On August 1, the new Executive Board of Pilipino American Unity for Progress, Inc.’s (UniPro) New York chapter began their one-year term. Appointed by the Board of Directors of the organization, Christine Sicwaten will lead the chapter as President, along with Anthony Castro as Vice President and Kristina London as Secretary. The three Executive Board members will oversee the chapter’s programming and operations in NY and the surrounding area.
Prior to their appointment to the Executive Board, Sicwaten, Castro, and London most recently served as Chairs for UniPro’s annual Summit, which took place on June 3, 2017 at Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. The conference attracted nearly 150 attendees from NY, NJ, and beyond, including members from the organization’s chapters in Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, and Houston. Themed “Persist,” the Summit featured model and trans rights advocate Geena Rocero and social entrepreneur Christina Lewis Halpern as keynote speakers. All three Executive Board members had worked together previously as student organizers for Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Inc. (FIND).
Christine Sicwaten
Sicwaten joined UniPro as an intern in the summer of 2013. Since then, she has served as the Director of Human Resources and Director of Internal Programming. Her work leading the Internship Program has been integral to the growth of the chapter and empowerment of its young members. Many are college students and young professionals establishing their careers, but they seek a space where they can learn about and give back to the Filipino American community, especially in light of the current political climate.
“Having compassion in the community building that you do is important now more than ever,” states Sicwaten. “This upcoming year will have unique challenges as we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times, but being involved in UniPro has shown me that you are not alone.”
Anthony Castro
Castro’s involvement in UniPro began in 2015, when he, too, interned for the organization. As the Director of Communications and Director of External Programming, he has led the redesign of the UniPro website and has been instrumental to strengthening the organization’s social media engagement.
"I'm humbled to have the opportunity to serve on the leadership of UniPro NY, to continue our organization's commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and education in our community,” states Castro. “I’m excited to do so alongside Christine and Kristina, who I have been blessed to work with since my time in student organizing."
London was an intern in the same cohort as Sicwaten. As the Director of Development for the organization, London has organized numerous fundraising events, led several online campaigns, and secured a grant from the Citizens Committee for New York City, amounting to several thousands of dollars to support the work of the volunteer-run organization.
Kristina London
“I've witnessed the organization's growth as an intern in 2013 to now and I am excited for its future,” states London. “I feel so fortunate to have been surrounded by the passionate and intelligent community leaders of UniPro. Being a part of this organization has provided me with opportunities to give back to my community and add greater meaning to my life. I want to celebrate the community's accomplishments and inspire collaboration amongst its individuals, which I intend to do as this year's Secretary.”
The three Executive Board members bring diverse leadership and professional experience to UniPro. Both graduates of Stony Brook University, Sicwaten works as a NJ Estimator for The ADE Group in Lynbrook, NY, while London is a National Video Investment Associate at Canvas Worldwide in New York City. Castro graduated from Seton Hall University and is a Marketing & Communications Coordinator for World Education Services' (WES) Global Talent Bridge program, also located in NYC.
Noel Aglubat, a member of the Board of Directors and the Treasurer for the organization, states, “I have personally worked with each member of this year's incoming Eboard and I have seen them grow. I am proud of their accomplishments, but more excited for what they have in store for our community.”
To get in touch with UniPro NY's new Executive Board, contact them at board@unipronow.org.
About Pilipino American Unity for Progress, Inc. (UniPro)
Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro) is a New York City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that envisions a unified and engaged Pilipino America. Founded in 2009, UniPro’s mission is to engage Pilipino Americans through collaboration, advocacy and education. It seeks to transform Pilipino students & young professionals into community leaders through its various programs, which incorporate professional development, history, and policy through the lens of the Pilipino experience. The organization allows Pilipino Americans the opportunity to explore their place in the community in the hope of owning their niche. Ultimately, UniPro asks Pilipino Americans to critically answer, “How do you define Progress?”
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