UPAAA President’s Update

To my fellow UP alumni in America,
It is always with excitement and pride to bring you what we have accomplished and what we are currently working on at the UPAA in America. As President, my goal is to connect with our community not only to keep you aware, but mostly, to be thankful of the support, collaboration, and meaningful interaction every time. Here are my updates:
Launching of Support Local Directory
We recently launched our Support Local Directory for alumni to sign up and promote their business or practice for free. This is a community service and UPAAA member-benefit program.
Alumni Meet and Greet in Texas and Michigan
We made direct contacts and campaigned for membership with UP nurses at the 47th National Conference of the UP Nursing Alumni Association International (UPNAAI) on July 31, 2026, in Detroit, MI.
We met with alumni from Dallas, TX and Louisiana at the 11th Fiesta Ko Sa Texas community event, with a vendor booth on August 1, 2026 in Houston, TX.
Hibla Mindanao Fashion Show in Houston, TX
We are grateful to the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (FACCGH) for bringing the art and hard work of Filipino weavers in Mindanao in Houston, TX. Part of the proceeds will fund a UP Mindanao Scholarship through UPAAA.
Virtual Holiday Fundraiser
We are inviting you to our Christmas Across America 2026, a Virtual Pre-Holiday Musical Pageant and Fundraiser, featuring a heartwarming one-hour of music, dance, cultural performances, and the wonderful  talents of our UP alumni, families, and friends from different states.
Interesting UPAAA Webinars
Two webinars are coming up this September: Skin Health, What You Should know on September 12, 2026 and Building Wealth, Building Legacies on September 25, 2026. Specific details are found on our website and facebook page.
Increased Donors in Permanent and Endowment and Scholarship Initiatives
We recently received additional alumni interest in contributing to our Permanent Endowment Fund and donating to our Scholarship Fund. We are definitely growing!
Networking with Potential UPAAA Event Sponsors
We started a productive networking with potential sponsors of UPAAA initiatives, in particular, the 2027 Grand Reunion and Convention (GRC). Encouraging collaborative discussions are on-going.
Open Positions – National Treasurer and Auditor
We are currently in search of alumni who may be interested in occupying open positions in the organization. Join us and put more meaning on giving back by sharing your expertise and passion.
If there is anything in the updates that you want to be more clarified, please do not hesitate to contact me at ryantejero@yahoo.com. I would be happy to discuss it with you!