As we continue to face the world’s harsh realities in these challenging times, the least we could do is to cope by finding a sliver of light and inspiration around us
Meet five people who continue to work and change the game in their respective fields; they have managed to rise and make their names known around the globe. May their stories be a source of inspiration to all of us today and in the years to come.
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1. Todd Gloria
In the last US elections, there were several Fil-Ams elected to office—from congressional representatives and mayors to state officials. One of them is Todd Gloria, the mayor of the City of San Diego. He’s the first person of colour and the first openly gay person to serve in this capacity. In an interview he was cited as saying that the reason he wanted to be in public office was due to his desire to serve the unrepresented sectors of the population.
Before him, the position has been occupied by 27 of 28 members of the Republican Party, and all white and straight males. In his campaign video he said, “I didn’t come from privilege. I came from grandparents who were affected by racism but undeterred by it. Where I come from you have to fight for your place in the world. I did!”
On his Twitter feed last March, he wrote about a fellow Filipino who was selected to be California’s next attorney general. “Congratulations to my friend, Ron Bonta, on his selection to be California’s next Attorney General! Rob will be a strong voice for justice and I’m confident he’ll do well in this role.
From the entire Filipino community, binabati kita [I congratulate you] Rob! We are so proud of you. #pinoypride” Gloria is of Native American, Filipino, Dutch and Latino descent. He is 42 years old.