PRESIDENT’S PAGE

Greetings!

Needless to say, the past few years have been rife with uncertainty and challenges. The ever-evolving health advisories forced FBANC to think creatively and thoughtfully about its programming in a year when virtual fatigue was rampant. With safety as its priority, the FBANC board successfully navigated the delicate road of balancing pressing health concerns and the demand for community and face to face interactions. Through FBANC’s mentorship events, the Komunidad conference, virtual legal clinics, professional development panels, Homecoming, golf tournament, annual picnic, committee events, scholarships and endorsement programs– the organization went above and beyond in producing events that were substantive, timely, and meaningful to our members. In 2021, FBANC received the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division’s award in the categories of Diversity and Service to the Public. FBANC is the first California bar association and the first affinity bar association to receive this recognition.

FBANC’s success is all of our success. It serves as a testament to the power of community in times of collective trauma, grief, and healing. FBANC 41’s theme “Know History, Know Self” – a gentle but firm reminder of how the past must inform the present - bears notable significance. We must never forget what the past two years have made abundantly clear– gross inadequacies in economic and health systems, widening socioeconomic disparities, ongoing racial inequities and injustices, and the need for accountability at all levels of government. The pandemic, however, has also taught us the importance of gratitude, ingenuity, and empathy; the need to celebrate our accomplishments and shared humanity in the face of sobering realities. As we forge ahead, we remember these important lessons - keeping in mind that courageous and zealous advocacy go hand in hand with self-care and compassion.

This year’s theme, “FBANC For All”, serves both as a recognition of the tremendous work FBANC has done to diversify the legal profession throughout the years, but also as a call to action to uplift and center the voices of the most marginalized within the Filipino/a/x community in the Bay Area. The theme challenges us to solidify FBANC’s current partnerships and to establish relationships with communities we have yet to reach – LGBTQ+, veterans, the disabled, etc.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge those who gave me the fortitude to remain committed in my leadership. First and foremost, I dedicate my service to my late grandmother, Leticia F. Rollan, whose bravery, humility, and generosity continue to guide my moral compass. I dedicate my service to my parents, Mario and Maria, whose sacrifice as overseas Filipino workers allowed my family to immigrate to the United States in pursuit of a better life. I dedicate my service to my siblings, John, Chin, and Brian, and their partners and kids, whose support and love without judgment allow me to be brave and bold. I dedicate my service to my long-time partner, Marvin De Leon, whose patience, understanding, and relentless encouragement allow me to shine brightly. I dedicate my service to my family and friends who constantly empower me to live my truth. FBANC 42 will serve as my living letter of gratitude to the FBANC community – to the mentors and colleagues who believed in me in times when I did not believe in myself, to the remarkable law students whose passion and dedication give me hope for a brighter future, and to its members whose resilience and courage know no bounds.

As a queer Filipinx immigrant, I entered the FBANC community without any LGBTQ+ lawyers as a guide. Instead, I found community and courage in the strong and passionate women of FBANC who carved a seat for me at the table. Seven years later, I have the immense privilege of sitting at the head of that table, with the hope of paying forward the generosity that was given to me at the beginning of my legal journey and serving as a role model for upcoming leaders. In its 42nd year, FBANC will continue to stand united against hate, bigotry, and injustice. We promise to do so through a principled approach grounded in criticality, discernment, and integrity.

Thank you for supporting me and my vision of a more equitable and inclusive FBANC.

Lubos na sumasainyo,

(Very truly yours)

Raymond R. Rollan, FBANC 2022-23 President