Leadership seminar held for second-generation Fil-Ams

Clockwise from top left: Participants from Filipino student organizations and young professional groups filled the Kalayaan Hall; a youth leader takes the stage during “Effective Public Speaking” as Mr Jeffrey Stern looks on; acommunity mixer in the afternoon gave the participants the opportunity to network; restaurateur Nicole Ponseca gives tips on planning awesome events. PHOTOS BY RENIE TOMAS

NEW YORK — The Philippine Consulate General launched a leadership and mentoring seminar (LMS) for the second-generation Fil- Ams on September 6 at the Philippine Center in New York.

Entitled “Empowerment for the Emerging Generation” Consul General Mario De Leon said the idea of a seminar for the youth came about after the successful leadership seminars held last year for first-generation leaders.

“It is time to repurpose the Filipino organizations,” the ConGen said, “and we are looking at you, young Fil-Ams to transition leadership to; after all, you are the future of the Filipino community.”

He also recognized the initiatives that the student organizations and young professionals’ groups have already accomplished in the recent years, and expressed his enthusiasm in reaching out and working more closely with them.

The attendees, mostly from New York and New Jersey Filipino student organizations, were given a whole day of lessons from management experts and leaders in their respective fields.

Published writer and educator Professor Luis Francia gave the participants a historical background on the Philippines and shared his insights on the Filipino immigrant story in the “Understanding the Filipino” module.  His lecture summarized the situation of the Filipino community in the US and suggested that “it’s time to register ourselves as a cultural force.”

Management consultant and life coach Jeffrey Stern shared more transferrable skills to the students.  He first gave a lesson on how to properly project oneself through “Effective Public Speaking” where some of the participants practiced their skills in delivering speeches.

Stern then imparted success strategies in his “Leadership and Motivation” session, where he shared techniques in target-setting and attaining goals, some from personal experiences with his family, especially his national athlete children.

More practicable tips and lessons were the topics for the afternoon session that followed lunch.

Certified Public Accountant and active community member from Connecticut Jocelyn Santiago lectured on accounting and bookkeeping for non-profit organizations.

Restaurateur and innovator of Filipino food Nicole Ponseca gave guidelines and planning secrets during the “Events Management” module, where she drew most of her tips from daily operations of Maharlika and Jeepney as well as the annual Evening in Manila and Balut-Eating Contest at the Hester Street Fair, both of which she organizes.

Similar seminars are planned for other cities in the US Northeast with significant young Filipino-American populations.