Most Influential

FILIPINA WOMEN in the U.S.

. ,

FWNMag_A_1_24_PRINT.indd 3 10/28/09 12:08:27 PM

 proud sponsor of the filipina womens network

www.ramarfoods.com

FWNMag_A_2_3.indd 2 10/28/09 8:45:02 AM

 M e s s a g e f r o m T H E P RES I D E N T
“Never doubt that a small, group Filipina Summit in Washington, DC. These relentlessly dedicated
of thoughtful, committed citizens They answered the call of Pinay women are modeling Pinay Power
can change the world.” Power 2012 by committing as we imagined it. They took on the
– Margaret Mead infectious energy and passion in selection process seriously providing
TA B L E O F
identifying the womentors of the a critical pathway for successful
CO N T E N TS

Marily Mondejar
President, Filipina Women’s Network
M
argaret Mead’s famous
quote captures the
painstaking work of the
FWN 100 Selection Committee
2009. Under the extraordinary and
masterful leadership of Lt. Col.
Shirley Raguindin, these
extraordinary women – all FWN
100 awardees for 2007 – reviewed
hundreds of nominations from
19 states across the U.S., initiated responsibility with members of the
continuing conversations with
nominees, and deliberated via
teleconference every week for the
last five months. No ego, no fuss, no selection data. Teaming up with
muss. Remarkably many of them
have met only once – at the 2007
next generation of Filipina American
leaders. Amid a flurry of phone calls
and emails, they launched
impassioned recommendations for
their selections, reminding us all
that this year’s group of influential
women will change the face of
power in America.
Their collaborative spirit carried
on as they shared the selection
Seattle-based Filipino American
Association of Certified Public
Accountants who tabulated the
another FilAm organization
embodies true bayanihan spirit.
women who care about
advancement, achievement, and
significance. Pinay Power carries
on with this year’s FWN 100.
Changing our paradigm. Building
our future in our adopted country.
I am in awe of these women. I
am moved by their selection and the
caliber of the next group of 100
Influential Filipina Women. The
dream conceived in 2006 continues.
Can’t wait for 2012.
Mabuhay ang mga Filipina!
. . . . ♥ . . . .
Message from the President 03
Message from the FWN Chair 03
Message from the FW 100
Selection Committee Chair 03
About FWN 04
FWN Leadership Summit 05
Summit Learning Tracks 06
100 Most Influential Filipina Women 08
Selection Committee Speaks 18
Womantoring Circles 21
FWN 100 Time Capsule 22

M e s s a g e FRO M T H E F W N B OAR D C H A I R . . . . . . . .

T
his year the Filipina
Women’s Network is
honoring another 100
exceptional Pinay leaders adding
to the collective potential of the
100 Most Influential Filipinas of
2007 and together they will fuel
the mission of FWN’s Pinay Power
2012.
All of these Filipinas have
excelled in their own fields
of profession and they have
developed a higher purpose in
their life’s journey upon which
being a mentor to another Filipina
is anchored.
I found it in our history that the
Filipina’s unstoppable passion and
commitment come from a blood
line of warriors (mandirigma),
heroines (bayani), healers
(babaylan), her-storians and divine
nurturers. And it is here, at the
beginning of a new century, that
we will attempt to combine that
collective potential synergy of 200
Most Influential Filipinas to raise
the bar of excellence onto the
next generation.
What a world class act it is to
influence, in small or big ways, to
bring about human transformation
and to be the champions of
change. Together we Filipinas
will create the legacy of our
womanhood!
♥
On behalf of the FWN Board
I wish to express our deepest EDITORIAL TEAM
respect and gratitude for the
M A R I LY M O N D E J A R
tremendous work of this year’s Publi sher
Selection Committee. These
high-performing Pinays have FRANKLIN RICARTE
become a coterie of asset hunters Edi tor
whose strong desire to identify
CONNIE ZHENG
the Pinay doers and movers of Copy Edi tor
this country has become their
newfound passion. They beamed A l S . P erez
the searchlight throughout the
ELENA BUENSALIDO Art Director
MANGAHAS
nation (all the way to Hawaii),
Chair, FWN Board D r . B ambi L orica
screened nominations, pored
ELENA BUENSALIDO MANGAHAS
through testaments of greatness G L O R I A T. C A O I L E
and found what they were done, mabuhay! at salamat! to
JOPIN ROMERO
looking for – this year’s 100 Most the esteemed 2009 Selection LILIA VILLANUEVA
Influential Filipinas. For a job well Committee. shirley raguindin
THELMA BOAC

f r o m T h e F W N 1 0 0 SE L E C T I O N C O M M I T T EE
. . . . ♥ . . . .

