The theme for FBANC 45 is “Pathways.” It affirms the fact that there is no one right way to become a lawyer, no one right way to be a lawyer, and no one right next step thereafter. It celebrates that each of us have embarked on different journeys with varying destinations, yet every one of those paths has brought us here, to FBANC.

Another important meaning of “Pathways” is that there is more than one way to fight for justice - we each possess unique skills that we can use to advocate for our communities, and we are more powerful in using those skills in solidarity with one another. Thus, a key focus for our organization this year will be to expand the scope of who FBANC is and what FBANC does - branching out to reach a wider membership, building more pipelines for our future leaders, collaborating with our allies, and exploring additional avenues to champion diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in our various communities.

I have humbly served on the FBANC Board for four of the last five years, and I am incredibly proud of all that FBANC has achieved in its storied history. While it has been lauded for its commitment to the professional development, advocacy, and community engagement of Filipinx-American lawyers and law students in Northern California, FBANC holds its place in my heart because of the empathetic, thoughtful, and passionate leaders with whom I have had the privilege of working alongside for the last several years. I am ready to work with FBANC to continue to improve the programs we deliver to our members and grow the impact we make in our communities. I am both honored and excited to serve as your 45th President, and I look forward to the year ahead!

Maribeth Charvet
FBANC President, 2025-2026