PRESS RELEASE
WDC-53-2025
30 July 2025
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2025 fellows of the IMPACT! Program for young Filipino-Americans, jointly implemented by the Philippine Embassy and US-Asia Institute (USAI), capped their participation in the professional development program with a graduation ceremony held at the Embassy.
During the ceremony, the 2025 IMPACT! cohort shared reflections and insights from their respective Washington D.C.-based internships as part of the program. The 2025 IMPACT! cohort is composed of:
- Abigail Verino, University of California, Berkeley, interning with OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates
- Aidan Panotes-Bengzon, Tufts University, interning with the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)
- Angelica Garcia, University of Michigan, interning with the Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL)
- Chloe Marie Juni, University of Southern California, interning with Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Vote
- Daniela Salinas, George Washington University, interning with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
- Kyle Vergara, University of California, Santa Cruz, interning with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
- Marissa Duterte, Cornell University, interning with the Former Members of Congress
- Tatiana Caballero, University of North Florida, interning with Climate Resilience for All
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez noted that the leadership potential of the significant Filipino diaspora in the United States is underutilized: “By mentoring a select crop of young leaders each year through IMPACT!, we hope to inspire more Filipino-Americans to take up space, and provide them with the skills and contacts needed to magnify their positive influence.”
Ambassador Romualdez further implored the IMPACT! fellows to be advocates for Philippine interests, adding, “We hope that you, our cohort, can likewise advocate for the Philippines and Philippines-U.S. relations as you return home and navigate your college and professional lives.”
The Embassy has partnered with USAI since 2020 to implement IMPACT!, aimed at preparing young Filipino-Americans for future leadership positions in American politics and civic engagement through a nine-week program featuring mentorships and placements in key offices in Washington D.C..
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PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-231-2025
30 July 2025
