PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL

NEW YORK CITY, 02 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York participated in the forum “Filipino-American Forward: Building Careers, Breaking Barriers,” held on 01 October 2025 in New York City in celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM). The event, which brought together members of the finance community, was organized by Grant Thornton’s Pan-Asian and Allies Business Resource Group, in partnership with Société Générale and the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA).

In his remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile described the forum’s theme as a powerful statement that reflects both the history and aspirations of the community. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the finance and accounting sector, particularly the more than 80 professionals employed at Grant Thornton, and the other invited guests from various companies in New York, whose integrity and expertise bring pride to the Filipino community.

“You are forging a new narrative, one where Filipino talent is not only recognized but celebrated and uplifted in the American corporate landscape,” Consul General Mangalile said, underscoring that Filipinos serve as de facto Philippine ambassadors in their workplaces and communities.

The panel discussion featured Jillan Basa, Managing Director at Grant Thornton; Kristine Thomas, Head of Cultural Transformation at Société Générale; and Michael Gonzales, Partner at Ernst & Young and ISFFA Advisory Member. The panelists shared their professional journeys and reflected on how Filipino values such as bayanihan, resilience, and respect continue to shape their leadership styles. They also emphasized the importance of mentorship, speaking up in corporate spaces, and building inclusive teams that empower the next generation of professionals.

Participants, which also included foreign nationals, enjoyed Filipino-themed games such as Pinoy Henyo, as well as karaoke and traditional dishes including lechon, adobo, palabok, and lumpia, which added a festive touch to the program and brought the celebration closer to Filipino traditions.

FAHM is observed across the US every October to commemorate the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in Morro Bay, California, in 1587, 33 years before the arrival of the Mayflower, the ship that carried the first English settlers to New England. First organized in 1992 by the Filipino American National Historical Society, it was officially recognized by the US Congress in 2009. The commemoration has since served to honor the struggles and sacrifices of earlier generations of Filipinos in the US, and to highlight their enduring contributions to American society. END