SHIRLEY RAGUINDIN
Lt. Col., Arizona Air National Guard,
State Diversity Coordinator;
Chair, FWN 100 Selection Committee
I
t is with great pleasure that I
welcome you to the 6th Annual
Filipina Women’s Network (FWN)
Leadership Summit and Gala event.  I
am very proud of the detailed planning
by the selection committee that shaped
this year’s event. I am confident that
you will find it to be fun, informative
and professionally valuable. One of
our highlights is the awards ceremony
to honor and recognize the 100 Most
Influential Filipinas in the US. This year
we experienced an overwhelming
response and our committee was able
to accomplish this daunting task with
such high success.
This year we saw many notable
and remarkable Filipinas making amaz-
ing strides and continue to achieve
significant accomplishments; however
only 100 were selected. The 100 Most
Influential Filipina Women in the US
Award is a “working recognition”
award, and is a key initiative to FWN’s
strategic plan, “Pinay Power 2012,” to
double the number of Filipina leaders
in the US by 2012. This leadership
award is a reminder to each awardee
that the destination in life is not the
award, but to continue to sustain and
achieve a higher level of role modeling,
mentorship and guidance for the next FWN Board
generation of leaders to follow.
Again I cannot express the pro- Al perez
found thanks to the selection commitee DR. bambi lorica
and steering committee members for elena mangahas
without their dedication and commit-
ment, this event would not be the suc- Genevieve Jopanda
cess that it is today. Likewise a warm DR. JENNIFER ONG
“Mahalo” to the awardees’ nominators JOSEPHINE ROMERO
and the employers, family and friends
Marily Mondejar
that are here today – thank you for be-
ing a part of this groundbreaking event maya ONG escudero
and on behalf of FWN, I look forward to NINA NGUYEN LAGAC
renewed partnerships in the future. PEARL PARMELEE
III

FWNMag_A_2_3.indd 3 10/28/09 8:50:34 AM


Filipina Women’s Network
P. O. Box 192143
San Francisco, CA 94119
Phone: 415. 278. 9410
Fax: 415. 839. 6741
E-mail: filipina@ffwn.org
www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org
facebook.com/FilipinaWomensNetwork
Twitter@filipinawomen
Mission Statement
Established in 2001, FWN’s
mission is to enhance public
perceptions of Filipina women’s
capacities to lead, change biases
against Filipina women’s
leadership abilities and build the
Filipina community’s pipeline of
qualified leaders, to increase the
odds that some will rise to the
President position in all sectors.
FWN achieves its mission through
public education forums that
heighten Filipina women’s
visibility, research on Filipina
women’s issues, leadership, skill
building and career development
programs for Filipina women, and
influencing popular culture.
Goals 2010
Increase financial assistance
capabilities to ensure that FWN
educational programs and events
are accessible to Filipina women
of all socio-economic
backgrounds.
Increase FWN’s network of Filipina
women business owners and
those employed in corporations,
government and nonprofit
organizations and utilize the
database as a leadership pipeline
for corporate visibility.
Endow the Filipina Leadership
Development and Womantoring
Program.
Generate operating funds for the
establishment of a national
headquarters and research library
to house our historical collection
documenting the achievements of
Filipina women in the U.S.
4 FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK
FWNMag_A_4_5.indd 2
FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK
Fundraising Events, Corporate Sponsorships and Naming Opportunities
Partner with the Filipina Women’s Network and support Filipina women, America’s
untapped source for leadership and talent.
FILIPINA WOMEN “Kaibigan ng FWN”
AGAINST VIOLENCE Community Partner Fund
Campaign to end violence against Filipina women Endow research projects and educational programs
and girls in collaboration with Eve Ensler’s V-Day about the Filipina American experience. Call
organization. 415.278.9410 for naming opportunities and for
sponsorships.
All-Filipina women benefit production of “The
Vagina Monolgues” (TVM) performed in English and Power Lunch: Remarkable
Filipino (“Usaping Puki”). Presented in March Filipina Women
annually in celebration of Women’s History Month. Make ME a Filipina Millionaire Forum
Recent benefit productions held in San Francisco, In support of Make Mine a Million $$$$$$ Business,
New York and Washington, DC. a program of Count Me In for Women’s Economic
Independence, Filipina entrepreneurs will share
COUNCIL OF REMARKABLE their journey – how they reached their first million
FILIPINA WOMEN dollars in business, as they work their passion,
Womantoring Circles – creating a community of achieve their dream and share their prosperity with
Filipinas helping each other succeed and cultivating those who need it.
future community leaders. Sponsor a womantoring
circle. Call 415. 278. 9410. FILIPINA VOICES: Changing
the Face of Power in
V-Diaries: Anti-Violence America
Resource Guide Our speakers will engage us in conversation and
Annual publication designed to provide a voice for story-telling a la “The View”:
domestic violence survivors and Filipina women • Being Filipina savvy in the workplace: more,
and girls in abusive situations including a resource better, faster
list of domestic violence agencies, shelters, legal • Developing a purposeful career or business:
and counseling services and law enforcement what about family/personal life?
offices. Publication date: Annually in March. • Culture, leadership, presence: how to play
Call 415.278.9410 to place an ad. the game
• Lessons from the trenches:
Filipina Women Who words of wisdom
Could Be President • The state of the world:
Emerging Leaders program for Filipina women. how it affects our families and communities
Building the Filipina community’s pipeline of
qualified leaders, to increase the odds that some
will rise to the position of president in all sectors.
Sponsor a “presidential candidate.” »» www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org
Call 415. 278. 9410.
»» facebook.com/FilipinaWomensNetwork
»» Twitter@filipinawomen
How to reach the Filipina Women’s Network • P. O. Box 192143, San Francisco, CA 94119 • Phone: 415 / 278. 9410 • Fax: 415 / 839. 6741 •
www.Filipina Womens Network.org • Facebook.com/FilipinaWomensNetwork • Twitter @filipinawomen. The views and opinions of advertisers and contribu-
tors expressed in this publication do not necessarily state or reflect those of Filipina Women’s Network. © 2009 Filipina Women’s Network. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be published without the expressed written permission of the publisher.
| w w w. Fi l i p i n a Wo m e n s N e t w o r k . o r g
Filipina Women’s
Network Magazine
Annual publication about the nuances of Filipina
culture, empowerment articles, career strategies
and highlighting the accomplishments of Filipina
women in the U.S. Publication date: Annually in the
Fall. To place an ad, call 415.278.9410.
FWN Professional
Development Series
The series is based on the 12 Life Challenges for
Empowerment adapted from the work of Schein,
Farren, Hudson and Kaye. FWN workshops and
seminars are designed around these life areas which
represent the diverse needs of FWN members.
Workshop facilitators are invited specialists who
contribute their knowledge for the advancement
and development of FWN members and Filipina
women. The Professional Development Series can be
taken by anyone regardless of education, work
experience, age or life situation.
FILIPINA SALO SALO
ADOBO CRAWL
In collaboration with highly acclaimed restaurants
and food organizations who serve authentic Filipino
and Filipino-inspired dishes, the Filipina Women’s
Network (FWN) cordially invite you to embark on a
year-round culinary adventure celebrating the many
flavorful and exotic ingredients, cultural and
regional influences, cooking and dining traditions
of Philippine cuisine. In 2009, each restaurant
highlighted its unique recipe of the “adobo” dish.
10/28/09 8:57:49 AM

