About Us
Here's a brief history of the establishment of this new chapter of Gawad Kalinga USA.
Key Milestones
First Collegiate Summit
Feb 19, 2022
For the first time ever, the Filipino Student Association at the University of Central Florida (UCF) hosted their very own collegiate summit in collaboration with Gawad Kalinga USA. This was a monumental event that served as a way for college students, philanthropists, and activists to gather together and find ways to help end poverty in the Philippines.
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This was a full-day leadership conference equipped with various keynote speakers and student-led workshops. Participants included UCF students, Filipino Student Association chapters across Florida, and Gawad Kalinga representatives from all over the nation.
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On that day, Dr. Jose Raffinan appointed Allyson Nepomuceno as the first National Program Director of the newly-revived GK USA NextGen to reignite youth involvement within the organization.
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Event Highlights:
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Over 100 attendees from all over the nation
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Collectively raised over $1k for GK USA
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Featured on one of the largest news networks of the Philippines
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Recognized by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Washington, D.C.
Presented at GK National Planning and Training Conference
Nov 4-6, 2022
Gawad Kalinga USA (GK USA) recently convened its planning and training conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking its first in-person gathering in three years. Attended by approximately 75 advocates from across the U.S., including esteemed guests from Gawad Kalinga (GK) Philippines, the event focused on growth strategies and community engagement. Outgoing and incoming leaders shared visions for the organization's future, while attendees discussed GK's initiatives and programs. Notably, GK USA Next Generation was invited to present their efforts in engaging young leaders across the nation. The conference underscored the organization's unwavering commitment to eradicating poverty in the Philippines, and attendees were bestowed with membership cards as a token of their dedication.
Second Collegiate Summit
Mar 11, 2023
Following the success of the first collegiate summit, the University of Central Florida's Filipino Student Association organized its second collegiate summit in partnership with Gawad Kalinga USA to continue spreading awareness of GK while furthering the fight against poverty.
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Just like the initial summit, this day-long leadership conference included keynote addresses, workshops led by students, and attendees from Filipino Student Association chapters throughout Florida, as well as representatives from Gawad Kalinga from across the country. Being the second consecutive year of the collegiate summit taking place at UCF, this marked the establishment of a recurring annual event.
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ASA UCF Scholarship Pageant &
ASiA x AFS USF Pageant
Mar-Apr, 2023
Later that year, Gawad Kalinga had the honor of collaborating with various student organizations from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the University of South Florida (USF) during their annual scholarship pageants. These partnerships provided a valuable platform to raise awareness about GK and GK NextGen within the community.
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Through these events, both organizations successfully raised over $3,000 each, thanks to the dedication and hard work of their contestants. These funds will play a crucial role in advancing the mission of Gawad Kalinga, empowering communities, and creating positive change in the Philippines.
Hidden Lotus Award - Awarded Philanthropy of the Year
Apr 28, 2023
During the annual Hidden Lotus Awards, hosted by the Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) at the University of Central Florida (UCF), distinguished recognition was bestowed upon select organizations from among 16 affiliated APIDA student groups for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the community throughout the school year. Among them, the Filipino Student Association at UCF was honored with the esteemed title of Philanthropy of the Year, in recognition of their exemplary contributions to Gawad Kalinga USA and GK USA NextGen initiatives.
NextGen Philippines GK Immersion
Jun 9-24, 2023
The Gawad Kalinga Immersion Trip was a life-changing adventure through the heart and soul of the Philippines. Across all three regions of this diverse nation, 10 participants embarked on a journey of empathy and action.
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Exploring Gawad Kalinga villages, they witnessed the incredible resilience of local communities. Through hands-on aid efforts, they contributed to sustainable development projects, leaving a lasting impact on those they met.
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But beyond the tangible aid, the trip was about fostering deep connections. Meeting hundreds of individuals from various walks of life, participants shared stories, laughter, and tears, forging bonds that transcended language and culture.
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As they returned home, they carried with them not only memories of breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality but also a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. The Gawad Kalinga Immersion Trip wasn't just a visit; it was a transformative experience that left a mark on hearts and minds alike.
GK USA National Conference & GK Houston Hope Ball
Sep 22-24, 2023
This National Planning and Training Conference held in Houston, Texas, served as a catalyst to ignite, advance, and mobilize area teams across the nation, encouraging them to unite and envision the next 20 years of Gawad Kalinga (GK) and its 2050 vision. GK USA NextGen played a pivotal role, leading workshops, participating in a Q&A Panel, and delivering an inspirational address.
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At this event, we recognized other youth leaders in the Houston area and officially launched our ambassador program.
GK Tampa Hope Ball
Nov 12, 2023
At this event, we recognized youth leaders in the Tampa area and installed our national ambassadors and hope advocates for GK USA NextGen.
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Third Collegiate Summit
Mar 10, 2024
On March 10, 2024, in partnership with GK USA & GK NextGen, the Filipino Student Association at UCF proudly held their collegiate summit for the third consecutive year. This event served as a platform for college students, philanthropists, and activists to gather and explore ways to alleviate poverty in the Philippines.
The summit featured an all-day leadership conference with various keynote speakers and student-led discussions. UCF students, along with sister Filipino Student Association chapters across Florida, and Gawad Kalinga representatives from across the nation attended the event.
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At the event, GK USA representatives took the stage to share insights and updates about the organization. GK USA NextGen national ambassadors delivered an informative presentation outlining the mission and initiatives of GK, as well as GK USA NextGen. Following this, participants tested their knowledge with a lively trivia session based on the presentation's content.
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The FSA at UCF also presented GK USA with a check of over $1,900, consisting of funds raised by the members of the organization to help support Gawad Kalinga in the fight against poverty!
UNC Kasama Bayanihan Gala
Mar 24, 2024
This spring, UNC Kasama, the Filipino American Association of the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill, hosted their second annual charity gala. Inspired by the Tagalog word, “Bayanihan,” Kasama members themed the formal event around the Filipino spirit of communal unity and cooperation.
The gala gathered current students, community members, and alumni to enjoy food catered by local Filipino businesses, watch musical acts and performances from the Kasama Dance Team, and celebrate the evening through dancing.
Ticket sales and the additional fundraising done by committee members in the months leading up to the event raised an estimate of $1,800 which will be donated to Gawad Kalinga programs of Kasama’s choice within the next year.
