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:

On June 18, FWN officially confirms Rosemarie Rafael as fWN Ambassador for manila at Historic Launch of DISRUPT 5.0

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA | May 14, 2025 – On June 18, 2025, at Dusit Thani Manila, the world will witness history in motion, inside a ballroom alive with Filipina women changemakers boldly redefining the face of leadership.

DISRUPTing Manila is a tribute, a reckoning, and a rising.

We are honored to gather in celebration of Rosemarie P. Rafael (Global FWN100™ 2023), the trailblazing founder and Chairperson of Airspeed, as she is formally confirmed as the FWN Ambassador for Manila.

A visionary leader in the logistics industry, Rosemarie transformed a modest operation, just one van and six employees, into a powerhouse logistics company that is now a vital part of the Philippines’ economic infrastructure. But her most powerful cargo has always been her unwavering belief in the transformative potential of Pinay Power.

More than a corporate success story, Rosemarie Rafael is a tireless advocate for women’s economic empowerment and gender equality. She serves as:

  • Chairperson, Women’s Business Council Philippines

  • Commissioner on Labor, Philippine Commission on Women

  • Treasurer, ARISE Philippines (Alliance for Risk Reduction and Resilience)

Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including:

  • Circle of Excellence, Woman Leader of the Year, ASIA CEO Awards

  • Leader of the Year, Italian Chamber of Commerce

  • Woman of Power, Philippine Daily Inquirer

This event also heralds the official Manila launch of DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading with Intersectionality, the fifth volume in the groundbreaking book series that continues to answer a single burning question:

What happens when Filipina women stop waiting for permission and start designing power on their own terms?

Twenty-two women. Six countries. One shared truth: we are no longer asking for a seat, we are building the whole table. DISRUPT 5.0 is a blueprint for what comes next. The stories in this book confront systems, redefine leadership, and dare us to imagine a world where equity isn’t aspirational, it’s operational.

If you’re ready to be part of what’s next, these DISRUPT 5.0 authors will see you on June 18:

  • Marily Mondejar – Founder and CEO, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network

  • Benel Se Liban – Managing Partner, JBC Group LLC | US FWN100™ 2011, Global FWN100™ 2022

  • Grace Jamon – President, Lapu-Lapu Cebu International College | Global FWN100™ 2022

  • Lorna Kapunan, Esq. – Owner and Lawyer, Kapunan & Castillo Law Offices | Global FWN100™ 2016

  • Mary Joy Abaquin – Founding Directress, Multiple Intelligence International School | Global FWN100™ 2021

  • Nora Kakilala Terrado – Founder, Caroleon Global Solutions Philippines | Global FWN100™ 2016

  • Regina Berba, MD, MSc – Infectious Disease Physician and Professor 1, University of the Philippines | Global FWN100™ 2022

  • Rhodora Palomar Fresnedi – Founder, President, CEO, Sunshine Farm Philippines | Global FWN100™ 2019

  • Rosemarie Rafael – Chairperson and President, Airspeed Group of Companies | Global FWN100™ 2023

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

Dame Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung to be confirmed FWN Ambassador for Cebu; DISRUPT 5.0 Launch Spotlights Global pinay Power at Afternoon Tea Tribute

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA | May 14, 2025 – The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) proudly announces DISRUPTing Cebu, a special afternoon tea and tribute event to be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM, at the 5th Floor of MSY Tower, Pescadores Road, Cebu Business Park.

This celebratory gathering honors the remarkable legacy and leadership of Dame Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung (Global FWN100™ 2019), one of the Philippines’ most revered philanthropic figures, as she is formally confirmed as the FWN Ambassador for Cebu.

The event also marks the official Cebu launch of DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading with Intersectionality — the fifth volume in the acclaimed DISRUPT Filipina Leadership Book Series. This anthology spotlights the powerful personal stories of 22 Filipina changemakers across six countries who are breaking through barriers, leading boldly, and changing systems from within.

