Filipino American National Historical Society Elects New Leadership Following Historic Washington, D.C. Conference
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Filipino American National Historical Society Elects New Leadership Following Historic Washington, D.C. Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 2026 — The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) concluded another successful biennial national conference in Washington, D.C., bringing together over 400 scholars, educators, community leaders, students, artists, veterans, and advocates from across the United States to celebrate, preserve, and advance the Filipino American story.
The conference themed "PiNoise on the Potomac: Monuments to Change" was co-chaired by FANHS DMV President Gem Daus and Vice President Jo Maralit. The event marked the first time that the nation's largest community-based gathering dedicated to Filipino American history convened in the nation's capital. Drawing from the word Pinoise—a blend of Pinoy and noise—the conference celebrated the many ways Filipino Americans make themselves heard through scholarship, storytelling, music, laughter, ritual, and collective action.
For more than four decades, FANHS has remained committed to its mission to identify, gather, preserve, document and share Filipino American history.
Throughout the week, in 80 plus workshops, attendees shared groundbreaking research, personal histories, archival discoveries, cultural performances, and intergenerational conversations that reinforced the importance of preserving Filipino American history while inspiring future generations to continue the work.
FANHS is Powered by Volunteers
FANHS also recognized the completion of Kevin Nadal's four-year term as National President.
Under Nadal's leadership, FANHS successfully navigated challenges and opportunities. He helped strengthen the Society's national presence, guided the organization with integrity and resilience. His leadership, alongside the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, chapter leaders, and volunteers nationwide, leaves a stronger foundation for the next generation of FANHS leadership. “Having been a member of FANHS for 30 years and a trustee for 16 years, I’m so confident in the new board of trustees, especially the executive committee, under Christy Poisot’s leadership,” said Nadal. FANHS will only continue to grow as the premiere national Filipino American organization committed to documenting our histories and telling our stories,”
Incoming National Officers and Trustees
At the conclusion of the conference, FANHS installed its newly elected national leadership with Christy Sison Panis Poisot as President, Gem Daus, Vice President, Maria Batayola, Treasurer, Maria Terri Torres, Secretary, Emilio "Joe" Virata, Vice President of Chapter Care, and Angelica "Gels" Cortez, Vice President of Accountability and Compliance.
FANHS recognized and thanked Trustees who will continue to serve on the board and Trustees whose terms concluded. Incoming Trustees with 6-year terms (2026–2032) include: Kassie Procopio, Seattle, WA, Pacific Northwest, Jason Agpaoa, Monterrey, CA, North California, Terri Torres, Stockton, CA, North California, Christy Poisot, Houston, TX, South by Southwest, Jeanne Batallones, Hawai‘i Island (Moku o Keawe), Hawaii, Evangeline (Vangie) Napala Meneses, San Diego, CA, South California, Lou Ella Rose Cabalona, Chicago, IL, Midwest, Danika Fernandez Sapida, New York NY, East Coast, Joy Sales — National Scholar, Pat Lindsay Catalla-Buscaino, National Scholar, Maria Batayola, Seattle, WA, Finance, and Bryan Ramos —Legal.
A Vision for the Future
Incoming National President Christy Panis Poisot, founder of the first FANHS chapter in Texas, reflected on the responsibility of leading the organization.
"As I begin this journey, I do so standing on the shoulders of our founders, past presidents, trustees, chapter leaders, and every volunteer who has given their time to this mission," said Poisot. "The work of FANHS has never been about one person—it has always been about our frontline community chapter researchers and ensuring that our history is preserved, shared, and made accessible for generations to come."
Poisot outlined three strategic priorities that will guide the organization over the next two years: Sustainability— building resources and systems that strengthen FANHS for future generations; Accessibility — expanding access to Filipino American history through education, archives, technology, and inclusive programming; and Networks — deepening collaboration among chapters, scholars, educators, cultural institutions, and community partners across the country.
FANHS enters its next phase with continuing deep gratitude for the vision and sustained hard work of Founder Dorothy Dorothy Laigo Cordova and Archivist Fred Cordova. Their leadership kicked off the Filipino American identity movement. Their lifelong dedication established FANHS.
As FANHS looks toward the next national conference in 2028 in Stockton, California, the organization remains committed to preserving the past while empowering the future of Filipino America.
About FANHS
Founded in 1982, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) is the oldest national organization dedicated to documenting, preserving, researching, and sharing the history and culture of Filipino Americans. Through chapters across the United States, FANHS works to ensure that Filipino American stories are collected, preserved, and passed on to future generations through education, scholarship, archives, and community engagement.
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