WASHINGTON, D.C. — In partnership with the U.S.-Asia Institute (USAI), the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) has announced its 2025 mentor and mentee pairing to invest in the youth while providing access to top-level leadership and resources.
The IMPACT! (“Inspiring, Motivating and Preparing for Action towards Civic Transformation”) Internship Program is a once-in-a-lifetime professional development experience for Filipino-American young adults to gain a firsthand look at the American government and political system in Washington D.C., to engage civically, and to reflect on the role they, as future leaders, might play in strengthening the US-Philippine relationship.
As part of the 9-week IMPACT program, participants are paired with mentors from FYLPRO.
This year’s mentorship program comprises eight passionate young adults, introducing and engaging them in government, policymaking, advocacy, and community engagement.
The 2025 Mentees include:
- Tatiana Caballero, University of North Florida
- Marissa Duterte, Cornell University
- Angelica Garcia, University of Michigan
- Chloe Marie Juni, University of Southern California
- Aidan Panotes-Bengzon, Tufts University
- Daniela Salinas, George Washington University
- Kyle Vergara, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Abigail Verino, University of California, Berkeley
Building on FYLPRO’s track record of supporting emerging Filipino leaders, the mentorship program fosters a community dedicated to creating opportunities and enabling FYLPRO to expand its growing membership.
“Empowering the next generation of Filipino American leaders is not just about opening doors. It is about walking alongside them as they step into spaces where real change happens. FYLPRO is proud to support young leaders who are not waiting for permission to lead, but are already moving forward with purpose,” said FYLPRO President Genevieve Jopanda. “The IMPACT program is more than mentorship; it is a call to action. Our FYLPRO alumni mentors are committed to showing that true transformation requires more than preparation. It demands intention, access, and a deep sense of responsibility.”
FYLPRO has served as mentors to the IMPACT program since 2021.
The mentorship program facilitates one-on-one, on-demand meetings with industry leaders and entrepreneurs, which consist of FYLPRO alumni and board members:
- Sergio J. Alcubilla III (2019 delegate)
- Edward B. Aparis (2014 delegate)
- Arienne L. Calingo (2023 delegate)
- Daniel P. Galeon (Board Member and 2022 delegate)
- Genevieve V. Jopanda (FYLPRO President and 2022 delegate)
- Lourdes Moldre (Board Member and 2023 delegate)
- Joshua Ang Price (Board Member and 2018 delegate)
- Earl Martin Valencia (2019 delegate)
Meanwhile, the FYLPRO Board of Directors is postponing its Immersion Trip to the Philippines to November 2026 instead of holding it in 2025 as initially planned.
According to FYLPRO’s official statement, the postponement is a strategic move driven by:
- Shifting federal funding priorities that impacted their program budget
- A desire to strengthen their foundation through strategic planning and alumni engagement
- A commitment to long-term sustainability as a volunteer-driven nonprofit
Rather than rush the 2025 trip, FYLPRO is using this time to reimagine its impact model, invest in fundraising, and deepen its U.S.-based programming, like the 2025 IMPACT! Internship in D.C.
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
