2025
Aidan Panotes-Bengzon
“When I first shared the news with my Lolos and Lolas, their playful warning that it sounded “too good to be true” struck me as more than teasing – it revealed a deep-seated memory of exclusion. Their generation of Filipino immigrants endured widespread discrimination and a lack of opportunities to engage in government or policy work, so their skepticism came from lived experience rather than doubt in my abilities. Recognizing this history reframed my excitement: IMPACT! was not just an amazing opportunity for Filipino-Americans, but a tangible sign of progress, a bridge connecting past limitations to a future where Filipino-American voices are celebrated rather than sidelined. Their caution also reminded me that privilege can be invisible; I came to appreciate that access to platforms of influence is a hard-won right that must be guarded and extended to others who still face barriers.”
Angelica Garcia
“Beyond the day-to-day responsibilities, what made this summer truly meaningful were the relationships and the values that guided our work. One word that stayed with me throughout the summer was kapwa. In Tagalog, kapwa means more than just “others”—it refers to a shared self, a deeply relational way of seeing others as extensions of ourselves. It is both a moral compass and a cultural framework—an understanding that we are not separate, but interconnected. I saw kapwa reflected everywhere this summer: in the generosity of my IMPACT! cohort, in the humility of my mentors, in the quiet strength of those who do this work not for recognition, but because they believe in it.”
2024
Abe Groner
“... My mom is the only member of her family to immigrate to the United States and has worked tirelessly to ensure that me, my brother, and herself were able to assimilate into American culture. It was both heartwarming and eye-opening to be surrounded by so many role models who looked like me and whom I could look up to. Beyond the organized Embassy events, joining a cohort of seven other like-minded Filipino young professionals has been essential in offering me a deep sense of cultural attachment and appreciation for my roots.”
Marissa Halagao
“... This was very inspiring and assuring; many of my other cohort members were inspired this way, because as young people, we still have that crucial spirit of desiring to make a large and meaningful community impact.”
“... Besides my insightful experiences with the orientation week and my internship with CAPAL, at its core, the IMPACT program helped me cultivate lasting relationships and lifelong friendships. In a new city, with so much to explore, learn and reflect on – many times heavy topics and issues – I had my IMPACT cohort to fall back on through all my struggles, experiences and celebrations.”
