Conference
participants came to seek the answer to the question,
“If it’s not you, then who? If it’s
not now, then when?” It was the theme of the
gathering and addressed the challenges and issues
attendees faced daily in order to make a difference
in their workplaces and community.
In his welcome message, Mayor Greg Nickels said, “FACES
is helping make our community stronger by working
to increase understanding of cultural diversity and
provide opportunity for everyone to succeed. The organization
is helping everyday to achieve the promise of race
and social justice in our city.”
J. D. Hokoyama, President and CEO of Leadership Education
for Asian Pacifics (LEAP), Inc. was the morning keynote
speaker while Assunta Ng, Publisher of Northwest Asian
Weekly & Chinese Post, was the luncheon keynote
speaker. They provided attendees with the tools to
empower themselves in dealing with today’s work
environment.
Ng brought down the house when she said, “I
was puzzled why I was chosen as the keynote speaker
for this event. I figured out why. First, I have an
accent. Second, I am not afraid to say anything about
your boss, Mayor Nickels. Third, you want me to cover
this event.”
Among the topics tackled in the conference were Education
and Workplace Planning, and Race and Social Justice.
The latter helped participants understand the impact
of internalized racial oppression and internalized
racial superiority. They were also assisted in finding
“action steps” to mitigate the issue and
encouraged to collaborate efforts across racial and
ethnic groups.
FACES also honored several members for their work
in the community and handed out scholarships and Presidential
Awards to outstanding Filipino American students.
Honorees of the Yumul Award and Uncle Bob Santos Community
Builder Award included Brig. General Oscar Hillman,
Seattle Councilmember David Della, Alma Kern, Mars
Rivera and Cristina Sanabria.
Anchors Thelma Sevilla, President of the Board for
the International Drop-In Senior Center (IDIC) in
Seattle, and Nolan Lim of the City of Seattle Office
of Civil Rights, ensured conference activities were
handled efficiently.
The success of the conference was due to the able
leadership of Brenda Sevilla, FACES president, and
her conference committee members: Eloida Ambion, Ron
Angeles, Fe Arreola, Mitz Barber, Adrienne Chu, Arabella
Corcoro, Grace Dygico, Larry Flores, Victoria Galinato,
Elenor Hense, Nolan Lim, Vic Pineda, Cristina Sanabria,
and Angy Ygona. – Dr. Romy Protacio. |
