Aloha and Mabuhay,
It is with deep gratitude and humility that I accept the privilege of serving as President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi.
As I reflect on my own journey from Banaue in the Cordillera region to Hawaiʻi, I am reminded of the values our culture instills — resilience, community, and the belief that we rise higher when we lift each other.
This year’s theme — Empowerment, Sustainability, Innovation — is more than a vision; it is our call to action. Together, we will empower Filipino businesses to thrive, create sustainable opportunities for future generations, and embrace innovation to meet the challenges of a changing world.
Our Chamber has a proud legacy of building bridges — between entrepreneurs and opportunities, communities and resources, Hawaiʻi and the Philippines. My goal is to continue that tradition while strengthening relationships with Neighbor Island chambers and fostering partnerships across industries. We will also focus on expanding workforce development programs to open doors for Filipinos to excel in every sector.
To our members, partners, and friends: thank you for trusting me to lead. Your support fuels our mission to uplift and inspire. Together, we can make 2025–2026 a transformative year for our Chamber and the Filipino business community in Hawaiʻi.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, our energetic installation committee, and all of our distinguished guests. Your dedication and support make our journey toward excellence even more meaningful and exciting. To my beloved family, thank you for your unending support and love — you are my foundation and inspiration.
Mahalo and Mabuhay!
Elvi Sutherland
FCCH President, 2025–2026