural history, entrepreneurship and voting access.
A “Bayanihan in Business” panel examined entrepreneurship as a source of economic resilience and community investment. Participants discussed the importance of trust, adaptability, customer service and identifying market opportunities.
Raga also joined a “Run for Office” discussion with Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio; Larcy Douglas; and Mark Pulido. Falconi is Ohio’s first Filipino American mayor.
A screening and panel discussion of “A Long March” examined the continuing fight for recognition and equity for Filipino and Filipino American World War II veterans. The panel also addressed the historical exclusion of Filipino women guerrillas from official recognition.
The program concluded with an Emerging Leadership Institute solutions showcase, where young participants presented community ideas developed during the conference.
NaFFAA said the gathering was designed to help attendees build relationships and practical strategies that continue after the event, with emphasis on service, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, public health, safety and leadership development.
In its post-conference release, NaFFAA said delegates elected a new national leadership team led by incoming Chair Steven Raga and incoming President Alex Africa.
