AAPIP
Filipinx Affinity Space
October 20 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm EDT
Your migration story shapes how you show up in philanthropy. Connect your personal talambuhay, your life story, to your professional work supporting movements for justice.
Join fellow Filipino philanthropic professionals for an afternoon of storytelling, reflection, and community building. We’ll explore how our lived experiences as Filipinos inform our motivations, guide our grantmaking decisions, and strengthen our commitment to supporting people’s movements.
What to expect:
- Storytelling session co-led by Irma Shauf-Bajar, Executive Director of 18 Million Rising and Filipinx Affinity Space facilitator Ariane Cruz of Philanthropy New York
- Small group conversations connecting personal histories to professional purpose
- Honest dialogue about navigating philanthropy during times of political challenge
- Community with other Filipino leaders in the field
About our facilitators: Irma Shauf-Bajar is the Executive Director of 18 Million Rising (18MR), where she leads efforts to build Asian American political power through digital organizing, cultural strategy, and grassroots mobilization. Since joining 18MR in 2020 and stepping into the Executive Director role in 2022, she has guided the organization’s growth and impact, centering the diverse experiences and voices of Asian American communities in movements for justice.
A Filipino queer grassroots organizer, educator, and strategist, Irma brings over two decades of experience in immigrant rights, economic and racial justice, LGBTQ+ and gender justice. She has led multi-racial, multi-sector coalitions and previously served as National Chairperson of GABRIELA USA, advocating for women’s rights and genuine democracy in the Philippines.
Ariane Cruz has dedicated her career to reimagining systems for community well-being, prioritizing approaches that affirm dignity and belonging. As Senior Manager of Public Policy & Collaboration at Philanthropy New York, Ariane focuses on mobilizing resources and community power to drive systemic change across philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. She is deeply engaged with the AAPIP community, serving as a facilitator for its Filipinx Affinity Space and on the AAPIP-NY Chapter Steering Committee. Ariane also serves on the Board of Directors for Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC), an arts-based organization that unites artists with advocates to create story-based art for systemic change.
To participate: This program is open to AAPIP members who identify as Filipino. Not yet a member? Join AAPIP to access this gathering and ongoing professional community.
Current members can register here. You’ll receive Zoom details after registration.
Not Filipino but interested in identity-based professional community? AAPIP offers multiple affinity spaces for members to connect around shared experiences.
Connect with fellow Filipinx professionals shaping philanthropy’s future.
Every other month, Filipinx AAPIP members gather virtually to share experiences, build community, and support each other’s work in the philanthropic sector. These member-only conversations create space for authentic connection around our shared identity and professional journey.
When: 2nd Wednesday of every other month, 2-3 PM PT
Where: Zoom (link provided after registration)
Format: One hour of community-led discussion
Who: AAPIP members who identify as Filipinx
As Filipinx professionals in philanthropy, we bring unique perspectives to a sector that often overlooks our communities. These gatherings provide a rare opportunity to connect with peers who understand both the opportunities and challenges we face.
Whether you’re early in your philanthropy career or a seasoned leader, you’ll find community here. Members consistently tell us these sessions help them feel less isolated and more empowered in their work.
Ready to Join Us?
Complete the affinity space interest form below. You’ll be added to our community and receive calendar invites for upcoming gatherings.
This space is exclusively for AAPIP members. Not a member yet? Learn about joining AAPIP here.
Questions? Contact membership@aapip.org.