UPSIDE: First FilAm SF Supervisor resigns amid controversy
FilAm political empowerment advocates had cheered the appointment of the political newcomer though some wondered about her readiness to take over a district shaken by the recall of their sitting supervisor over the closure to traffic of the Great Highway. … Until Nov. 13, when Alcaraz’s resignation was announced.
SF Mayor Lurie gets props for taking Alcaraz appointment blame
Honoring Our Fellow FWN Awardees Who Are No Longer With Us In This World
Foundation for Filipina Women's Network (FWN) Announces the 2025 Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World™ Award Winners
San Francisco, CA — The historic Julia Morgan Ballroom shimmered in gold as Filipina women leaders and allies from every corner of the world filled the room — a gathering of visionaries, changemakers, and dreamers moving to a single heartbeat: Pinay Power. It was the culminating and magical night of the FWN's 25th Anniversary Milestone at the 2025 Filipina Leadership Global Summit.
Nineteen extraordinary Filipina Women leaders from Australia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States received the prestigious FWN Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award (Global FWN100™ Award). Now in its 16th year, the FWN Global FWN100™ Awards recognize Filipina women across four categories: Builder, Founder and Pioneer, Innovation and Thought Leader, and Policymaker and Visionary.
A panel of peers and awardees of previous years selected seven entrepreneurs, five doctors, three C-Suite officers, and four electeds/appointeds in government service.
The 2025 awardees were joined by FWN Board Members and the Executive Advisory Council, united under one mission: A Woman Leader in Every Sector of the Economy.
FWN Founder and CEO Marily Mondejar stepped into the light,
“Let me tell you what I see in this room. I see CEOs and entrepreneurs who control billions of dollars in economic power. I see elected officials and appointed leaders making policy decisions that affect millions. I see doctors, scientists, and researchers who are advancing human knowledge and saving lives.”
She paused, scanning the faces before her — women leaders from every continent, each one a force in her own right.
“This is not just a room full of accomplished women. This is a room full of nation-builders.”
A Legacy of Influence
The evening was the inaugural launch of the Hall of Fame: Always Influential Global FWN100™ Award. Dr. Maria Beebe, editor of the five DISRUPT Leadership Series documenting the journeys of 167 Filipina women authors from 16 countries was honored for her enduring leadership and commitment to amplifying Filipina women voices across the globe.
“When I began bringing together our leadership journeys, I wasn’t just collecting stories,” said Dr. Beebe. “I was listening to the heartbeat of a global sisterhood — 167 voices strong, across 16 countries — each one a spark of courage, resilience, and love for community.”
“My legacy is written not in numbers or awards, but in the hearts of every Filipina woman who dared to dream — and in the hands of those who continue to lead.”
2025 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World™
BUILDER: ARCHITECT OF CHANGE
This award goes to the Filipina woman who not only dreams of a better world but lays the foundation stone by stone, leading with heart, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, and celebrating a Filipina woman leader who constructs bridges to the future with her remarkable organizational prowess. Recognized for her spirit and dedication to collaboration, driving measurable results, the Builder awardee reshapes the landscape of corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies.
A Builder is redefining the essence of leadership and leaving a lasting impact on her organization and community.
Christine Catipon, PsyD, Staff Psychologist, Stanford University — Healthcare (USA)
Jacqueline Aquiler Ciron Angeles, MD, COO, Healthway FEU-NRMF Medical Center — Healthcare (Philippines)
Judy Patacsil, PsyD, Faculty Equity Coordinator (Ret.), Palomar College — Education (USA)
June Magallanes, MD, Executive Director, 777 Yosemite, LLC — Finance (USA)
Kristel Acacio, PhD, Founder & Principal Coach, Reverie Leadership Coaching — Consulting (USA)
Lourdes V. Moldre, Nurse Executive Patient Care Director, UCSF Health — Healthcare (USA)
Lourds Adalia-Evertse, Owner, Spice Grill — Food & Beverage (UAE)
Meredith Curry, MBA, Principal Consultant, AdvancED Consulting — Consulting (USA)
Shelene Atanacio, Global Real Estate Advisor, The Shelene Group Real Estate Team — Education (USA)
FOUNDER & PIONEER: THE GROUNDBREAKER
This award honors a Filipina woman who serves as the chief executive, president, executive director, or founder of a company, nonprofit, or business venture she helped launch, build, or significantly grow. An entrepreneur who has blazed new trails and groundbreaking ventures that reflect a commitment to innovation and growth.
This award recognizes those who harness resources, creativity, and technology, turning visions into reality and leading by example to inspire bold, innovative leadership.
