The Filipino Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i (FCCH) is proud to announce the official launch of applications for the 5th Cohort (the E Class) of the FCCH Fellows Program, a groundbreaking leadership initiative designed to increase Filipino American representation in executive leadership roles across the state.
As one of the largest and fastest-growing communities in Hawai‘i, Filipino Americans make up nearly 25% of the population, yet remain vastly underrepresented in the highest levels of leadership in boardrooms, C-suites, and public decision-making bodies.
“We are often the backbone of Hawai‘i’s workforce — in healthcare, hospitality, education, and government — but we are still missing from the rooms where decisions are made,” said Dr. Constancio Paranal III, Vice President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i.
“The FCCH Fellows Program was built to change that reality.”
Founded in 2020, the FCCH Fellows Program is a flagship initiative that equips Filipino American professionals in Hawai‘i with the tools, networks, and support systems necessary to ascend into executive and civic leadership roles.
The program includes:
– Executive mentorship and coaching
– Leadership development workshops
– Board readiness training including strategic and critical thinking skills
– Cultural identity and civic engagement components
– Access to a strong, intergenerational statewide network
Now in its fifth year, the E Class will be the first cohort to formally expand its recruitment across all Hawaiian Islands, emphasizing the importance of diverse geographic representation and equity in leadership development.
“Every Island. Every Voice. Every Filipino. This is our theme and our promise for the E Class,” said Su Lazo, Committee chair and program advisor.
“It’s time we build a future where Filipino Americans are leading in every sector, and from every corner of Hawai‘i.”
This year’s launch includes a dual call to action.
FCCH invites organizations across Hawai‘i to identify, nominate, and sponsor rising Filipino American professionals in their teams. Employer participation is encouraged to help build long-term organizational equity and community impact.
Filipino American professionals with a bold vision to lead, a passion to uplift the community, and the drive to shape Hawai‘i’s future, FCCH encourages such professionals to apply.
Fellows will gain the knowledge, mentorship, and statewide connections to move confidently toward boardrooms and executive roles.
Interested applicants can apply at https://filipinochamber.org/fellows. The application deadline is August 10, 2025.
The application is open to Filipino Americans residing in Hawai‘i across all islands.
The Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization founded in 1954 with a dedicated mission to promote and empower Filipino-owned businesses, professionals, and community leaders throughout the state of Hawai‘i.
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