Marily Mondejar: Power Moves for Filipina Women Professionals

Filipinas are getting more and more noticed the world over. It's an undeniable fact.

Just take a look back at the year that has passed—we have Hidilyn Diaz winning a silver medal at the Rio Olympics, Geraldine Roman first transgender woman elected to the congressional district of Bataan, Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach bagging the Miss Universe title, Jaclyn Jose making history as the first Filipina to attain a Best Actress award at Cannes Film Festival, and Lea Salonga still reigning on the global theatre stage, to name a few. There's no stopping Filipina women in achieving what they want, making a name not just locally, but also in the international scene.

Filipina Women's Network (FWN) recognizes the potential of every Filipina woman, that's why this year, they've yet again awarded the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the world, topped by Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo. This acknowledgement aims to encourage more Filipina women to lead and take charge in their respective fields, just like these selected outstanding women who changed the face of leadership, locally and abroad. This is in line with the organization's mission to promote their social welfare and advocate for women's rights.

FWN CEO and founder Marily Mondejar shares what women need to do to exercise their rights and power as a female:

1. It should be about you. "You have the potential to change the world—yes, you. We have behind-the-scenes leaders, founders and pioneers, innovators of top leaders, policy makers. Women are part of the emerging leaders in the world."

2. Speak up. "My message to the Filipina women of the world is "speak up". You have got to develop your voice; it is very important. When you attend an event, raise your hand and ask a question because they will remember you for it. Don't be afraid! Don't underestimate yourself. You are contributing to the economy."

3. Dare to lead. "Focus on your competencies. We challenge our contributors to the our leadership book to tell their leadership stories - how they developed their leadership skills, how they got to where are they are because this reflection makes us realize that we do have the skills to get ahead and lead."

4. Learn to say 'no'. "We have an intense feeling to prove ourselves. We like to be prepared, so when we say 'no', it's because we aren't confident to say 'yes'. Sometimes 'you have to fake it until you make it' to overcome our shyness because Filipina women are innately talented!"

5. Build your network. It is important to surround ourselves with supporters. You can not do it alone. You need people to cover your back and to advise you on whatever aspect of your life needs support. Find people who can help you resolve your career issues. Nurture them, get them involved."

News story from ABS-CBN Lifestyle

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12th Filipina Leadership Global Summit #FWNSUMMIT2015 Highlight

The Face of Pinay Power Finalists at the Mayor's Soirée

FWN's 12th Filipina Leadership Global Summit kicked off with a bang! Global FWN100™ awardees convened in San Francisco October 29-31st for three days of memorable Learning Journeys, educational sessions, workshops, Gala celebrations and FWN festivities. Highlights of the Summit included Learning Journeys:

• An exclusive Learning Journey tour of supercomputers at the Lawrence Berkeley Lab hosted by Elizabeth Bautista (Global FWN100™ '15) where executives talked about the latest developments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and how Filipina women can be part of the coolest place on earth to conduct science.

• Private and Public Partnerships on-site Learning Journey at The Shipyard in Hunter's Point convened by Commissioner of Community Investment and Infrastructure (CCII) and FWN CEO Marily Mondejar and Tiffany Bohee, Executive Director, OCII (Global FWN100™ '13). Lennar Urban Executive Vice President Suheil Totah discussed the successful partnership with the City of San Francisco and shared their vision on urban planning for The Shipyard and Candlestick Point that included below market housing, open space, art pieces reflecting The Shipyard's history and created by local artists and a walking tour of the area with a visit to recently completed homes with stunning views of San Francisco Bay. Dr. Veronica Hunnicutt, Mayor's Citizens' Advisory Committee for Community Development, warned us that community representation is very key in the success of public-private partnerships and engaged the summit attendees to be involved and be vigilant in ensuring that the community's interests are incorporated in urban planning projects.

• Charles Schwab was the venue for a full-day of educational sessions hosted by Amar Bornkamp, FWN Board Member. Highlights were the panel discussions on the Summit theme with the powerful Keynote Conversation: FWN2.0 Legacy: Next Generation Leaders. Mothers & Daughters facilitated by Sonia Aranza, CEO, Global Leadership Development (Global FWN100™ '15); the Sharing Economy vs. On-Demand Economy with Annabel Chang, Director of Public Policy, Lyft and Kristie Gan, Senior Director, Shutterfly; the Corporate Men: our allies in gender equality with Steven Hartman, President and CEO, Stonewood Insurance Management Company, Raleigh, NC and Michael Haydel, Senior Vice President, Charles Schwab; and the provocative conversations with the Smart. Young. Unintimidated. Next Generation Leaders. composed of our Global FWN100™ Emerging Leaders.