Aya Garcia Shlachter, CEO, MGS Global LLC — Design (USA)
Jen Capones Tongco, Founder & CEO, Netrust Philippines Corporation — Science & Technology (Philippines)
Stephanie Reese, Singer, Actress & Philanthropist, Arts and Humanities Bainbridge — Entertainment (USA)
INNOVATOR & THOUGHT LEADER: pioneer of progress
This award honors the Filipina woman whose groundbreaking contributions have redefined industries and dares to think differently. From disrupting traditional business models to revolutionizing art, literature, and science, inspiring innovation and fostering advancements that change the way we live, and whose inventive spirit and visionary ideas have created waves of change, touching lives and shaping the future.
Estrella Parker, Chief People Officer, Cupertino Electric, Inc. — Construction (USA)
Gwendolyn Bamba Baquiran, Assistant Superintendent Student Services, San Benito County Office of Education — Education (USA)
Jelynn Malone, Chief Branding & Marketing Officer + Co-Founder, Mostra Coffee, Inc. — Retail & Consumer Goods (USA)
Lynne Lourdes N. Lucena, MD, Neurosurgeon, Bicol Regional Hospital & Medical Center — Healthcare (Philippines)
Mila Sprouse, EdD, Chief Nursing Officer (Regional), Providence Regional Medical Center — Healthcare (USA)
POLICYMAKER & VISIONARy: the strategist
This award honors the Filipina woman leader at the forefront of change whose strategic and business acumen have significantly influenced policy and innovation. She enriches her constituents’ lives by sharing her knowledge and experiences driving business, industry, and society progress. She is a leader whose foresight and decision-making sculpt a more prosperous and inclusive future.
Dona Taguinod, Managing Director, ISA Australia Education & Migration Consultancy — Consulting (AUS)
Hon. Vilma Balle Caluag, Mayor, City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga — Government (Philippines)
KEEPERS OF THE FLAME
Sustaining Global Pinay Power is quite daunting. As the excitement dies down and the reality of executing FWN’s Vision sets in, many drop out, and others pick up the torch. The Keepers of the Flame are the caretakers who ensure the FWN Vision is kept alive.
This category is reserved for FWN Board Directors and Lifetime Awardees who have demonstrated long-term volunteer work for FWN.
Benel Se-Liban, Managing Partner, JBC Group — USA
Gina Atienza, Chair, SunStar Management Inc. — Philippines
Hon. Juslyn Manalo, Former Mayor & Councilmember, City of Daly City — USA
Lorna Patajo-Kapunan, Esq., Partner, Kapunan & Castillo Law Offices — Philippines
Marily Mondejar, Founder & CEO, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network — USA
Marla De Castro Rausch, CEO & President, Animation Vertigo — USA
EXECUTIVE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Cora Tellez, Board Chair and Founder, Sterling Administration — USA
Natalie Garcia Lashinsky, Esq., Partner, Litigation & Business, Husch Blackwell LLP — USA
Susie Quesda, President, Ramar Foods — USA
Together, they embodied what Marily Mondejar had declared from the stage:
“We are 800 strong across 33 countries, and we’re just getting started.”
The lights dimmed. The applause echoed. And in that golden room, every Filipina woman leader knew — this was not the end of a summit, but the dawn of a new era of Pinay Power, the next 25 years.
FWN Calls for Transparency Re Philippines DPWH Corruption Revelations
News Advisory: Viral Health Advocate and 22 International Authors Converge in San Francisco for Groundbreaking Leadership Event
NEWS ADVISORY: Facebook sensation Laarni San Juan, RN (U.S. FWN100™ 2007), to be named Northern California Ambassador as new book featuring immigrant women's triumph stories launches
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A registered nurse whose candid documentation of her shingles battle captivated hundreds of thousands on Facebook will be officially appointed as the Filipina Women's Network Ambassador for Northern California at a high-profile leadership event featuring 22 accomplished authors from six countries.
Laarni San Juan, RN, MPH (U.S. FWN100™ 2007), gained national attention when her raw, honest posts about experiencing shingles went viral, sparking crucial conversations about women's health. Now a sought-after advocate who encourages Filipina women and anyone 50 years and older to talk to their providers about shingles symptoms and risks, San Juan will be formally recognized at DISRUPTing Northern California on Thursday, June 26.
The evening event at San Francisco's prestigious Yerba Buena Center for the Arts will simultaneously launch DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading With Intersectionality, a powerful 526-page anthology featuring first and second-generation immigrant women who have shattered barriers across race, class, gender, poverty, violence, religion, and education.
"These aren't just success stories – they're survival stories that became triumph stories," said event organizer Sheilani Alix.
"From poverty to political office, from self-doubt to boardroom leadership, these 22 women from Canada, Japan, Philippines, Switzerland, the UK, and the US prove that our differences are our superpowers."
The anthology arrives at a pivotal moment when discussions about intersectionality and immigrant experiences dominate national discourse. Authors include leaders across law, healthcare, finance, government, consulting, and education who will be present for readings, panel discussions, and networking.
