My name is Katrina Pestaño. I am very excited to work with the Filipino Community of Seattle as the new FiLSTAR Youth Program Coordinator. I have already met some of you and look forward to meeting the rest of you soon.

A little bit about me: I was born in General Santos City, Philippines, grew up in Virac, Catanduanes, and immigrated with half of my family at the age of ten. I speak Tagalog and can understand Bisaya/Cebuano and some Bicol. My background is in community organizing and advocacy for immigrant women and youth. My passion is cultural work and producing events that show our larger community the strong and generous spirit of the Filipino/a people.

FiLSTAR is gearing up to launch the South End Pipeline to Success program. We are in the process of seeking two sets of mentors, high school students and college students or young professionals, to work with a middle school Filipino/a youth. These three will be grouped together to help the middle school youth gain leadership skills, participate in community service and learn more about Filipino history, culture and arts. The high school student will be eligible to earn up to $1000 for completing this program. Applications are attached and available online at www.fcseattle.org and must be submitted by February 10, 2010.  

FiLSTAR also invites you to join us for a kick-off celebration on February 18, 2010. On Sunday, February 21, 2010, we will have an all-day leadership institute for the high school students and college students or young professionals to obtain additional training they would need as mentors.

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. My office hours in the Filipino Community Center are currently Thursdays 11 am-7pm, Saturdays, 9 am-2 pm and Sundays, 12 pm-4 pm.