The FCCH Fellows program aims to generate and uplift leaders, specifically influential decision-makers who have a vested interest in the Filipino-American community, and create equity in the broader community of Hawaiʻi.
In Hawaiʻi, Filipinos have had an impactful presence in the labor force, influencing economic growth, and vitality over the past 100+ years. While Filipinos are strongly represented in labor and service positions, their representation in leadership and executive management positions has been marginal.
Mission
To identify, develop, and empower Filipino-American leaders to ascend to the Executive levels of business, government, and nonprofits in Hawaiʻi.
Vision
To cultivate a legacy of authentic leaders, grounded in the Filipino values of bayanihan (communal cooperation), maparaan (ingenuity), and matatag (resilience), who unite our community and diaspora to elevate our collective impact, inspire and empower future generations, and ascend to executive levels in every sector.
Overview
The program kicks off each year with a retreat for the FCCH Fellows to meet each other and develop their own group identity. Afterward, Fellows participate in a variety of activities including skill building opportunities, talk story sessions with prominent leaders, site visits, mentorship, and coaching.
Throughout the program, Fellows enhance their leadership skills; gain a deeper awareness of social, business, and industry issues; and, have access to a community of support. A concerted effort will be made in this program to include successful Filipino-Americans as mentors to serve as role models who can share their unique experiences and challenges of being a Filipino-American.
Each class will participate in a commencement ceremony in April. Upon successful completion of the program, the Fellow will be inducted in to the Samahan ng mga Fellows at graduation.
SCHEDULE ANDMEETING DATES |
The program's duration is from September 2026 to April 2027. Fellows are expected to attend and be present at all events. In person events will be hosted on Oʻahu (neighbor island participants are highly encouraged and supported). Programming structure is hybrid.
- Orientation/Retreat: Saturday, September 19, 2026 (in person)
- Saturday, October 10, 2026 (in person)
- Thursday, October 22, 2026 (Zoom)
- Saturday, November 14, 2026 (in person)
- Thursday, December 10, 2026 (Zoom)
- Saturday, January 9, 2027 (in person)
- Thursday, January 28, 2027 (Zoom)
- Saturday, February 13, 2027 (in person)
- Thursday, February 25, 2027 (Zoom)
- Saturday, March 13, 2027 (in person)
- Thursday, March 25, 2027 (Zoom)
- Saturday, April 10, 2027 (in person)
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONSAND FEE |
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
Each class of Fellows will be selected by a committee with certain characteristics taken into consideration. Generally, the Fellow:
- Shows leadership qualities;
- Displays potential for higher success;
- Is of good character;
- Is of good standing in the community and profession;
- Is self-directed, and is aware of self (strengths, vulnerabilities, and triggers);
- Experiments beyond self’s comfort zone;
- Has the professional business or executive management acumen [discretionary trait];
- Is committed to uplifting the Filipino community.
Fee
If chosen, a Fellow will invest $1,500 to be a part of the next cohort. The fee will cover the following:
- Program costs (including materials, meals, flights, site visits, and retreat)
- 1-Year FCCH membership
- Executive mentorship and coaching
This accessible fee is made possible through generous financial support provided by the FCCH Foundation, our valued donors, and key sponsors, who collectively cover the remaining program costs, estimated at $10,000 per Fellow.
APPLICATION PROCESSAND REQUIREMENTS |
Application period:
July 3, 2026 - August 9, 2026
Candidates are required to complete an application form:
Deadline: August 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm HST
As part of the application, candidates will need to submit:
- Answers to three reflective prompts designed to help the committee understand the candidate's aspirations and commitment.
- A professional development goal the candidate is currently exploring with their employer, and which they hope to make substantial progress on or accomplish during their time in the Fellows Program (e.g., developing a new skills set, taking on a greater leadership role in community-based initiatives outside of work, leading a new internal initiative or program, etc.)
- A resume, bio, headshot, and letter of support from their employer.
- A letter of support from the candidate's employer confirms their awareness of the candidate's application to the Fellows Program and their commitment to support the candidate's involvement if accepted to the program. This may include providing encouragement, allowing flexibility for program activities, or assisting with the program fee. We also ask that the letter of support specifically reference the candidate's stated professional development goal, acknowledging the employer's awareness and commitment to its pursuit.
Interviews: Ongoing through Sunday, August 23, 2026.
All candidates will be notified of the committee’s decision no later than Wednesday, August 26, 2026.