WHY PARTICIPATE:
Whether you’re an
entrepreneur, student,
career changer, homemaker,
new or re-entering the
workplace, up-and-coming
supervisor, seasoned
manager, or top executive,
the Filipina Summit has a
place for you. FWN provides
tools to improve life skills,
career competencies, and
capacities for leadership
effectiveness – thinking
strategically, acting
decisively, and influencing
others. Focusing on real
life, business, and career
advancement experiences
from practitioners, corporate
managers, and community
leaders along with
peer-to-peer networking are
the distinguishing features
of FWN meetings.
FWNMag_A_4_5.indd 3
P I N AY P O W E R 2 0 1 2 : F I L I P I N A A C T I O N N O W !
30 1
OCTOB E R
– N OV E M B E R
{2009}
About the Filipina
Leadership Summit
Filipina Women’s Network’s annual
Filipina Leadership Summit is the
leading national forum of its kind.
Filipina professionals-decision makers
in leading industries – gather to learn
the latest developments for multicultural
professionals in the U.S. workplace and
make the connections that will advance
their businesses and professional
careers.
Filipina Women’s
Thriving in
Turbulent Times
Filipina women are resilient. We
are constantly growing, transforming,
innovating, and changing as we secure
our place in the world.
The Filipina Summit’s theme for
2009 was deliberately chosen to signal
the contributions that Filipina women
can make to the world at a time when
many institutions and social systems are
broken. Our goal is to bring together
a diversity of professionals who are
committed to enhancing our bi-cultural
strengths and to discuss groundbreaking
solutions to the inherent intercultural
issues that exist. We face many
FILIPINA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ISSUE
Network
challenges at both the national and
global level.
Many of the challenges are rooted
in cultural values and beliefs that drive
how we respond to issues, issues that
need thoughtful solutions. We feel a
sense of urgency to come together,
explore how we can help move societies
and organizations toward resolution
and, where needed, reconciliation.
There are conflicts mired in years of
cultural misunderstanding and mistrust.
There are long standing inequities that
beg for attention. There are political
divisions and economic pressures that
need resolution.
Filipina Action Now will move us
closer to Pinay Power 2012.
5
10/28/09 9:00:53 AM
 THURSDAY
Filipina Women’s Network
P I N AY P O W E R 2 0 1 2 : F I L I P I N A A C T I O N N O W !
DAY ONE 1 Filipinas in Communications
Friday, October 30, 2009
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Claremont Hotel Club, Berkeley, California 1 ) F i l i p i n a s i n M ot i on :
Full Summit and Friday-only Daily Rate
Registration & Check-in
Keynote
Filipina Leadership: Action NOW
Ruthe Catolico Ashley, Esq.
Chair, Presidential Advisory Council
on Diversity, American Bar Association
Founding President & CEO, Calfornia ALL
Presentation
Profile of Asian Women in the
Workplace and Why CEDAW is
Critical to Filipina Women’s Issues Sunday, November 1
Emily Murase, PhD
Executive Director, Department on the
Status of Women, San Francisco, CA
6 FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK
FWNMag_A_6_7.indd 2
Learning Sessions
Peer Circles
We begin the Filipina Summit with getting Filipinas in Education
to know your peers at breakfast. Join
the Peer Circle of your choice. Four
opportunities to network with peers –
you may join a different group each time:
Friday, October 30
7:30 am – 9:00 am @ breakfast
Saturday, October 31
7:30 am – 9:00 am @ breakfast
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm @ lunch
8:00 am – 9:00 am @ brunch
| w w w. Fi l i p i n a Wo m e n s N e t w o r k . o r g
ABOUT FILIPINAS IN MOTION: Filipinas in Finance & 2)  Public Service
PEER CIRLCES Administration » Chair:  Dr. Jennifer Ong, API Caucus
These are small discussion groups of » Sonia Delen, Senior Vice President,
Filipina women in similar fields and Banc of America Leasing, Run Filipina Run: Filipina Women Who
professional areas of expertise. Each group Bank of America Merrill Lynch Could Be President (panel of Filipina
has a Discussion Leader who will facilitate » Judy Arteche Carr, Managing Electeds)
the flow of ideas and ensure participant Director, Arteche Global Group » Moderator:  Ruth Uy Asmundson, PhD,
sharing and empowerment. Topics will Mayor, City of Davis, California
cover career strategies, real-life stories Filipinas in Healthcare
(triumphs, struggles, accomplishments), » Laarni San Juan, Public Health Nurse, » Joanne del Rosario, Mayor, City of