Honoring a Visionary: Dame Mariquita Yeung

Born in Medellin, Cebu, Dame Mariquita Yeung’s journey from modest beginnings to global impact is a powerful testament to purpose-driven leadership. Guided by her father’s enduring belief that “no one is ever so poor or small as not to be able to give something of oneself,” she established the MSY Charitable Foundation, Inc., transforming lives through health missions, youth programs, and social services for marginalized communities.

In recognition of her trailblazing leadership, FWN will confirm Dame Mariquita as its official Ambassador for Cebu, a role that affirms her ongoing influence in shaping empowered communities rooted in compassion, equity, and service.

Spotlight on Leadership: Featured Authors and Guest Readers at DISRUPTing Cebu

The second highlight of the event is the Cebu launch of DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading with Intersectionality — the fifth volume in the acclaimed DISRUPT Filipina Leadership Book Series.

To mark the occasion, DISRUPTing Cebu features a distinguished lineup of authors and guest readers, most of whom are based in or have strong ties to Cebu.

DISRUPT Authors

  • Marily Mondejar (from San Francisco, California) – Founder and CEO, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network | DISRUPT 1.0–5.0

  • Benel Se Liban (from Los Angeles, California) – Managing Partner, JBC Group LLC | DISRUPT 2.0 & 5.0 | US FWN100™ 2011, Global FWN100™ 2022

  • Gina Garcia Atienza – Chairman, SunStar Publishing Inc. | DISRUPT 4.0 | Global FWN100™ 2016, 2022

  • Grace Jamon – President, Lapu-Lapu Cebu International College | DISRUPT 5.0 | Global FWN100™ 2022

  • Janette Nellie Chiu – President, Nutrivalue Technologies Inc. | DISRUPT 3.0 | Global FWN100™ 2016

Guest Readers

  • Dame Mariquita Yeung – Chairman and Founder, MSY Charitable Foundation, Inc. | Global FWN100™ 2019

  • Jane Panganiban – CFO, Cebu Advent Development Corp. | Global FWN100™ 2022

  • Ma. Teresa Chan – CEO, E-Asia Tech Solutions | Global FWN100™ 2022

  • Maria Corazon Akol – President, Philippine National IT Standards Foundation, Inc. | Global FWN100™ 2024

  • Marylou Ngo Ang – Owner, Magna CMGN Solutions | Global FWN100™ 2024

  • Melanie Ng – EVP, Ng Khai Development Corp. | Global FWN100™ 2016

  • Paulette Liu – SVP, Primary Structures Corp. | Global FWN100™ 2016

  • Stella Bernabe – Region Head, Manulife – STELLAR OCEAN Region | Global FWN100™ 2016

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

Take your Mom to DISRUPTing SoCal for Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea (May 10)

Join us for a moving Mother-Daughter Afternoon Tea on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 2:30 to 5:30 PM at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Whether you come as a mother, daughter, mentor, or friend, this gathering is for you. It’s a space to reflect on where we come from, who we are, and how we continue forward—together.

The tea will be warm. The stories will be inspiring. And the experience will stay with you long after the final sip.

CELEBRATING ELLEN

This evening, we also mark the Southern California launch of DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading with Intersectionality—the latest in the Filipina Leadership Book Series telling the unfiltered stories of Filipina women leaders around the world.

These voices disrupt silence, tradition, and invisibility. They are the voices of daughters and mothers, of trailblazers and truth-tellers. They challenge what leadership looks like—and who gets to claim it.

So bring your mother, your daughter, your mentor, your tribe. Celebrate the women who shaped you—and the ones you’re raising to lead next.

DISRUPTing Southern California DISRUPT 5.0 Book Launch

This evening, we also mark the Southern California launch of DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading with Intersectionality—the latest in the Filipina Leadership Book Series telling the unfiltered stories of Filipina women leaders around the world.

These voices disrupt silence, tradition, and invisibility. They are the voices of daughters and mothers, of trailblazers and truth-tellers. They challenge what leadership looks like—and who gets to claim it.

