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:
