Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. P. O . B o x 1 1 7 3 ■ N e w Yo r k , N Y 1 0 1 5 6
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SIA IN THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON, D.C - September 13, 2012 Ariel Grace Batungbacal, H. Pikaki, was recently selected as part of the 2012-2013 class of The President’s Commission of White House Fellowships. Selection is a highly competitive process and a great accomplishment. It is based on professional achievement, leadership, and a dedication to public service are among the criteria. The White House Fellows Program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to give promising American leaders “first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the Federal government, and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.” This unique opportunity to work within our nation’s government is designed to encourage active citizenship and a lifelong commitment to service. The Fellows also take part in an education program designed to broaden their knowledge of leadership, policy formulation, and current affairs. Community service is another essential element of the program, and Fellows participate in service projects throughout the year in the Washington, DC area. Ariel’s service to the community and her country are true indications that she deserves of this honor. She is an accomplished Major in the Air Force who served on three overseas deployments. She is also the recipient of the National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Award as well as the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and two AF Meritorious Service Medals. Ariel has also achieved a lot in her educational career. She received an Executive Master’s in Leadership from Georgetown University. She earned a M.A. in Diplomacy from Norwich University, and a B.A. in Chinese and B.A. in Government/Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. “I am so honored to have been selected,” Ariel says. She also credits Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. for its role in helping shape her as a woman and professional. “SIA afforded me the opportunities and experiences that challenged me to grow as a woman and public servant,” she continues. SIA is very proud to have Ariel and wish her continued success. ABOUT THE WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS : Founded in 1964, the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. White House Fellowships offer exceptional young men and women first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government. Selected individuals typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid Fellow to senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries and other top-ranking government officials. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with renowned leaders from the private and public sectors, and trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally. Fellowships are awarded on a strictly nonpartisan basis. http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows/2012-2013.
ABOUT HERMANDAD DE SIGMA IOTA ALPHA, INC. (SIA): SIA was founded in New York on September 29, 1990 by thirteen Latina women with the purpose of creating an organization that would help their communities, unite women, promote the Latino culture and uphold a set of distinct goals. Our dedication to scholarship, service and professional development within the Latino community has grown beyond New York, with chapters in several states including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Arkansas and California. We are also a 501(c)7 tax-exempt organization and we work in conjunction with the Solidaridad, Inspiración, Amistad Community Foundation, Inc.- a 501(c)3 Community Foundation committed to scholarship, service and professional development within Latino communities nationally. For more information go to www.hermandad-sia.org V P o f C o m m u n i c a t i o n s : Je s s i c a P u e n t e s , v p . c o m m u n i c a t i o n s . 1 9 9 0 @ g m a i l . c o m