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.