an insider’s perspective on how Filipinas San Mateo County Colma (California) 
navigate their unique workplaces, and » Norma Panahon, m.d., Medical Topic:  What does it take to engage the
best practices on how to “arrive, survive, Director, Buffalo Psychiatric Center next generation of Filipina politicians?
and thrive” in the world of work. These Filipinas in the Food Industry » Lorraine R. Inouye, (D) former
small group discussions will provide an » Lorrie Reynoso, Chef Instructor, Senator for District 1 (Hawaii)
environment to restart thought processes Institute for Culinary Education Topic:  What it takes to win
and expand thinking. Registered summit » Brenda Buenviaje, Chef/Owner,
attendees can join any group of their Brenda’s French Soul Food » Lynn Finnegan, (R) House Republican
choice. » Evelyn Bunoan, Master Chef / Leader, Representative for District 32
Restauranteur & TV Host (Hawaii) (Invited)
WHY PARTICIPATE
Topic:  Preparing to run – political
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, Filipinas in Law
consultants, fundraising, constituent
career changer, homemaker, new or » Rose Zimmerman, City Attorney, issues and skill sets
re-entering the workplace, up-and-coming City of Daly City
supervisor, seasoned manager, or top » Carina Castañeda, Law Offices of » Gertrude Gregorio, PhD, Dean,
executive, Filipinas in Motion has a place Carina Castañeda Foothill College; President, School
for you. FWN provides tools to improve Board, New Haven Unified School
life skills, career competencies, and capaci- Filipinas in Management District, (invited)
ties for leadership effectiveness – thinking » Rebecca Delgado, Vice President, Topic:  Being Filipina in the political
strategically, acting decisively, and Community Relations & Gov’t Affairs, field
influencing others. Focusing on real Academy of Art University
life, business, and career advancement » Dr. Patricia Espiritu Halagao,
experiences from practitioners, corporate Associate Professor, College of Educa- 3)  M a n a g e m e n t
managers, and community leaders. tion, University of Hawaii; Global Teach
» Panel Chair:  PS1 Lorna Mae
Filipinas in the Arts Filipinas in Uniform & Devera, USN, Asian American/Pacific
» Judy Romanenkov, Artist, Government Islander Diversity Outreach Lead
JBMR Paintings » Lt. Col. Shirley Raguindin, Arizona
Filipina Leaders in the U.S. Military: 
» Dr. Priscilla Magante Quinn, National Guard
Advancing Women in a Traditionally
Educator » Captain Raquel Cruz Bono,
Chief of Staff, Deputy Director, TRICARE Male-Dominated Industry
Filipinas in Successful Careers Management Activity, Medical Corps, » CAPP Raquel Bono, US Navy
and Life Transitions US Navy
» Cora Tellez, Founder and Chief » Lt. Col. Shirley Raguindin,
Executive Officer, Sterling HSA Filipinas in Nonprofit, Faith & Air National Guard
» Zeny Cunanan, President & CEO,  Community Organizations » Major Marlene Decelle,
» Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal,
Galaxy Global Corporation Army National Guard
Greater Echo Elysian Neighborhood
Council, Los Angeles
» Susie Quesada, Marketing Manager, » Maria Banatao, Principal, Banatao 4)  M a n a g e m e n t
Ramar Foods International Family Filipino American Education
Being Corporate Savvy: The “Unwritten
» Nerissa Fernandez, Public Relations, Fund
Rules” of an Organization. What You Don’t
ABS-CBN International
Filipinas in Politics Know Can Hurt Your Career 
» Joanne F. Del Rosario, Mayor,
» Eleonor Castillo, PhD Candidate,  » Moderator:  Denise Miles,
Town of Colma, California Vice President, Social Responsibility
University of Maryland, College Park » Lorraine Inouye, State Senator,
» Thelma Boac, Principal, Silver Creek Hawaii (former)
Group, Wells Fargo
High School Topic: Building your credibility
Filipinas in Science & Technology » Mivic Hirose, President & CEO,
Filipina Entrepreneurs » Dely Alcantara, Senior Research
Laguna Honda Hospital
» Sol Manaay, Founder and CEO, Scientist, Bureau of Business and
Topic:  How to Build Effective
CARE ON CALL, INC. Economic
» Lita Abele, President & CEO, Coalitions
Research, University of New Mexico
U.S. Lumber » Dr. Nini Bautista, Chair of the Board, » Rose Zimmerman, City Attorney,
Carolinas Asian Chamber of Commerce City of Daly City
Topic:  Gender Issues in the Workplace
» Cora Tellez, Founder and Chief
Schedules, speakers and programs subject to change. Executive Officer, Sterling HSA
Updated conference Schedules will be available during
Topic:  As I See It: The Future for
the Summit at the Registration Desk. Filipina Women
10/28/09 9:07:49 AM
 5)  e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p
The Road to Entrepreneuring 