Media opportunities include:
Exclusive interviews with viral health advocate Laarni San Juan
Access to international authors with compelling immigrant success stories
Photo opportunities during the ambassadorial ceremony
Networking with prominent Filipina leaders across industries
The event promises authentic Filipino cuisine alongside substantive conversations about leadership, resilience, and community building in immigrant communities.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: DISRUPTing Northern California - Ambassador ceremony, book launch, author readings, and leadership networking
When: Thursday, June 26, 2025, 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco
Registration: https://ffwn.org/event-6200138 ($35 members, $45 guests - includes book)
Media Contact: Isabelle Santiago
Foundation for Filipina Women's Network
Phone: +1 415.610.6637
Email: filipina@ffwn.org
Visual Assets: https://bit.ly/4jvJovS
About the Foundation for Filipina Women's Network
The Foundation for Filipina Women's Network empowers Filipina women through leadership development, professional networking, and community building across the United States and internationally.
News advisory: Cebu (June 10) and Manila (June 18)
NEWS ADVISORY: Filipina Women Leaders Defy Global DEI Backlash with Historic Unity Events
WHAT: As major corporations retreat from diversity initiatives, the Foundation for Filipina Women's Network (FWN) hosts two defiant gatherings showcasing why intersectional leadership matters more than ever. Events feature ambassador appointments, launch of "DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading With Intersectionality," and high-profile government speakers.
WHY IT MATTERS NOW:
Counter-narrative to US anti-DEI movement affecting Google, Meta, McDonald's
22 authors from 6 countries prove intersectionality drives innovation
Filipina model offers blueprint for global women's leadership during backlash
526-page anthology demonstrates economic value of inclusive leadership
CEBU EVENT - "DISRUPTing Cebu"
WHO: Dame Mariquita Yeung (FWN Ambassador appointee for Cebu), Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, Justice Geraldine Faith Econg (Keynote)
WHEN: Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 3:00-6:00 PM
WHERE: Radisson Blu Hotel, Cebu
FORMAT: Afternoon Tea, ambassadorial ceremony, book launch, intersectional leadership discussions
FEATURED AUTHORS & READERS:
Cebu Highlights:
Marily Mondejar (from San Francisco, California) - FWN Founder & CEO, "Filipina Women Leaders: Disrupting Stereotypes"
Gina Garcia Atienza - SunStar Publishing Chairman, "When the New Year Comes in October"
Janette Nellie Chiu - Nutrivalue Technologies Inc. President, “Innovator by Happenstance”
Maria Santos Greaves (from Vancouver, Canada) - Surrey Hearing Care Owner, "Find Ability in Disability"
Melanie Ng - Ng Khai Development Corporation, Executive Vice President, reading “Charina Amunategui: I AM ENOUGH”
Marylou Ngo Ang - Owner, Magna CMGN Solutions, reading “Rohanee Zapanta: Identity, Law & Justice”
Dame Mariquita Yeung - MSY Foundation, reading "Angelica Berrie: Becoming Ruth: A Transformational Journey"
MANILA EVENT - "DISRUPTing Manila"
WHO: Rosemarie Rafael (FWN Ambassador appointee for Manila), Senator Risa Hontiveros (Keynote)
WHEN: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
WHERE: Umu, Dusit Thani Hotel, Manila
FORMAT: Executive Brunch, ambassadorial ceremony, book launch, resistance leadership dialogues
Manila Powerhouses:
Lorna Kapunan, Esq. – Women’s Advocate, "Been There -- Done That!"
Rosemarie Rafael - Airspeed Chairperson, "Lead Like the Bamboo"
Regina Berba, MD - UP Physician, "People Giving Hope: Ten PGH Champions during COVID-19"
Nora Kakilala Terrado – former USEC, Department of Trade and Industry, Carelon Global Founder, "Fifty Years of Pivots and Synergies"
Marla de Castro Rausch - Animation Vertigo CEO, Navigating Dual Worlds: A Filipina Leader’s Journey of Resilience and Creativity
Senator Risa Hontiveros' keynote at the Manila event represents the pinnacle of political validation for the FWN movement. As one of the Philippines' most influential senators and a consistent champion of women's rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and social justice, she embodies intersectional leadership in action.
STORY ANGLES:
How Filipina leaders respond to global DEI rollbacks
Intersectionality as economic advantage, not political liability
Government leaders championing inclusive leadership
International network building during divisive times
Success stories proving diversity drives innovation
Author spotlights from logistics, law, healthcare, education, media industries
AVAILABILITY:
Ambassador interviews available
DISRUPT 5.0 advance copies for review
Government speaker availability (limited)
Author spotlights from 6 countries
Behind-the-scenes access to event preparation
REGISTRATION:
Cebu: https://ffwn.org/event-6184002
Manila: https://ffwn.org/event-6188880
Investment: $35 Members (₱1,945) / $45 Guests (₱2,500) (includes book)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Isabelle Santiago
Foundation for Filipina Women's Network
Phone: +1 415.610.6637 | Email: filipina@ffwn.org
VISUAL ASSETS: