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!