» Moderator:  Josephine Romero,
Trade Commissioner, Philippine Trade
and Investment Center, Consulate Gen-
eral of the Philippines in San Francisco
» Judy Arteche Carr, Managing
Director, Arteche Global Group
» Susie Quesada, Marketing
Manager, Ramar Foods International
» Delle Sering Fojas, President & CEO,
Seven Seven Softwares (77 Soft)
» Maryles Casto, President, Casto
Travel (Invited)
6)  M Y L I F E
Survivors, Pathways, Healing and Transfor-
mations. A heart to breast talk, shame to
sharing, recovery to renewal  Sunday, November 1
FWNMag_A_6_7.indd 3
» Moderator:  Mila Josue,
Health and Wellness Educator, NAT
Program Director, American College
of Nursing
» Gloria Caoile, Survivor, Asian Pacific
Labor Alliance, Senior Political Director, Saturday-only Daily Rate Registration
100 Most Influential Filipina Women
(2007)
» Shirley Orille Brasis, Survivor,
City College of San Francisco, College
of Relations and Outreach, Nominee
100 Most Influential Filipina Women,
2009
» Marlina Gonzales, Survivor,
Art Educator, Producer of InterMedia
Arts of Minnesota and International
Film Festivals, Pan-Asian Artist
» Jei Africa, PsyD, mscp, Guest
Speaker, Health Disparities Manager,
San Mateo County Health System
DAY TWO 2 2)  My Life
SATURday, October 31, 2009
8:30 am – 6:00 pm
& Check-in
Summit Weavers – It’s a Beautiful Day!
Learning Sessions
1) Filipinas in Motion:
P e e r C i r c l e s Co n t i n u e s
Join the Peer Circle of your choice.  selected
Opportunities to network with peers –
you may join a different group each time:
Saturday, October 31
7:30 am – 9:00 am @ breakfast
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm @ lunch
8:00 am – 9:00 am @ brunch
» Chair: Mila Josue, Health and
Wellness Educator, NAT Program
Director, American College of Nursing
» Musical performance by
Rosie Josue – “Superwoman”
Health and Happiness: Embodying Well-
ness to Optimum – Mind… Body… and
Spirit. A practical experiential approach
to wholeness annd renewal (comfortable
outfit is recommended for movement)
» Moderator: Bambi Lorica, md,
Pediatrician
» Gertrude Gregorio, Dean of Adap-
tive Learning Division, Service Manager
(for students with disabilities, veterans,
and older  adults), Foothill College;
Board President of New Haven School
District
» Rosie Abriam, Entrepreneur, Software
Engineer, Photonics, Kali, Gura-5th
Degree, President & CEO, The Center
for APA Women
» Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton,
The First Filipina IBA Super Bantam
Weight Champion of the World
3) Management
Negotiation Skills for Filipina Women
» Timothy M. Dayonot, Professor,
U.C. Berkeley’s Haas School of Business
4) My Life
Cultural Myths, Perceptions, Behaviors: 
We Are Who We Are –
» Linda Akutagawa, Senior VP of
Resource and Business Development,
Leadership Education for Asian
Professionals, LEAP
5 )  P u b l i c S e r v i c e
Getting Appointed to Boards &
Commissions
» Chair: Dr. Jennifer Ong, API Caucus
» Ruth Uy Asmundson, PhD, Mayor,
City of Davis, California
Topic:  Mayoral considerations
for appointments to boards and
commissions.
» Lorena Hernandez, Commissioner,
California Student Aid Commission,
Topic:  Seeking appointments at the
state level: how to get on the “hot
list,” how to prepare, and how to get
» Alice Lai-Bitker, Supervisor,
District 3, Alameda County
Topic:  Getting appointed at the county
level
» Vida Benavides, Principal,
State/Local and Multicultural Practice,
Dewey Square Group (DSG)
Topic:  Expanding our influence. How
to get appointed at the federal level:
where to look, how to get included
and what’s available out there.
6)  Public Service
Womentoring Circles: Strategies to build
the Filipina community’s pipeline of
qualified leaders, to increase the odds that
some will rise to the president position in
all sectors.
» Panney Wei, Broadcaster and Writer
7) My Life
Personal Presence: Communication
Skills Training
» Marjorie Singer, Cross Cultural
Faciliator and Coach
8) Management
Paying Forward: Developing Filipina
Leaders Today – Strategic Mentoring vs
Coaching
» Marjorie Singer, Cross Cultural
Faciliator and Coach
9) Entrepreneurship
Discover and Develop Your Brand &
Message
» Panney Wei, Broadcaster and Writer
10) My Life
“Kwentuhan” – Cultural Collisions & Tales
of the Ghost (Filipina Halloween outfit,
requested)
»» continued on p20
10/28/09 10:57:39 AM
 The management and
employees of ATSSI,
LNG Properties and CMSC
congratulate
Norma Padua Edar
and the other
99 Most Influential Filipina
Women in the U.S. in 2009.
We are equal opportunity
employers and employ a very
diverse and disadvantaged
group of people in the
SF Bay Area.

