Dear Members of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California,

I am honored to present my candidacy for the role of Mentorship Director. As the current Social Director, I have had the privilege of organizing events that have brought our community closer together, such as the Annual Picnic at the Presidio and the Holiday Party in the Oakland Hills. These events were not only well-attended but also received positive feedback from many members, highlighting the joy and camaraderie they fostered. Additionally, I developed and presented the Litigation Workshop at Liwanag 2, FBANC’s annual professional development conference, for attorneys early in their careers. This experience not only showcased my ability to create valuable educational content but also demonstrated my commitment to supporting the professional growth of our members.  By leveraging my background in event planning and professional development, I am confident in my ability to carry out the following two goals as Mentorship Director for the 2025 to 2026 term: (1) Build Empowering Friendships and (2) Cultivate Professional Advancement.

Participation in Annual Mentorship Program

Having participated in FBANC’s annual mentorship programs both as an attorney and as a law student, I have firsthand experience of the program's positive impact. As a law student, I was paired with mentors who provided invaluable guidance and support, helping me navigate the challenges of law school and the early stages of my career. As an attorney, I have had the privilege of mentoring law students, sharing my experiences, and helping them achieve their professional goals.

Goals as Mentorship Director

1. Build Empowering Friendships: My primary goal is to build on FBANC’s robust mentorship program that bridges the gap between lawyers and law students. By fostering these friendships, we can ensure that the next generation of Filipinx lawyers is well-equipped to navigate the legal field with friendly faces to cheer them on throughout the journey!

2. Cultivate Professional Advancement: I aim to provide our members with opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and networking events that address the evolving needs of our legal community.

Plans to Achieve These Goals

1. FBANC Mentorship Program: I will build on the current mentorship program that pairs law students and young lawyers with experienced mentors based on their areas of interest and career goals. This program will include regular check-ins, goal-setting sessions, and feedback mechanisms to ensure its effectiveness.

• Mentorship Mixers: Host casual mixers where law students can meet and interact with potential mentors in a relaxed setting. These events can include icebreaker activities and themed discussions to facilitate connections.

• Shadowing Opportunities: Arrange for law students to shadow attorneys in our community for a day. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights into the daily workings of the legal profession.

• Mentorship Challenges: Create fun challenges that pairs of mentors and mentees can complete together, such as community service projects or fun activities in the city. These activities will strengthen their bond and provide practical experience.

2. Annual Komunidad Conference: Building on my experience as Social Director, I will host the Annual Komunidad Conference that facilitates meaningful connections between FBANC members and law students.  This event will include a mix of panel discussions and interactive round table discussions, following the successful formats of previous conferences.

• Interactive Workshops & Seminars: To enhance professional development, I will organize interactive workshops and seminars led by community members. These sessions will cover topics such as career advancement, work-life balance, and taking up space and leading in the legal profession.  

In conclusion, I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your Mentorship Director. I am committed to building empowering friendships and cultivating professional advancement. Together, the FBANC community can continue building a supportive and thriving community for aspiring attorneys.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Vannalee Cayabyab