Greetings and salutations! On behalf of this year's leadership team, I extend my thanks to you for taking the time to visit the website. I hope that you will take the opportunity to explore our virtual world as we proudly present to you the organization's philosophy, programs and personnel. Collaborative Opportunities for Raising Empowerment, Inc. (CORE) primarily supports the Filipino-American professional community and provides networks and resources to empower its members to improve their personal, professional and philanthropic endeavors.

Since its inception in 2002, CORE has built its network through community connections with organizations like FAHSI, CAPA and the JayCees, and through events like the annual Speaker Series Program and READ-Philippines. These efforts bring a face to an organization that is highlighted by the lighting of the Empire State Building with the colors of the Philippine Flag in 2004. This was the first effort of its kind and served to symbolize the connection that our membership holds so dearly to generations of family and country before us.

The vision states that CORE creates a network of Filipino Americans to foster leadership, enhance personal growth, encourage interaction among community groups, and mentor future leaders. I like to collectively call this, "empowerment through collaboration" because in each of these four areas, we will be achieving goals that cannot simply be reached by one individual alone, but through the collective efforts of community leaders, their organizations and their members in partnership with us.

We are now entering the critical second year of the strategic plan I proposed in April 2007. To build on the idea of "empowerment through collaboration," CORE committed last year's resources to establish internal systems, maintain its basic programs and strengthen its recruitment, retention and outreach efforts. We completed over 25 events, partnerships and sponsorships, while reinvigorating and developing connections with approximately 60 individuals, organizations and vendors.

Early this year, the 2008 board underwent a series of significant changes in leadership in three executive positions. The growing pressure to fill the vacancies while continuing the momentum from 2007 with limited resources had a critical impact on the organization's priorities. Training and development, transition of information and the recruitment of board members took center stage, extending beyond a thorough three month search process. I am honored to announce the appointments of Venessa Manzano, Christopher Arzadon and Roderick Rodriguez to the board as vice chairs of programs, marketing and technology, respectively, effective as of June 18. See press release for additional details.

For the remaining six months, I intend to execute the second year of the strategic plan: (1) building a marketing and fundraising strategy, including brand reassessment, (2) improving the functionality and capacity of CORE's technical infrastructure, (3) conducting membership assessment and (4) increasing programs by 20% from 2007. We will also continue to expand our networks by working with new partners, venues and initiatives.

The 2008 calendar has been set. If you are interested in volunteering, and especially want an opportunity to lead and empower yourself through a leadership position, please let us know. Your contributions extend beyond what you may imagine. Review the schedule. Find a connection with our programs or services. Participate. Donate time. Lead. Because our strength exists in you. Our impact will be driven by you. Our hope to empower ourselves as Filipino Americans can only be achieved through you. Let's do this together. Thank you.

Sincerely

Mark A. Habana
Chair

(posted: July 14, 2008)