FILIPINA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ISSUE 11

FWNMag_A_10_11.indd 3 10/28/09 9:33:19 AM

 Isabelita M. Abele Jei Africa
Builders & Emerging Leaders Innovators & Thought Leaders
I N
On behalf of the Denise Miles
PUNZALAN MANAGEMENT, INC. • In successful run for Vice President of the
Young Democrats of America in 2003, received
and our family, we congratulate the highest endorsements by then-Democratic
Ms. Fe O. Punzalan, RNBC, MSN, PHN House Minority Whip Nancy Pelosi and San
as one of Filipina Women’s Network’s  Francisco Mayor Willie Brown
• Was promoted to Assistant Vice President and
100 Most Influential Women in the U.S. later to Vice President within her first five years
Awardee for 2009. at Wells Fargo
.....
Silver Star • Silver Punzalan II Gel Santos Relos
Flitcrest House • Flintcrest House II • Anchors the first daily nationwide and
worldwide newscast delivering the news and
408-270-6005 • 408-592-6183
issues to Filipinos in North America, the
Philippines and the whole world through The
Filipino Channel
• Honored for her outstanding work as television
and radio host, anchorperson, writer, producer
and director of public affairs, talk and educational
programs in the Philippines and the U.S.
• Chosen by the U.S. Information Agency to
represent the Philippines in the Multi-Regional
Meeting on Public Journalism; awarded
Permanent Resident Status by the U.S.
Immigration Service as an Alien with
Extraordinary Ability
Isabelita M. Abele
• President and CEO of U.S. Lumber, Inc., a
successful minority-owned lumber and building
materials company that is a regional leader in sales
• As leader in a non-traditional woman-owned
firm, has been recognized with several
outstanding national, regional, and local business
awards, including New Jerseys 50 Best Women in
Business and The International Alliance for
Women World of Difference 100
Jannah Vanessa Arivan Manansala
• Provides zealous advocacy on behalf of unions
and working people at Weinberg, Roger and
Rosenfled, the largest labor-side law firm in the
West Coast
• During law school, led team of translators and
interviewers in gathering plaintiffs throughout
Oil on canvas. “Green Roof Making,” 24” x 30”. Northern California for successful class action
This painting has bee acquired by FWN member Sol Manaay. against California supermarkets
• Served as teaching assistant to Rhacel
12 FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK | w w w. Fi l i p i n a Wo m e n s N e t w o r k . o r g
FWNmag_A_12_13.indd 2
Jennifer H. Ong Jessica Cox
Builders & Emerging Leaders Nicole
F L
Parrenas, Asian American studies and labor
migration professor
Dr. Jennifer H. Ong
• Recipient of the Optometrist of the Year award
of the Alameda Contra Costa Counties
Optometric Society
• Statewide Treasurer for the Asian Pacific
Islander Caucus of the California Democratic Party
• Vice President of the League of Women Voters
Eden Area
Katherine Abriam-Yago, Ed.D., r.n.
• First Filipino tenured full professor and
Personnel Committee Chairperson in the School
of Nursing at San Jose State University
• First to write in the nursing literature on the
topic of mentoring as a retention strategy for
ethnic minority students
• First to write in the nursing literature on the
topic of using the Cummins Model as a
framework to teach English as a second
language nursing students
Katrina R. Abarcar
• Helped overturn the deportation and secured
immigrant status for Melca Salvador, a Filipina
caregiver in Canada
• Organized action in an international campaign
that raised public awareness and countered the
negative impact global economic policies have
had on developing countries worldwide
• Organized the Emergency Human Rights
Summit on the Philippines, which opposes
politically motivated executions and other human
rights abuses in the Philippines
Maria V. H. Amutan
• Motivated leader of professional, instructional
and curriculum development for the Special
Education Staff and ongoing resource
and support for special needs students and
their families
• Over 25 years of Filipino community service
involvement with youth and young adults
at the high school, college, state-wide and
national levels
• Positive Filipina and woman of color role
model for high school and college students
10/28/09 9:40:54 AM
 Jian Iza Custodio Zapata Joanne F. del Rosario
Behind the Scenes Leaders Policymakers & Visionaries
U E
Captain Raquel Cruz Bono, mc, usn
• First female to complete the General Surgery
residency program at Eastern Virginia Graduate
School of Medicine
• Deployed to first Gulf War as a trauma
surgeon to oversee Casualty Receiving at
Fleet Hospital Five in Saudi Arabia
• Commanding Officer for Naval Hospital
Jacksonville, the Navy’s fourth largest hospital
Raquel R. Redondiez
• Founded the Filipino Community Center
of San Francisco
• Pioneered policy to improve the lives of
women and children, such as Paid Parental Leave
and Paid Sick Leave ordinances in San Francisco
• Led effort to Rebuild Bessie Carmichael
Elementary School (the only elementary in the
U.S. with K-8 Filipino bilingual classes) and to
build the adjacent Victoria Manalo Draves Park
Rebecca Delgado Rottman
• Vice President, Community Relations &
Government Affairs at the Academy of
