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Crying Babies & Future Voters
(Civic Engagement Discusions at the NEC)
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For the longest time since I joined NaFFAA in this new role, actually just 4 weeks ago, I've been debating whether to bring my 14 week daughter and only child with me to this summit.
In weighing the pros and cons and the pains and gains, I decided for it, not only in the hopes that she will feed better and cry less, sleep more, even if I rest less. At least my mind will not wander too far away and my heart will stay closer to where I stand.
But the most important reason I think that I brought her here is because she'll always remind me of perspective. That no matter what happens in the daily, no matter the troubles that occur, or the obstacles that we face, the most important values stare right back at us.
The cry of a baby is the one that needs solving. And in society, there are many different sources and reasons of sobbing. As long as we recognize each pain point and empathize with the person in pain, we can strive to make their day better and work to make their future brighter.
If we make sure not to turn a blind eye, we ourselves can change the dirty, feed the hungry, and serve the need, soon we'll be seeing a happy baby, elderly, or community.
That's what I hope to do with this opportunity to serve. In this role, I've seen many people extend their abilities to give, and for that, we thank all of you who came and contributed to where we are today.
But everyday is a starting point. This is the status quo.
What will we do to make tomorrow better? Who will we vote for to make the future brighter? How will we act to be stronger together?
The world has changed because of people who dared, asked, pitched, suggested, spoke and wrote. People created a new reality, a new beginning, a new life.
 What will you create so that you can live authentically and lead a life worth living? You really don't have to look far and away. You only need to look down on who's laying on your chest.
Because to me, the most important thing is not simply about #TransformingMindsets, it's more about #TransformingPerspectives.
And it's not something so far away in the future that we're yet to enjoy. We only have to look within the community, within our family, within our child. Because here we'll find, the perspective we needed all along.
Carissa Villacorta
Incoming Executive Director
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Help Our Youth Have Empowering Encounters
Support the National Empowerment Conference no matter your distance or absence. Sponsor young professionals and empower their future.
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Your VIP Pass: Meet and Greet Elected Officials
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$500 gives you one (1) VIP PASS • $1000 gives two (2) VIP Passes plus:
- Premium Spot/s at our Exclusive VIP Reception and NEC Gala on August 17th, 6pm to 11pm,
- VIP Access to all workshops and plenary events during the 3-Day Summit
- Special Acknowledgement on 2019 NEC Digital Journal and NaFFAA Website
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Special Feature at NaFFAA NEC 2019 • AUG 15
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Catch a Special Benefit Screening of "Yellow Rose" presented by the Apl.de.Ap Foundation. NaFFAA attendees get a group discount by entering code NaFFAA on this link. A Filipino American story with a universal theme, this Feature Film took 15 years in the making, and is the Debut Film of Writer / Director Diane Paragas and Tony Nominee Eva Noblezada, with Tony Winner Lea Salonga in a featured role.
The Premiere event at Carson Community Center will have Personal Appearances by Director Diane Paragas, Producer Rey Cuerdo and Actress Princess Punzalan, with Apl.de.Ap himself who will receive NaFFAA's Trailblazer Award before the August 15th, Thursday evening screening.
6pm Doors Open • 7pm Screening • 9pm Talk Back with the Filmmakers
Get Tickets Separately at bit.ly/yellowrosefilm.
Registered Attendees will receive a special discount code before the NEC!
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Thank You to Our Sponsors
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