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
- Unite the Filipino community and diaspora to elevate our position in life, in the community, and our own self image.
- Cultivate authentic leadership grounded in Filipino values such as bayanihan (communal cooperation), maparaan (ingenuity), and matatag (resilience).
- Create a legacy of leaders that develop and empower the next generations of leaders.
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, and mentorship.
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 graduation 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 2025 to April 2026. Fellows are expected to attend and be present at all events. In person events will be hosted on Oʻahu. Programming structure is hybrid. Dates marked with an asterisk (*) refer to online sessions.
- Orientation/Retreat: September 20
- October 11 and 23*
- November 8
- December 11*
- January 10 and 22*
- February 14 and 26*
- March 14 and 26*
- April 11 - Graduation
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 pay $1500 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
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:
June 23 - August 10
Candidates are required to complete an application form:
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 August 21.
All candidates will be notified of the committee’s decision no later than August 24.