From the Readers

From New American Leadership Partners

Dear Veronica — Two recent reports confirmed what we at NALP strongly believe: Immigrant leaders continue to be sorely underrepresented in government. More empathetic and representative leaders are needed to promote the bread and butter issues that immigrant communities care about. For the first time in 15 years, there are zero Asians in the President’s Cabinet. Equally striking is the fact that first-term Senator Mazie Hirono is the only Asian in the U.S. Senate and Congresswoman Grace Meng of New York is the only Asian representative from the entire East Coast. Limited voices from diverse leaders are at least part of the problem when it comes to addressing issues of concern to our communities. A recent report outlined issues of importance to Latinos in the U.S. Yes, immigration was a top tier issue among those polled, but so were education, jobs/economy and healthcare. Immigrant leaders bring a unique perspective to policy discussion, and moreover, it has been shown that they introduce and advocate for legislation that are non-traditional and germaine to the immigrant community. Here are three things YOU can do to address this divide between our country’s leadership and its diverse communities:

1. Let NALP help you get ready to run. If you’re an immigrant leader who has thought about running for office or an alumni who has attended a Ready to Lead event, there is still time to register for the National Alumni Conference which takes place from June 18-20th.

2. Celebrate diversity at NALP’s New American Heroes Awards on June 20th. Join us as we recognize these fierce and committed leaders.

3. Support NALP and immigrants ready for public ser- SUBSCRIPTION vice. If you are ready for change, NALP can continue to create a pipeline of immigrant leaders to go from the community to the Capitol. Together we can elevate the next generation of American leaders. –The NALP Team

HAPY PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY from Maria Pappas, CC Treas!

Dear Veronica, Please convey my congratulations as the Filipino community celebrates Philippines Independence Day. On this day in 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo issued the Philippine Declaration of Independence, making the nation independent from Spain. As the first president of the Philippines, Aguinaldo led the struggle against the rule by the United States, to which Spain had ceded the Philippies after the Spanish- American War. Though independence did not come, World War II saw Filipino and American forces on the same side. On July 4, 1946, the United States finally recognized its wartime ally as an independent nation. A kind Fate let Aguinaldo live to see that day. Our Filipino friends and neighbors have much to be proud of as they deserve this extraordinary anniversary. MARIA PAPPAS Cook County Treasurer

THANK YOU FOR CPRTV INTERVIEW

Dear Veronica and Joe, It was an honor to sit alongside Joe and be interviewed for your prestigious news program. Will surely recommend the program to friends in the Chicago area. Also, Veronica, letting you know that the interview will be shared with TotalEdit.com. I am very impressed with the work you are doing and look forward to keeping our connection and growing our friendship. Maybe we can talk in the future regarding TotalEdit.com partnerships with universities in the Philippines. Keith J. Roberts-TotalEdit.com