2024 Dream Bigger Challenge
Inaugural Filipino American National Pitch Competition
Recap: The Dream Bigger Challenge and Filipino American History Month Celebration
As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, I arrived in Chicago with my parents, with no close family or friends to rely on. Our community became our family, and through their support, my parents built lives and careers from very little, driven by my dad's entrepreneurial spirit. Those experiences shaped my worldview and personal mission: to build bridges through community and empower others to realize their potential.
In October, during Filipino American History Month, this mission took center stage with The Dream Bigger Challenge, led by Dream Bigger founder and VC, Christeen Rico Green, and co-sponsored by Kapwa Capital. The initiative began with a nationwide city tour to celebrate the resilience and innovation of the Filipino American entrepreneurial ecosystem, culminating in a final event at Plug and Play, Silicon Valley.
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Honoring Legacy and Building Opportunity
The final event brought together over 100 founders, investors, and ecosystem supporters from across North America. Through Panel Discussions, Breakout Sessions, and a high-energy Pitch Competition, the challenge celebrated the achievements of FilAm entrepreneurs while honoring the sacrifices of those who paved the way.
More than a pitch event, it became a tribute to legacy, inspiring a vision for greater opportunities in the US, the Philippines, and beyond.
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Event Highlights
🎤 Speakers:
Ian Logan (Canada), Ken Albolote (Washington D.C.), Eric Manlunas (Los Angeles), Nardo Manaloto (Los Angeles), Michelle Urben (Washington D.C.), Mika Reyes (New York), and Jake De Leon (Washington D.C.).
🚀 Top Startups:
Liveritas, Jeepney, EdukSine, Bountiply, Chatmosa, Common, Fanded, Huddle, Istorya, Rock Stable, Salt + Light, and Vlogmi AI.
🏆 Prizes:
- 🥇 $20,000 - Liveritas
- 🥈 $10,000 - Jeepney
- 🥉 $5,000 - EdukSine
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Acknowledgments
🤝 Co-Sponsors: Archangel Impact Capital, Kapwa Capital, HeyApril, STAC Silicon Valley, and Plug and Play Tech Center.
🤝 Community Partners: FYLPRO, San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, Kultivate Labs, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, and the Government of Daly City.
This milestone event reinforced the power of community, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit to create lasting impact. Let’s continue building legacies and replicating this success in many more communities! 🌍✨