Art University
• First Filipina woman elected to San Francisco
Democratic County Central Committee, 12th
A.D.; served two terms as Second Vice Chair
Community Activist & Executive Board Members
with political and non-profit organizations such
as Filipino Task Force On AIDS, Filipino American
Council, Filipino American Democratic Party,
Asian Pacific Democratic Club including current
Chair of the Educational Sub-Committee of San
Francisco Department of Public Works’ Graffiti
Advisory Board
Rowena Verdan-Beduya
• Facilitated successful survey outcomes from
state and federal regulatory agencies as a director
of nursing, a regional director of clinical operations
and a vice president of clinical operations
• Employed and mentored numerous Filipino
and non-Filipino nurses and caregivers to
become better nurses
• Used experience and training to successfully
help patients survive life-threatening emergencies
FWNmag_A_12_13.indd 3
Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal Judy Arteche-Carr
Policymakers & Visionaries Founders & Pioneers
N T
Stephanie Ong Stillman
• Co-founder of Hope Road Consulting, a
political consulting and public relations firm that
had a 100% win record in the 2008 season
Hope Road ran the historic campaigns in San
Francisco of Hydra Mendoza, the first Filipina
to be elected and Steve Ngo, the first Vietnamese
to be elected
• Ran the successful Vote Hope campaign, an
independent campaign to support Barack Obama
in the California Primary
Valerie Pozon-de Leon, dds    • Recognized by CBS Radio/1010Wins as its
• CMCP Dental Volunteer for the past five years
• Provides free mouthgards to Serra High School
sports program
• In a process of establishing the Dental
Assisting School to help those who were laid off
from their jobs
FOUNDERS & PIONEERS
Adélamar Novino Alcántara, Ph.D.
• 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award: Award
given by the Rio Grande Filipino American
National Historical Society. Since its founding in
1998, only two Lifetime Achievement Awards
have been given.
• 2004 Governor’s Award for Outstanding
New Mexico Women: An annual award given
to 20 New Mexico women for their commitment
to improve the status of women and girls
• 2001 Frank J. Miranda Human Rights Bridge
Award: The most prestigious human rights
award given by the City of Albuquerque Human
Rights Board
Alice Bulos
• Advocate for seniors and women by her
numerous activities including the an appointment
to the Federal Council on the Aging by former
President Clinton and delegate to the White
House Conference On The Aging
• Commissioner for the San Mateo County
Commission on the Status of Women and the
Health Plan of San Mateo County. Served as a
Board Member for numerous community
Julina E. Togonon Katherine Abriam-Yago
Innovators & Thought Leaders Builders & Emerging Leaders
I A
organizations and agencies
• Honored as Woman Warrior of the Year by the
Pacific Asian American Women Bay area Coalition
and has been inducted into the San Mateo
County Women’s Hall of Fame
Analisa Balares
• Social entrepreneur and CEO of the media
group and leadership community Womensphere
Selected by the New Leaders Council as one of
its 40 Under 40 New Leaders Award winner in
America in 2009
Tomorrow’s Newsmaker Award Winner for
Business
Carina Castañeda
• L.A. District Attorney for 10 years; worked on
hundreds of cases in several locations and have
been involved in more than 100 jury trials
• Opened the only Filipina-owned criminal
defense firm in the U.S.
• Legal columnist for Philippine News, enabling
readers from all over the world to contact her for
legal matters or inquiries
Cora Oriel
• President & Executive Editor of Asian Journal
Group of Companies. The Asian Journal is the
largest and most respected Filipino-American
FILIPINA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ISSUE
Kathleen Davenport Katrina R. Abarcar
Behind the Scenes Leaders Builders & Emerging Leaders
L
Lenore RS Lim
Innovators & Thought Leaders
community newspaper in the U.S.
• Serves on the boards of Search to Involve
Pilipino Americans (SIPA), New America Media LA
Advisory Board and ABS-CBN Foundation USA
• She is proudest of her role as Mommy to her
three wonderful daughters – Christina, Carina
and Catherine
Delle Sering-Fojas
• Co-founded Seven Seven Softwares, Inc.
opening the door for Filipino IT professionals
to showcase their potential in prestigious
Wall Street firms
• Initiated marketing the country to two of the
largest call center companies in the U.S. Results
of her initiative and innovation can now be seen
today all over the Philippines, the present day call
center hub of Asia
Ethel Luzario
• Co-Founder of the nonprofit The 3000 Club,
a food rescue and medical reclamation
• International Relations Chair for Lions Club
in Arizona (2008-2010) and Past President of
Phoenix Phil-Am Lions Club, heading two eye
cataract surgical missions to Mexico and the
Philippines (2007-2008)
• President of Philippine American Chamber
of Commerce of Arizona, 2008-2009 and
2003-2004
13
10/28/09 9:42:16 AM
 Maria Zenaida
Fernandez Cunanan
nnnnnnnnnnn
........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 FILIPINA WOMEN’S NETWORK | w w w. Fi l i p i n a Wo m e n s N e t w o r k . o r g

