Photo courtesy of NaFFAA
DETROIT — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) proudly announces the election of Ryan Namata as the organization’s new national president, following a pivotal election held on the afternoon of Saturday, August 17, 2024, during the 15th National Empowerment Conference in Detroit. This historic moment marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for NaFFAA, as Namata, a visionary leader deeply rooted in the Filipino American community, takes the helm with a commitment to steering the organization toward unprecedented growth and impact.
Ryan Namata’s association with NaFFAA began in 2016, driven by a passion for effecting meaningful change within the Filipino American community. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, initially serving as the Director of Human Capital and later as the leader of the organization’s national operations. His dynamic leadership has been crucial in shaping NaFFAA’s trajectory, including the recruitment of key staff members, organizing significant national conferences, and championing the organization’s mission.
Namata’s dedication is evident in his hands-on approach – whether coordinating logistics or fostering camaraderie through activities like karaoke, he embodies NaFFAA’s spirit of unity and service.
Professionally, Namata serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Center for American Progress, a prominent think-tank based in Washington, D.C. With nearly 25 years of experience in human capital management, he has led both domestic and international teams across various sectors, including finance, cybersecurity, and nonprofit organizations. Namata’s expertise in organizational development, leadership coaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion has made him a respected voice in the field.
As he steps into his new role as National President of NaFFAA, Namata is focused on two key priorities: empowering the youth and fostering an inclusive environment for all Filipinos.
“NaFFAA must get younger,” Namata emphasized. “We need to inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders, ensuring that our organization remains vibrant and relevant for years to come.”
He envisions NaFFAA as a central hub for education and dialogue, where Filipinos can connect with their heritage, culture, and the power of unity.
The election also saw the appointment of other key officers, including Chris Rivera as vice president, Giselle Rushford as secretary, Rod Mercado as treasurer, and Mariela Fletcher as national chair. This leadership team, under Namata’s guidance, is poised to lead NaFFAA into a new era of growth and engagement.
Outgoing NaFFAA national president Mariela Fletcher expressed her full confidence in Namata’s leadership, stating, “Ryan Namata is the right leader at the right time for NaFFAA. His experience, vision, and unwavering commitment to our community make him uniquely qualified to guide our organization forward. I am confident that under his leadership, NaFFAA will reach new heights and continue to make a profound impact on the lives of Filipino Americans across the nation.”
As NaFFAA embarks on this new journey, Namata is determined to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors and lead the organization toward an even brighter future. He is committed to ensuring that NaFFAA remains a vital and dynamic force within the Filipino American community and beyond.
Ryan Namata shared his thoughts on the privilege of serving as NaFFAA’s national president: “It is a profound honor to lead NaFFAA at this crucial moment in our history.
The opportunity to serve and empower the Filipino American community is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. Together, we will continue to elevate our voices, celebrate our heritage, and build a future where every Filipino American feels connected, supported, and empowered.”
With Namata’s election, NaFFAA stands poised to enter a new era of leadership, unity, and empowerment — ensuring that the voices of Filipino Americans are heard, valued, and acted upon across the nation.
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is the largest national organization advocating for the interests and well-being of nearly 4.2 million Filipino Americans in the United States. Established in 1997, NaFFAA promotes the active participation of Filipino Americans in civic, political, and social affairs, and works to build coalitions that advance the aspirations of Filipino Americans in the broader society.
NaFFAA is committed to fostering leadership development, civic engagement, and cultural preservation within the Filipino American community. For more information, visit www.naffaa.org.