So bring your mother, your daughter, your mentor, your tribe. Celebrate the women who shaped you—and the ones you’re raising to lead next.

ePahayagan 881: Filipina Women of the World: London, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Manila and Cebu.

Two global cities. One unstoppable movement. The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network ignited the world stage with two back-to-back historic launches of DISRUPT 5.0. Filipina Women Leading With Intersectionality, the fifth book of the Filipina Leadership Series, and confirming the FWN Ambassadors in grand fashion:

  • DISRUPTing United Kingdom and Celebrating Myla Arceno, FWN Ambassador for the UK and and Non-Resident FWN Ambassador for Austria, Ireland, Italy, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Switzerland

  • DISRUPTing New York and Celebrating Leonora Galleros, FWN Ambassador for New York and East Coast States

In London, the Khalili Theatre at SOAS University of London became a sanctuary of history and celebration. Important to note that the University of London has a thriving Philippine Studies Program in the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) led by Dr. Cristina Juan Martinez as its director.

Myla Arceno—FWN Ambassador for the UK and Non-Resident FWN Ambassador for Austria, Ireland, Italy, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Switzerland—was honored in a moving tribute, joined by allies Member of Parliament for Stevenage Kevin Bonavia, London’s Camden District Councillor Lotis Bautista, first Filipina woman elected Councillor, and the Stevenage City Council Leadership Team.

The evening highlighted the voices behind the DISRUPT Filipina Leadership Series on stage. Authors, guest readers, and youth leaders brought to life the words that have sparked change and challenged the limits placed on Filipina women.

Should out to the dynamic Youth Readers, students in various London universities—Darcy Dias, Iryna Paloma Garcia, Lou Mari Mediatrix Ngo Ang, and Mary Sophia Arceno. Their energy was electric. Our next-generation leaders are on their way to amazing heights.

Basking on the energy of the London event, FWN board members Marily Mondejar and Benel Se Liban flew to New York for the April 2nd book launch. Nearly a hundred people filled Kalayaan Hall at the Philippine Center, bearing witness to a night that was electric with pride and purpose. Leonora Galleros, FWN Ambassador for New York and the East Coast States was celebrated for her unwavering leadership, surrounded by a powerful circle of authors and distinguished guest readers from DISRUPT 1.0 through 5.0.

Distinguished guest readers and authors included the Philippine Consul General New York Senen T. Mangalile, Judge Lorna Schofield, Global FWN100™ 2015, first FilAm federal judge of the Southern District of New York in U.S. history, Minerva Tantoco, US FWN100™ 2011, New York City’s first-ever Chief Technology Officer of the City of New York, Charina Amunategui, Global FWN100™ 2023, Lucille Tenazas, Global FWN100™ 2013, Henry Wolf Professor of Communication Design, The New School Parsons. Lucille designed the five book covers of the FWN DISRUPT Leadership Book Series, pro bono, her personal legacy to the Filipina sisterhood.

These aren’t just book readings at a typical book launch. These are global declarations: The Filipina woman is not a footnote in history—she is writing history so next generation leaders know they are standing on the shoulders of courageous women who paved the way for them. She leads. She DISRUPTs. And the world is listening.

NEXT STOP: Los Angeles. Washington. Manila. Cebu.

NEXT STOP: Los Angeles. Washington. Manila. Cebu.

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN: ffwn.org/event-6145469 

⁠⁠June 3: DISRUPTing Manila organized by FWN Ambassador to Manila Rosemarie Rafael

June 6: DISRUPTing ⁠⁠Cebu by FWN Ambassador to Cebu Mariquita Yeung

DISRUPTing ⁠⁠Washington organized by FWN Ambassador to Washington State Sofia Aragon

FWN SPOTLIGHT

 
 
 
 

Benel Se Liban (U.S. FWN100™ 2011, Global FWN100™ 2022) Awarded as One of the Outstanding Women of LOS ANGELES City Club's 16th Annual Luncheon

Trailblazer. Visionary. Changemaker. These words only begin to capture the brilliance of Benel Se-Liban, who was celebrated as one of the Outstanding Women of City Club Los Angeles at its 16th Annual Luncheon held on March 12, 2025.

Benel was honored alongside an inspiring group of women at the prestigious City Club LA — Joan McLane, Schenae Rourk, and Norma Gomez — all recognized for their trailblazing leadership, community impact, and unwavering commitment to empowering others.

 

Carmina Aldana (GLOBAL FWN100™ 2019) Featured on News4JAX: Bridging Communities Through Global Health Leadership

In the feature "‘We saw the need’: How community spirit drives local Filipino American woman’s global mission in health care", Carmina shares how her Jacksonville roots and Filipino upbringing have deeply influenced her commitment to serving vulnerable populations—both locally and around the world.

As the founder of The Neurosurgery Outreach Foundation, Inc. (NOF), Carmina leads with compassion, cultural intelligence, and a bold vision for accessible, community-based healthcare systems. Her work in Mongolia, the Philippines, and Northeast Florida speaks volumes about her ability to mobilize people, resources, and solutions where they're needed most.

 

Dr. Joyce Javier (GLOBAL FWN100™ 2018) Honored by PACCTX for Championing Mental Health and Health Equity in Filipino Communities

In a powerful tribute to women shaping our future, the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas (PACCTX) honored Dr. Joyce Javier during their “Her Legacy, Our Future: Celebrating Women. Inspiring Change.” event.

Dr. Javier is a pioneering researcher who is rewriting narratives in pediatric health and mental wellness, particularly for Filipino American children. Her work champions equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care — creating safer, more supportive environments for families navigating mental health challenges.

 

DR. JACLYN TOLENTINO (Global FWN100™ 2021) FEATURED on SHOUTOUT LA

Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino has been featured in Shoutout LA, where she dives deep into the personal why behind her purpose-driven career as an integrative and holistic physician.

A cancer survivor and advocate for whole-person healing, Dr. Tolentino reminds us that medicine isn’t just about treatment — it’s about transformation.

 

Christine Amour-Levar (Global FWN100™ 2016) Spotlighted in IN Diplomacy for Her Work with Women on a Mission

Christine Amour-Levar has been prominently featured in IN Diplomacy's “Ambassadors of Change” column, where she shares the transformative work of Women on a Mission (WOAM). The interview dives into how WOAM leverages adventure and solidarity to support women affected by violence and inequality—raising over USD 1.5 million through global expeditions. Christine reflects on the healing power of community and the importance of amplifying survivors’ voices.

She reminds us, “True progress depends on the empowerment of women and girls, not just in boardrooms and parliaments, but in refugee camps, rural communities, and urban slums.”

ASK A FILIPINA

In her compelling piece, Margarita Gutierrez (Global FWN100™ 2019) makes one thing clear: mentorship isn’t just guidance — it’s a revolution quietly shaping the next generation of Filipina leaders.

Published in the Daily Tribune, “Mentorship for Leadership Roles” dives deep into the invisible walls Filipino women still face — cultural norms, gender bias, limited access — and offers a powerful tool to dismantle them: mentorship.

“The path to success remains fraught with challenges,” Gutierrez writes, despite the legacies of icons like Corazon Aquino, Loren Legarda, Vilma Santos, and Hidilyn Diaz — women who didn’t just succeed, but redefined what leadership could look like.

Yet thousands of young women remain on the margins, not because they lack potential, but because they lack support. That’s where mentorship becomes transformational.

“Mentors can help young women develop the necessary skills, confidence and connections to overcome obstacles and seize leadership opportunities.”

Organizations like Kababaihan and the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) are doing just that — building bridges, igniting ambition, and creating spaces where women from all walks of life can rise together. FWN’s “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World™” does more than celebrate — it connects. It creates lineage. It passes the torch.

