14 Dec A Conversation With Gerry Palon

A Conversation With:

Gerry Palon

Prudential Advisors
Financial Professional

How long have you been volunteering in the community?

I have 6 years of experience in Chamber of Commerce related projects which give back to the community, and actively participate in projects that enhances socio-economic advocacies.

How long have you been volunteering for The Valley Economic Alliance?

I have been volunteering for The Valley Economic Alliance (TVEA) for about 4 years. I was also an active Board Member of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) and currently serve as President for the FACC in Greater Los Angeles.

Tell us a little about yourself.

In 2008 I moved from Manila, Philippines to Encino, California. I had 28 years of corporate/executive experience in the food service industry before switching careers to Accounting and Finance in 2008. I became the Finance Manager/Controller of the Shangri-La Hotel in Santa Monica before entering the financial services industry. Currently, I operate my business practice with Prudential Advisors as a securities licensed Financial Professional.

I started volunteering as a member of the FACC in 2013. I got elected to the Board of Directors in 2014, and became President in 2015. I stayed with the Board in 2016 and was active in the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce as its Trade Mission Project Director. I got re-elected again in 2017 as the President of the FACC.

For more information visit my LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-palon-834257111

What is one of your Passion Projects that you are working on?

One of my passion projects is developing the entrepreneurial spirit and mindset among our young entrepreneurs who want to start their business by helping create market opportunities, sourcing affordable funds, training on business fundamentals, and helping secure the right support infrastructure (e.g. virtual assistants) so they can focus on their start up operations.   We undertake this through close collaboration with the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), a 501(c)(3) organization which was co-founded by a coalition of progressive and passionate individuals within the Filipino, Asian American Pacific Islander, and progressive communities in the late 1960s.

Why do you continue to be a member of The Valley Economic Alliance?

I joined TVEA to meet leaders and new friends in the community.  I also wanted to extend our reach to a greater number of diverse communities who can benefit from the services the FACC provides to its members.