Villacorta transitions to new role in New York, Ilagan Coldiron to continue through August

January 31, 2022 (Washington, DC) – After nearly three years of tireless work to further NaFFAA’s mission and values, Carissa Villacorta will be departing from her role as Executive Director on February 1, 2022 to transition to a new role in New York. The organization has appointed current National Strategy Officer, Kelly Ilagan Coldiron, to serve as Executive Director through August 2022.

During her tenure, Carissa was a supportive force behind NaFFAA’s programmatic and operational growth in the face of the global pandemic. Illustrative examples of her accomplishments include: the creation of a live interactive learning Entrepreneurial and Economic Empowerment (E3) Webinar Series for the community to utilize during the pandemic; led the partnership with the HHS for the ‘Wag Mabahala, Magpabakuna,” “Don’t Hesitate, Vaccinate” campaign; coordinated and spoke at the first Filipino American History Month on Capitol Hill, followed by virtual gatherings with Filipino American elected officials; helped organized NaFFAA’s first Filipino American Heritage Night with the NY Knicks where she scored a goal; led the launch of the inaugural Run for Office program; and many more.

“Carissa’s vision and leadership will be greatly missed by the Executive team, Board of Governors, and partners alike” said Brendan Flores, National Chair. “Her contributions to NaFFAA’s programs and initiatives, especially in unprecedented times, will always be remembered. We wish her the best of luck in her next chapter, including a well-deserved transition to work close to home in New York with her adorable daughter, Emma.”

“I will always be grateful to NaFFAA and Brendan Flores, Loida Lewis, Gloria Caoile and its many other leaders for inviting me to take part and contribute to their mission and vision, and for making an incredible impact in our life. I’m grateful to have worked from Washington, DC to continue, create and contribute to programs that elevate the Filipino American.” Villacorta, said. 

“I also appreciate the chance to work with The White House, The U.S. Congress, the Asian American Media Alliance, the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, and more. They have all been wonderful to work with in serving the Filipino and Asian American community as partners, peers and friends. We may be far apart, but we will always go forth, together.” 

NaFFAA announced today that Kelly Ilagan Coldiron, experienced NaFFAA and community leader, will begin the role as Executive Director of the organization until August. She previously served as National Operations Officer in 2016.

Kelly, who was born and raised in Michigan and now lives in Northern Virginia, has nearly 10 years of NaFFAA experience. Her background is in public policy and government affairs, with previous experience as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce; White House staffer; and, experience on the congressional and state level. She was previously named as top “50 Young Asian American Stars in Politics” by Asian Fortune in 2016 and was recipient of the “Top 40 AAPI Political Operatives and Public Affairs Professionals” award by the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs” in 2018. She is lovingly supported at home by her husband Marc, and son, Mason.

As Executive Director, Kelly will lead the programmatic development and fundraising of upcoming flagship programs and events, including the upcoming National Empowerment Conference, August 4-7, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV.

“Kelly’s background and enduring commitment to the mission of NaFFAA will ensure the Filipino-American community can continue to be empowered through our programs,” said Brendan Flores. “I look forward to supporting Kelly as we strengthen our work on behalf of the leaders for our community.”

“Building on our successful model of empowerment through partnership, I’m committed to deepening NaFFAA’s relationships with community leaders, philanthropists and corporate leaders to sustain, diversify and grow our impact,” says Ilagan Coldiron.

About NaFFAA

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization. Established in 1997, NaFFAA promotes the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA’s vision is to serve as the voice of all Filipinos and Filipino Americans by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy.