Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network announces its 2025-2026 FWN Global Ambassadors

EPAHAYAGAN #877

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, January 15, 2025 – The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) selects Global Ambassadors for 2025-2026! These remarkable women, each a beacon of excellence in their fields, are stepping forward to champion Filipina women leadership and amplify FWN’s initiatives worldwide. Global Ambassadors serve for two years.

The FWN Ambassadors, selected from the distinguished circle of the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Awardees in Good Standing, will serve as key influencers and representatives of FWN in their respective regions. They will collaborate with the FWN Board to spearhead impactful programs and initiatives that elevate the visibility and influence of Filipina women globally.

Meet the 2025-2026 FWN Global Ambassadors:

• Ellen Samson
  Geriatric Care Manager and President, American Geriatric, President, Filipino American Chamber of Commerce - Greater Los Angeles

  Global FWN100™ 2019

  FWN Ambassador to Southern California

• Laarni San Juan, RN, MPH

  Public Health Nurse, San Mateo County
  US FWN100™ 2007
  FWN Ambassador to Northern California
  

• Leonora Galleros
  CPA, Galleros Robinson CPAs, LLP
  Global FWN100™ 2019
  FWN Ambassador to New York
  

• Mariquita Yeung
  Founder and Chairperson, Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation Inc.
  Global FWN100™ 2019
  FWN Ambassador to Cebu, Philippines
  

• Myla Arceno
  Councillor, Former Mayor of Stevenage, England
  Global FWN100™ 2022
  FWN Ambassador to London, United Kingdom
  

• Rosemarie Rafael
  Chairperson & President, Airspeed Group of Companies
  Global FWN100™ 2023
  FWN Ambassador to Manila, Philippines
  

• Sofia Aragon
  Executive Director, Washington Center for Nursing

  Mayor and Councilmember (former), Burien City Council, Washington
  Global FWN100™ 2022

  FWN Ambassador to Washington

Empowering Filipina Women,
One Initiative at a Time

The Ambassador Club's primary goal is to amplify FWN's initiatives that are shaping the image of Filipina women worldwide. Ambassadors will promote FWN's five key program areas:

1. FWN Branding

2. Social Justice and Civil Rights

3. Coalition Building

4. Leadership Development

5. Filipina Culture Awareness

“As one of the inaugural ambassadors for FWN, the title comes with responsibility and pride. May our efforts and contributions be an inspiration and pave the way for the next FWN ambassadors,” said Edith Winterhalter, 2023-2024 FWN Ambassador to Southern California. This legacy continues with the 2025-2026 Ambassadors, whose leadership and dedication will propel FWN’s vision into the future.

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About the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network is a U.S. nonprofit committed to increasing the influence of Filipina women globally. Through femtorship, leadership initiatives, and advocacy, FWN empowers the next-generation Filipina women leaders. More at www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org

Media Contact:
Isabelle Santiago
Senior Fellow, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network
+1 415.610.6637
filipina@ffwn.org

Pinay Power Moves: Mid January Updates from our FWN Sisters

EPAHAYAGAN #876

SAN FRANCISCO, January 15, 2025 – The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) is excited to celebrate the ongoing success and contributions of our FWN sisters who are making a profound impact across the globe. FWN proudly honors these remarkable efforts, as they continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Filipina women leaders.

December 7, 2024. Read full feature on Asian American Media, Inc.

jESSICA CALOZA

Global FWN100™ 2021

Jessica Caloza, Global FWN100™ 2021, has been elected to California’s State Assembly, becoming the first Filipina to hold this position in the state. Representing the 52nd District, which includes cities such as West Covina, Baldwin Park, and El Monte, Caloza’s election marks a significant milestone in California’s political history.

Caloza brings extensive experience to her new role, having served in leadership positions within Los Angeles city government, including as the first Filipina commissioner for the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.

Join us to honor Jessica Caloza and celebrate her monumental achievement.

Date: SUNDAY, January 26, 2025
Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Venue: Los Angeles River Center & Gardens
RSVP REQUIRED: https://bit.ly/AsmCalozaRSVP

December 28, 2024. Read full feature on Inquirer.Net.

nikki fortunato bas

Global FWN100™ 2021

Nikki Fortunato Bas, Global FWN100™ 2021, has been appointed as interim mayor of Oakland, California, becoming the first Filipina to hold the role. On January 6, 2025, she was sworn in as the first Filipino American Alameda County supervisor.

Since 2019, Bas has served on the Oakland City Council, including as council president, focusing on affordable housing, tenant protections, worker rights, and community safety. As interim mayor, she will address critical issues such as housing affordability, economic development, and public safety, continuing her commitment to equitable and inclusive governance.

giovannie espiritu

Global FWN100™ 2021

Giovannie Espiritu, a Global FWN100™ 2021 and 2021 Face of Global Pinay Power, is set to debut her latest project, MAID TO SHINE, on the FilAm TV Network in February 2025. The six-episode romantic comedy spotlights a Filipina maid in Las Vegas who discovers her hidden talent, blending humor, romance, and cultural authenticity to deliver an inspiring and entertaining story.

December 13, 2024. Read full feature on Business Insider.

joanne de asis benitez

Global FWN100™ 2023

Joanne De Asis Benitez, Global FWN100™ 2023, has been appointed as an independent director at Del Monte Pacific Limited, taking on the critical role of chair for the Audit and Risk Committee. With a distinguished background in finance and strategic leadership, she brings a wealth of expertise to the company during this transformative period. Her leadership reflects Del Monte Pacific’s commitment to strong governance and rigorous oversight.

This appointment marks a significant milestone as the company concludes a transition in its board composition, ushering in a renewed focus on accountability and innovation.

December 13, 2024. Full feature on B-Town Blog.

SOFIA ARAGON

Global FWN100™ 2022

Sofia Aragon, Global FWN100™ 2022, Executive Director of the Washington Center for Nursing and former Mayor of Burien (2022–2023), addressed attendees at the 8th Annual Air & Noise Community Celebration organized by the Sea-Tac Airport Community Coalition for Justice (STACC4J).

With her background as a registered nurse and her work chairing the Burien Airport Committee during her time on the city council, Aragon highlighted the health impacts of airport-related air and noise pollution on local communities. She emphasized the importance of integrating public health considerations into environmental policies to mitigate these issues. In her current role, Aragon focuses on advancing nursing leadership and addressing healthcare workforce challenges, bringing a unique perspective to discussions about the intersection of health and environmental justice.

December 17, 2024. Read full feature on Manila Standard.

MARY JOY ABAQUIN

Global FWN100™ 2021

Mary Joy Abaquin, Global FWN100™ 2021 and FWN Global Ambassador 2022-2024, continues to drive innovation in education through the Multiple Intelligence International School’s MI Kids Can! Bazaar #4GreenPH Eco-Bazaar and Thrift Market. Held on December 1 at UP Town Center, Ayala Malls, the event attracted over 1,000 attendees, offering students a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial skills.

The school is also making strides toward a sustainable future with the upcoming opening of its Parklinks Campus for Leadership in Sustainable Development in Pasig City for the 2025-2026 school year. The new state-of-the-art campus will provide a globally competitive and progressive education, addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.

ACTION NOW

• Send our way exciting updates about your career, business, or advocacy work.

• If you, or a Filipina woman elected that you know, is an appointed official at the city, state, or federal level in any country, please send the details so we can feature you on https://filipinawomensnetwork.org/elected-and-appointed-officials.

• If you are awarded a grant or accepted into an accelerator or fellowship, share with us your news.

Send your updates, along with photos and complete details, to epahayagan@ffwn.org by January 27, 2025. We look forward to celebrating your success!

Herstory’s Been Made! Celebrate California Assemblymember Jessica Caloza’s (Global FWN100™ 2021) Swearing-in on January 26 @ Los Angeles River Center & Gardens

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) proudly announces a monumental achievement in Filipina women US leadership:

Jessica Caloza (Global FWN100™ 2021) has shattered the California State Capitol's marble ceiling as the first Filipina woman ever elected to the California State Assembly!

Appointed as Assistant Majority Whip of the California State Assembly by Speaker Robert Rivas, Jessica cements her role as a top force in California’s legislature.

Join us to honor Jessica Caloza, Global FWN100™ 2021, and celebrate her monumental achievement!

Date: SUNDAY, January 26, 2025
Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Venue: Los Angeles River Center & Gardens
RSVP REQUIRED: https://bit.ly/AsmCalozaRSVP

Let’s come together to commemorate this historic achievement.

Filipina women are at the forefront of US political leadership.

REGISTER BEFORE JAN 28: Becoming An Effective Femtor (Career Coach) and Femtee with Michelle Florendo, Decision Engineer,(Global FWN100™ 2015)

Being a successful Femtor is a role to help your Femtees navigate their careers and put their career goals on the right track. It’s a responsibility, an opportunity to shape futures, and a commitment to uplift her career.

Does your Femtee have a job or a career? An important differentiation to be mindful as an effective Femtor: A Femtor is an independent relationship with their Femtee not one based on authority or power. But how do you ensure your efforts truly make an impact?

If you're a Femtee, learn how you can maximize your time with your Femtor. Are you clear on your career goals? Are you willing to make a commitment?

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 7:00 AM PST, join us in Becoming An Effective Femtor (Career Coach) and Femtee with Michelle Florendo, Global FWN100™ 2015, an expert decision coach who has spent 15 years helping high-achieving professionals navigate complex decisions with clarity and purpose.

Why does this matter?

The FemtorMatch™ program is a global movement—a commitment to empower Filipina women across generations and geographies to lead boldly, femtor purposefully, and create lasting change. This session isn’t about abstract concepts; it’s about the real tools and mindset shifts you need to make your role count.

Ready to take the next step?

Register in advance for this meeting: https://filipinawomensnetwork.zoom.us/meeting/register/D6dU7_fAQpC4zRqQFO4KUw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Check your time zone:

• January 28, 7:00 AM PST - California, Washington, Vancouver

• January 28, 9:00 AM CST - Manitoba

• January 28, 10:00 AM EST - Toronto, New York, Washington DC

• January 28, 3:00 PM GMT - London, Dublin

• January 28, 4:00 PM CET - Zurich, Berlin, Stockholm, Amsterdam

• January 28, 7:00 PM +04 - Dubai, Abu Dhabi

• January 28, 11:00 PM PHST - Manila, Cebu, Davao

• January 28, 11:00 PM HKT - Hong Kong

• January 28, 11:00 PM +08 - Singapore

• January 29, 12:00 AM JST - Tokyo

• January 29, 2:00 AM AEDT - New South Wales, Australia

Join us and together, let’s #HelpHerRise.

“Running Your Business While Caring for Your Aging Parents” on Dec 12, 2024 @ PCCI Headquarters, BGC

Calling our FWN sisters and male allies in the Philippines!

Join us for a powerful afternoon of learning, inspiration, and connection as we proudly present "Running Your Business While Caring for Your Aging Parents" led by Ellen Samson, Global FWN100™ 2019, and organized by Rosemarie Rafael, Global FWN100™ 2023.

This workshop is designed to equip you with essential tools to balance caregiving responsibilities and professional life while maintaining your well-being.

Event Details:

Date: December 12, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Venue: PCCI Headquarters, BGC, Taguig City
PCCI Member Fee: PHP 1,000
Non-Member Fee: PHP 1,200

workshop highlights:

Let’s come together to support Ellen, whose deep expertise and heartfelt approach to caregiving and leadership have inspired so many. This workshop is your opportunity to gain actionable strategies that empower you to:

• Balance the demands of running a business while caring for aging parents.

• Communicate effectively with loved ones living with dementia.

• Maintain your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Your presence strengthens our collective resolve to address these shared challenges while honoring the sisterhood of our FWN community.

Seats are Limited—Claim Yours Today!

Email: info@americangeriatric.com
Visit: www.americangeriatric.com

Share this opportunity with your network and together, we’ll create solutions that lift us all.

FWN100™ Awardees Honored for Their Exceptional Contributions Across the Globe

SAN FRANCISCO, December 4, 2024 - The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) proudly celebrates the incredible achievements of Filipina women leaders who continue to redefine excellence in their fields and inspire women across the globe. These exceptional individuals, all esteemed FWN100™ awardees, exemplify the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of Filipina women worldwide.

See here the highlights of the recently concluded Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) 2024 Conference here.

Atty. Lorna Kapunan

Global FWN100™ 2016

Atty. Lorna Kapunan continues to leave her mark as a staunch advocate for justice and intellectual property law. Last November 18-21, 2024, she played a key role in the success of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) 2024 Conference, which gathered 1,400 participants from around the world in Manila.

Watch Kathleen Liechtenstein’s full interview of Bilyonaryo Channel here.

Kathleen Liechtenstein

Global FWN100™ 2023

Kathleen Liechtenstein, Global FWN100™ 2023, is a visionary leader in Philippine arts and culture. As the President of Ballet Philippines, she is steering the organization into its 55th season with a spectacular production of Peter Pan at Solaire Ballet Philippines. Kathleen has masterfully balanced innovation and tradition, delivering performances that captivate audiences of all ages.

Read full feature here.

Dr. Joyce Javier

Global FWN100™ 2018

Dr. Joyce Javier, Global FWN100™ 2018, continues to redefine what it means to serve and inspire. Her inclusion in Alta: A Human Atlas of the City of Angels, a groundbreaking multimedia project, is a testament to her impact. Handpicked by a curatorial committee composed of distinguished leaders from across Los Angeles County, Dr. Javier was selected for her significant contributions to the city and her embodiment of society's highest ideals of service. Alta highlights the stories of 100 changemakers who are shaping the fabric of Los Angeles through their extraordinary efforts.

Check out here the full list of Top Marketeers to Watch in MENA 2025 by The Brandberries.

Roxane Magbanua

Global FWN100™ 2017

Roxane Magbanua is making waves in the global marketing industry. Recently recognized as one of The Luminaries: Top Marketeers to Watch in MENA 2025 by The Brandberries, Roxane is setting new benchmarks in branding and strategy across the Middle East and North Africa.

Read full feature here.

Lenore R. S. Lim

US FWN100™ 2009

Lenore R. S. Lim, USa luminary in the world of visual arts, continues to push boundaries and celebrate Filipino heritage through her groundbreaking work. Featured in Manila Standard, her latest exhibition, Leaves, Lace, and Legacy: The Art of Lenore R. S. Lim, is now on display at Gallery XVII of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. Running until March 2, 2025, the exhibit takes its place inside a gallery dedicated to women artists—a rare and powerful space within an institution traditionally dominated by men.

Their stories are more than individual triumphs. They are collective testaments to the strength of the Filipina spirit, a celebration of heritage, and a call to action for women everywhere to rise, create, and lead with unwavering determination.

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About the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN)

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network is a U.S. nonprofit committed to increasing the influence of Filipina women globally. Through femtorship, leadership initiatives, and advocacy, FWN empowers the next-generation Filipina women leaders. More at www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org

Media Contact:

Isabelle Santiago
Senior Fellow, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network
+1 415.610.6637
filipina@ffwn.org

Philippine Embassy, Australia, Celebrates FWN’s Annual Filipina Leadership Global Summit

SAN FRANCISCO, November 28, 2024 – FWN receives a distinguished feature in the Philippine Embassy in Australia’s official press release, highlighting the success of the 20th Annual Filipina Leadership Global Summit. Held in Sydney from 27-31 October 2024,, this milestone event gathered Filipina women leaders worldwide to share their journeys and discuss the transformative impact of technology under the theme, “FemTech Futures: AI and Tech Revolution.”

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega delivered a keynote address that emphasized technology’s potential to amplify women’s voices and drive societal change. Highlighting the Philippines’ National AI Strategy Roadmap and the Center for AI Research, she championed education, innovation, and ethical governance as pillars for building a sustainable future. The Ambassador also joined a fireside chat with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Assistant Secretary for the Southeast Asia Maritime Branch Jane Duke exploring AI’s role in diplomacy and the robust cybersecurity partnership between the Philippines and Australia.

The Summit showcased FWN’s vision of empowering Filipina women to redefine leadership across industries and communities. Participants engaged in business meetings, learning journeys, and networking opportunities with local leaders, fostering a global pipeline of impactful partnerships and mentorships. The event celebrated the 2024 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World™ Awards, honoring women who have shattered glass ceilings and driven transformative change.

Read the Embassy’s full press release here.

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About the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN)

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network is a U.S. nonprofit committed to increasing the influence of Filipina women globally. Through femtorship, leadership initiatives, and advocacy, FWN empowers the next-generation Filipina women leaders. More at www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org

About the filipina leadership Global Summit

The Filipina Leadership Global Summit convenes a select group of Filipina women leaders, influencers, and public figures from the 34 FWN member countries to participate in business meetings, learning journeys including meetups with local corporate and community leaders, elected and appointed officials. These connections have created apowerful network of business partnerships, mentorships and collaborations. The summit has inspired a wave of ideas that has reshaped our Filipina world and birthed a networking pipeline thru reciprocal relationships, significant work and philanthropy. More at www.filipinasummit.org

Media Contact:

Isabelle Santiago
Senior Fellow, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network
+1 415.610.6637
filipina@ffwn.org

Let Filipina Women RISE: Join FWN’s GivingTuesday Campaign to #HelpHerRise

Empower the Next Generation of Filipina Leaders – Sponsor a FEMtee for $300 or Become a Corporate Sponsor for $10,000

SAN FRANCISCO, November 26, 2024 – The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) proudly launches its GivingTuesday campaign with #HelpHerRise, a transformative initiative under its FemtorMatch™ program. This campaign invites individuals and corporations to invest in the future of Filipina women leaders through structured femtorship—pairing FEMtors™ (female mentors) with FEMtees™ (female mentees) to unlock their full potential.

GivingTuesday, celebrated on December 3, 2024, is your opportunity to create ripples of change. With $300, individuals can sponsor a FEMtee and fund six months of impactful one-on-one femtoring sessions. Corporations can amplify their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by becoming a Corporate Sponsor for $10,000, representing their support for empowering Filipina women globally. Corporate sponsors will also have their logos prominently displayed on the FemtorMatch™ website, showcasing their dedication to creating equitable opportunities for women leaders.

Why #HelpHerRise Matters

The FemtorMatch™ program is more than mentorship—it’s a catalyst for transformation. By sponsoring a FEMtee or supporting the program as a corporate partner, you’ll help break systemic barriers, amplify diverse voices, and create pathways for Filipina women to lead with courage and intersectionality. Your sponsorship will enable aspiring leaders to gain skills, confidence, and the network they need to thrive in corporate, government, or community settings.

How You Can Help

1. Sponsor a FEMtee: Your $300 donation funds six months of structured femtoring for a Filipina emerging leader.

1. Corporate Sponsorship: A $10,000 contribution reflects your organization’s commitment to advancing DEI initiatives while supporting the next generation of Filipina leaders. Corporate sponsors will be prominently recognized on the FemtorMatch™ website.

2. Spread the Word: Share your support on social media with #HelpHerRise and #GivingTuesday, tagging @FilipinaWomen.

3. Contact FWN to learn more about availing corporate sponsorship.

Every Filipina leader has a story waiting to unfold—this GivingTuesday, help write hers.

About the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN)

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network is a U.S. nonprofit committed to increasing the influence of Filipina women globally. Through femtorship, leadership initiatives, and advocacy, FWN empowers the next-generation Filipina women leaders. More at www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org

About FemtorMatch™

FEMtorMatch™ is the Filipina Women’s Network’s strategy for developing the next generation of Filipina women leaders through local and global partnerships between female mentors, FEMtors™, and female mentees, FEMtees™. FEMtorMatch™ provides structured one-on-one femtoring that harnesses the power of the Internet to broaden and deepen the reach of traditional mentoring. Thus, both FEMtors™ and FEMtees™ can reside anywhere in the world.

This GivingTuesday, let’s unite to elevate Filipina women—one sponsorship, one FEMtee, one corporate partner, one story at a time.

Media Contact
Isabelle Santiago
Senior Fellow, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network
Phone: +1 415.610.6637
Email: filipina@ffwn.org