MANGO attends WHIAANHPI Convening

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Sept. 6, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the inaugural White House Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Convening. This historic event brought together a diverse group of NHPI community advocates, private sector leaders, elected officials, federal appointees, and artists to celebrate the cultures, achievements, and contributions of NHPI communities across the nation.

The convening underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to addressing the key issues affecting NHPIs. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in panels and discussions focused on critical topics and initiatives aimed at fostering progress in NHPI communities. The event also highlighted important work already underway by the administration in supporting NHPI communities.

Guests arrived at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where the program opened with remarks from key Biden-Harris Administration officials, including Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. This was followed by a fireside chat with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, setting the tone for meaningful dialogue throughout the event.

A highlight of the day was the NHPI Community Leaders Panel, which featured prominent speakers, including Frances Sablan, executive director of the Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations. Sablan shared insights on leadership and advocacy within the Pacific Islander communities, with a focus on advancing opportunities for underrepresented groups in the Marianas.

The event continued with a federal agency panel discussing initiatives benefiting NHPIs and celebrated the achievements of NHPI pioneers through a trailblazers panel. The convening concluded with an open networking session, providing further opportunities for collaboration.

This convening provided a platform to elevate the voices of Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander communities and demonstrated the Administration’s dedication to creating pathways for equity, representation, and prosperity for NHPIs.

About the WHIAANHPI

On May 28, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14031, “Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders” to establish the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and deliver on his commitment to reinstate and reinvigorate this historic initiative. The initiative aims to eliminate barriers and improve access to federal programs for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities by addressing issues like safety, inclusion, and health disparities. It promotes public education on AA and NHPI cultures, enhances data collection, expands economic opportunities, improves educational outcomes, and ensures language access. The initiative also focuses on housing, workforce development, civic engagement, and equitable distribution of federal resources, while addressing the impact of climate change and fostering AA and NHPI leadership in the federal workforce.

About MANGO

The Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations is a coalition dedicated to the advocacy and advancement of community-driven initiatives in the Marianas. MANGO focuses on environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve these goals. (PR)