And not all mentorship wears a badge — informal guidance between colleagues, whispered encouragement in boardrooms, or shared wisdom over coffee — these moments matter.

“Mentorship is a powerful catalyst for empowering women and cultivating leadership in the Philippines.”

Gutierrez closes with a powerful truth: mentorship isn’t charity — it’s nation-building. Every empowered woman uplifts a community. Every leader born of mentorship rewrites the rules for the next.

When we invest in women, we invest in the future. And mentorship is how we begin.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1989, Captain Aimee Carandang-Gloria became the first female pilot to operate a commercial flight in Southeast Asia, and later the region's first female airline captain with Philippine Airlines (PAL). To honor her legacy and support aspiring Filipina pilots, PAL launched the "Fly With Her" program in March 2025. This initiative includes scholarships, mentorship, and storytelling efforts, aiming to increase female representation in aviation, where women currently make up only 6% of pilots globally.

ACTION NOW

  • Calling US residents: Are you impacted by the executive orders of the current administration? The rollback of DEI and Accessibility programs? Share your insights and stories. We want to know how you’re managing.

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

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

  • 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 April 20, 2025. Let’s celebrate your success!

See You in New York on April 2nd! Celebrating Nora Galleros' appointment as FWN Ambassador to New York & DISRUPTing New York, Book Launch of DISRUPT 5.0

New York City—a place where dreams are chased and the bold redefine what’s possible before the world even takes notice.

On April 2, 6:30 PM - 8:30PM, join us at the Philippine Consulate General New York, where women who lead and disrupt will gather to celebrate and strengthen Pinay Power!

Celebrating Nora

Leonora Galleros (Global FWN100™ 2019) never waited for permission. She didn’t tiptoe through doors. She built her own, opening them wide for others to walk through.

From the ground up, she forged Galleros Robinson CPA & Advisors into one of the most formidable Minority-and Women-Owned accounting firms in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. 

Her flagship office stands tall on Madison Avenue, but her reach extends far beyond city skylines with a team spanning the U.S. and the Philippines.

Now, as the newly appointed FWN Ambassador to New York/East Coast, her mission stretches even further. She’s igniting a movement, amplifying Pinay Power on a global stage.

DISRUPTing New York

On this rare, historic night, authors who have shaped the DISRUPT Filipina Leadership Series—spanning from the groundbreaking first book in 2014 to the latest release last year—are coming together.

This evening, we’ll spotlight the launch of DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading with Intersectionalityand delve into the powerful, personal stories of first and second-generation Filipina women. These stories speak to their resilience in navigating and overcoming the barriers of race, class, gender, poverty, violence, religion, and education.

This is a moment of transformation. Will you be part of it?

London, Here We Come! Celebrating Myla Arceno's appointment as FWN Ambassador to the UK & DISRUPTing UK, Book Launch of DISRUPT 5.0

Once, the world barely knew the names of Filipina women in leadership. Now, we make sure they are not just known but remembered.

On March 28, from 5-8 PM, we gather at the historic Khalili Theatre, SOAS University of London for two momentous events—Celebrating Myla Arceno’s appointment as FWN Ambassador to the United Kingdom and DISRUPTing United Kingdom, the launch of DISRUPT 5.0: Filipina Women Leading with Intersectionality. The School of Oriental and African Studies) has a Philippine Studies Program headed by Dr. Cristina Martinez Juan.

CELEBRATING MYLA

Born in the small town of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, Philippines, Myla Arceno (Global FWN100™ 2022) defied expectations to become the first Filipina Mayor and Councillor of Stevenage. 

She carries the strength of every Filipina woman who dared to dream beyond boundaries. Now, as FWN Ambassador to the United Kingdom, she steps into a new role—championing Filipina women leaders on the global stage.

DISRUPTing London

Filipina women leadership is not a moment. It is a lifelong movement. On this same night, the voices behind the DISRUPT Filipina Leadership Series take the stage. Authors, guest readers, and youth leaders will bring to life the words that have sparked change and challenged the limits placed on Filipina women.