GLOBAL FWN100™ 2026
The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Award™ recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who are influencing the face of leadership in the global workplace, having reached status for outstanding work in their respective professions, industries and communities. They are recognized for their achievement and contributions to society, femtorship and legacy.
LEADERSHIP
The degree to which the nominee led the initiative, project or activity, demonstrated by behaviors such as setting clear goals, providing guidance, coaching and support, working through obstacles and/or celebrating success.
CHALLENGE
The scope, difficulty and size of the initiative, project or activity.
OWNERSHIP
The degree to which the nominee took ownership of the challenges she faced for the initiative, project or activity, demonstrated by behaviors such as helping define outcomes, setting clear goals, providing guidance, working through obstacles and communicating challenges and successes.
Awardees are selected and determined by averaging scores assigned by the Selection Committee on the criteria described on the nomination form for activities and projects nominee may have initiated or have been involved in her country of residence:
Impact
Innovation
Involvement
Femtorship (mentorship)
Professionalism
Sustainability (of activity or project she may have started or have been involved)
The following scoring has been set up to be consistent across the award categories and the Selection Committee will provide numerical scores for each of the following final selection scoring:
ECONOMIC SECTORS REPRESENTED BY THE NOMINEES
Primary Economic Sector includes industries that produce or extract raw materials: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Farming, Hunting, Mining, Extraction
Secondary Economic Sector includes the manufacturing of natural resources: Construction, Processing, Auto Production, Textiles, Engineering, Energy Utilities
Tertiary Economic Sector includes service industry:
Communication Services, Government (military, law enforcement, politics, public transit), Healthcare, Finance, Food Services, Education,
Entertainment (special events, publishing, motion picture, video & TV, sound and music), Professional Services (Legal, Accounting), Non-profit/non-governmental, Restaurants,
Retail, Travel/Tourism,
Transportation, Wholesale
Quaternary Economic Sector includes knowledge-based and production of information: Consulting Services (interior design, architecture), Information Technology, Financial Planning, Media (journalism), Research & Development, Science
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED BY THE NOMINEES
Canada • Philippines • United States
BUILDER: ARCHITECT OF CHANGE
This award goes to the Filipina woman who not only dreams of a better world but lays the foundation stone by stone, leading with heart, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, and celebrating a Filipina leader who constructs bridges to the future with her remarkable organizational prowess. Recognized for her spirit and dedication to collaboration, driving measurable results, the Builder awardee reshapes the landscape of corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. A Builder is redefining the essence of leadership and leaving a lasting impact on her organization and community.
Luzviminda Banez Miguel, Nursing Faculty/Associate Professor, School of Nursing/University of Hawaii at Hilo, United States [Quarternary Economic Sector: Education] Nominated by: Teresita Batayola
FOUNDER & PIONEER: THE GROUNDBREAKER
This award honors a Filipina woman who serves as the chief executive, president, executive director, or founder of a company, nonprofit, or business venture she helped launch, build, or significantly grow. An entrepreneur who has blazed new trails and groundbreaking ventures that reflect a commitment to innovation and growth. This award recognizes those who harness resources, creativity, and technology, turning visions into reality and leading by example to inspire bold, innovative leadership.
Cherakis Oliveria Amlag, Founder/Co-Owner/Operator, Hood Famous Bakeshop & Hood Famous Cafe + Bar, United States [Tertiary Economic Sector: Restaurants, Food & Beverage] Nominated by: Teresita Batayola
Edith Abuda Sison, President and Broker, Capital Holdings, Inc., United States [Secondary Economic Sector: Real Estate ] Nominated by: Teresita Batayola
M. Cynthia Goh, PhD, Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada [Tertiary Economic Sector: Education] Nominated by: Cymbeline Culiat
Maria Melissa Remulla Briones, Barrister & Solicitor, CEO, Northam Law Corporation, Canada [Tertiary Economic Sector: Professional services] Nominated by: Lenore R.S. Lim
Atty. Marivel Madamba Zialcita, Founder/Owner/Principal Attorney, MMZ Law, United States [Tertiary Economic Sector: Professional services] Nominated by: Rohanee Zapanta
INNOVATOR & THOUGHT LEADER: PIONEER OF PROGRESS
This award honors the Filipina woman whose groundbreaking contributions have redefined industries and dares to think differently. From disrupting traditional business models to revolutionizing art, literature, and science, inspiring innovation and fostering advancements that change the way we live, and whose inventive spirit and visionary ideas have created waves of change, touching lives and shaping the future.
Anna Marie Tancongco Anastacio, Chief Business Development Officer, Sabrina Lake Inc., Philippines [Tertiary Economic Sector: Retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, consumer goods, wholesale] Nominated by: Cymbeline Culiat
Dr Maria Isabel Maniego Atienza, Dean and Chief Academic Officer, St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial, Philippines [Tertiary Economic Sector: Education] Nominated by: Bambi Lorica
POLICYMAKER & VISIONARY: THE STRATEGIST
This award honors the Filipina woman leader at the forefront of change whose strategic and business acumen have significantly influenced policy and innovation. She enriches her constituents’ lives by sharing her knowledge and experiences driving business, industry, and society progress. She is a leader whose foresight and decision-making sculpt a more prosperous and inclusive future.
Sherry Menor, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, United States [Tertiary Economic Sector: Non-profit/non-governmental, community development, social services, social entrepreneurship] Nominated by: Teresita Batayola
Atty. Margarita Ignacia Bendigo Nograles-Almario, Undersecretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, Office of the President of the Philippines; CEO, NICLD Law, Philippines [Tertiary Economic Sector: Professional services] Nominated by: Joji Ilagan-Bian
KEEPERS OF THE FLAME
Sustaining Global Pinay Power is quite daunting. As the excitement dies down and the reality of executing FWN’s Vision sets in, many drop out, and others pick up the torch. The Keepers of the Flame are the caretakers to ensure that the FFWN’s North Star Vision is kept alive: A Filipina Woman Leader in every sector of the global economy. Long-term FWN volunteers and board directors qualify for this award category.
Benel Se Liban, Managing Partner, JBC Group Los Angeles, California. USA, US FWN100™ 2011; Global FWN100™ 2022
Cora Tellez, Board Chair and Founder, Sterling Health Services Administration, Oakland, California. USA, US FWN100™ 2009
Gina Atienza, Chairman of the Board, SunStar Media Group, Cebu. PHILIPPINES, Global FWN100™ 2016; Global FWN100™ 2022
Lorna Kapunan, Esq. Partner, Kapunan & Castillo Law Offices, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. PHILIPPINES, Global FWN100™ 2016; Global FWN100™ 2022
Marily Mondejar, Founder & CEO, Filipina Women’s Network, San Francisco, California. UNITED STATES
Maria Beebe, Ph.D., President, Kaisipan, Naples, Florida. UNITED STATES, Global FWN100™ 2013; Continuing Influential Global FWN100™2019, Hall of Fame Forever Global FWN100™ Influential 2025
Natalie Garcia Lashinsky, Partner, Husch Blackwell, San Francisco, California. USA Global FWN100™ 2021
Susie Quesada, President, Ramar Foods International, Pittsburg, California. UNITED STATES, US FWN100 ’07, Global FWN100™ ’13