It is truly a privilege to be able to serve AFCA-BC and be part of a group of professionals that truly care for and support each other to achieve their professional, social, and community goals and dreams. I want to thank all the past presidents and councils who have paved the way for individuals like myself and the rest of the 2018 council. You have been great role models for us to emulate as we strive to become good leaders by example.

Together, the 2018 executive council will work hard to make sure that AFCA continues to be strong by providing you with programs that will enhance your professional skills, activities that will allow you to network with our community, and events that will enable us to make a difference in society.

The driving force of any organization is its members. In 2018, we are focused on growing together as members by fostering positive relationships with each other. This means solidifying the connections we have built in the past by reaching out to our members more, and building new connections with potential members and external organizations. I encourage everyone to share your thoughts and ideas with AFCA. I, along with the rest of the council, is ready and willing to listen, collaborate, and engage with you. We are really eager to hear what you have to say. So don't hesitate to come up to us personally during any of our events or email us anytime.

My challenge to you this year is to open yourself to new experiences. Do you have any new activities in mind that you'd love for us to do as an organization? Let us know! We encourage you to take on the lead role on projects. Your council, as well as the entire AFCA community, will support you every step of the way. Don't be afraid of facing your fears and taking on the challenge as we are a very supportive group. Speaking from experience, I know that no matter what, people here care for each other and want each other to succeed. So again I say to you, we're just one email or "hello" away, and we're really excited to work with you this year.

I really want to emphasize the importance of all of you to AFCA's continued success. You have been the reason AFCA's been successful all these years. Your generosity and willingness to help out the Filipino Canadian community has made AFCA what it is today, and is what will continue to make AFCA a great organization. From me and the rest of the incoming council, we'd like to thank you very much for all that you do, and I promise you that we'll do our best to make 2018 a productive year.