Gian Besana (@carryonbabe) is a collaborative business development manager in the tech industry who uses her expertise in creating systems and processes to oversee programs for FilExcellence. Outside of the nonprofit, she is probably exploring a new country or city, holding a safe space for deep uncomfortable conversations, dancing her heart out at an EDM show, cooking for her friends, or planning her next adventure.

Audrey Bansil (@audreyban) is a proud Pampangueña with a long-standing corporate media career in NYC. She brings her passion & commitment as a leader & mentor to FilExcellence’s global mentorship & development programs aimed at Filipino empowerment. Beyond professional pursuits, Audrey is an ADHD & neurodivergence advocate, and can be found balancing both right-brain & left-brain interests like interior design, cultural travel, and science experiments with her two young kids.

Monica Blanco (@asapmonny) is a mental health advocate, certified Trauma-Informed Personal Trainer, and creative force on social media. With a strong commitment to uplifting the Filipino community, she achieves her goals through content co-creation, collaborations, and community events. When she's not at the gym, she's likely embracing her big 4'10 panganay energy with her family, experimenting in the kitchen, booking last-minute flights, or indulging in conversations that delve into the profound mysteries of the universe.

Lara Santos (@laraisabird) is a multifaceted creative. A native Angeleno, Lara is passionate about using her organizing, writing, and leadership skills to advance progressive movements and elevate her local and global Filipino community. Outside of her 9-5 and FilExcellence, you'll never find Lara doing the same thing - catch her listening to poetry at an open mic, at a Lakers game, weightlifting, dissecting a film, trying the latest Michelin-starred restaurant, touring a house for its architecture and interior design, or, of course, writing. 

Matt Veland (@mgveland) is a father, business owner, and advocate for the Filipino American community based in the Washington, D.C., area. As a financial planner, he's passionate about educating and serving AANHPI business owners and medical professionals. Matt also serves as the President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Metro DC. When not at networking events and board meetings, he's at home with his wife, dog, and one-year-old son

Edward Raya is a proud Cebuano from Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Rehabilitation Sciences and double minored in Global Asian Studies and Disability + Human Development. Edward has been a part of many cultural organizations such as UniPro, Istorya, and Theta Lambda Beta. Having worked with brands such as Abakada and NO-CONTROL Studio, he aspires to one day start his own brand that pays homage and gives back to his Filipino roots.

Josh De Leon (@joshoflion) is an interdisciplinary changemaker, community organizer, and equity and justice facilitator based in Long Beach/Los Angeles, California. Josh was one of the first Filipino Americans to be elected as an assembly district delegate in CA AD-52 and is on the board of directors for Rising Organizers, an activist training NGO.

Joseph Blanco (@jtablanco) is a dedicated Electrical/Computer Engineer focused on sustainable developments in technology and society. He actively fosters relationships between Filipinos and other communities. During his free time, he enjoys playing rugby, watching movies, and embodying big bunso energy within his family and the FilExcellence community.