The last day of the Filipina Summit on October 31st culminated in a number of valuable messages from Summit participants and Global FWN100™ '15 Awardees. Senior VP of Philanthropy at Bank of America Stephanie Lomibao (Global FWN100™ '15) shared the value of honesty in becoming the better version of yourself during the Make Me a Filipina Millionaire: Reinvention, Disruption, Legacy. Brand panel. Lomibao remarked, "In order to grow, you need to have people who give you honest feedback." Insights from the Run Filipina Run: Filipinas For Political Equity panel urged Filipinas not to be complacent and highlighted the collective need for Filipina women to do their individual parts in getting involved in politics.  Information Risk Management & Chief Information Risk Officer, Tess Martillano-Manjares (Global FWN100™ '15)  of BNY Mellon imparted wisdom of the 3 Cs: Cooperate, Communicate, Collaborate during the Make me Filipina CEO: Women at the Top: Are we Achieving Gender Equality and Pay Equity? panel.

Memorable quotes and takeaways from 12th Filipina Leadership Global Summit Attendees and Global FWN100™ '15 Awardees:

Imelda Ortega Anderson, KPRP 650AM Pinoy Power Media in Honolulu, Hawaii, "I'm honored to be part of the Filipina Women's Network (FWN) and my mission is to enrich, enlighten, educate, entertain and empower others..."

Genevieve Villafranca Jopanda, District Director for the Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma,"FWN has done an amazing job of turning a local organization into a global trademark especially with "fem-tor", mentoring program. I'm humbled to be amongst these sheroes..."

Maria Greaves of the Surrey Hearing Care of Surrey, British Columbia on attending the Filipina Summit,"Dream Big! That's all I can say. I've learned a lot. The things I couldn't have imagined beforehand that I'll be involved in FWN with influential people, it's unbelievable...."

Edcelyn Pujol, Frontier Wealth Strategies, "It's always inspiring. I was on the Summit Steering Committee that put this event together, which takes a lot of hard work, but it's worth it! I always leave satisified and rewarded. It always renews me and leaves me inspired..."

Jaymie Tyau of Kailua, Honolulu County, Hawaii stated,"This is my first attending this summit. My mother brought me to this conference. It's been a wonderful experiencing women empowerment and helping set my goals for the future..."

Stephanie Lomibao of Senior Vice President, Philanthropy Manager, Bank of America in Los Angeles, California said of the event, "It's amazing to be among powerful Pinay leaders. I did my best to maximize this experience of a lifetime!"

Tess Martillano-Manjares of BNY Mellon in New York proudly said, "I just learned that I'm not alone in the adventure of leading Filipina women to become leaders, now and in the future..."

Melissa Orquiza's, Composer at Disney Studios, powerful keynote inspired everyone at the gala award as she asked, "What happened to the Filipino classical composer?" and she continued with a moving statement to fellow awardees, "Do not let others tell you you need to change that spark. Only you know what is unique to you, and often times it was a hard event that seemed insurmountable that made you the person you are."

Ramona Diaz, Filmaker, noted, “We are often represented as minor characters, even in our own narratives. We seldom see ourselves represented on the screen in a lead role. I hope to be impactful by changing those expectations and bringing our experiences to a global, mainstream audience." She continues, "The best part of being a Filipina woman leader is 'upending expectations and stereotypes. Being a woman in the film industry is challenging enough. Being a woman of color in the film industry is a double whammy. Every day is about making myself visible and heard.”

At the end of the Summit, Marily Mondejar, Founder & CEO of the Filipina Women's Network stated, "It's gratifying that FWN's vision of shaping the Filipina image is finally here. It's amazing to meet all these accomplished women from all over the world leading change and contributing to society and the business world ...."

Dolly Pangan Specht, of Tigard, Oregon , a volunteer and Global FWN100™ '09 awardee, summed it up, "As a 2009 honoree, this is a good revisit for me to see that the seeds that have been planted have flourished into a thriving forest..."