FWNmag_A_14_15.indd 2 10/28/09 9:49:52 AM

 Recognizing
extraordinary efforts
������_�����
Achieving great things in any community takes courage,
�.��x�.��� vision and tremendous effort. What each of us does can
make life better for everyone.
bw
Denise Miles, congratulations on being honored as one
of the ��� Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S.

wellsfargo.com
� ���� Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (������_�����)

125443_14521 4.75x2.625 bw 1 10/21/09 9:12 AM

FILIPINA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ISSUE 19

FWNmag_A_18_19.indd 3 10/28/09 10:11:52 AM

 Womantoring Circles
by Lt. Col. Sh irley R ag uin din
P
resident Franklin Delano
Roosevelt said: “When it
comes to making a decision,
the best decision is the right
one. The next best decision is the
wrong one. The worst decision is to
do nothing at all.”
We have been figuratively tapped
on the shoulder to do a very special
thing as FWN’s 100 Most Influential
Filipina Women. We were recognized
as leaders in our areas of expertise
and tasked to provide increased
awareness and growth to Filipinas
nationwide.
Mentoring is a primary mission and
core value of the Filipina Women’s
Network. The concept of mentoring is
a way of capitalizing on the wisdom
and insights of role models and/
or experienced individuals, who are
committed to supporting the devel-
opment and success of associates or
FWNMag_A_20_21.indd 3
productive mentoring relationship.
This also includes defining personal
and professional goals and craft
members (possible mentees) of a plan to meet those goals and to
a group, organization or profession. model and advocate competence,
It is the principal means for the communication, social and leadership
organization and its members to skills and community service.
share, encourage and inculcate the To access our new FWN men-
professional values and attributes torship website for Womantoring
associated with being a successful Circles, go to www.filipinawomens
new skills.
contributor to society. The end state network.org/circles. It is important
• Develop the full potential of each
is developing desired and necessary that you subscribe to the Forum so
individual.
values, attributes and skills, in those you can receive updates.
• Promote a sense of satisfaction
providing mentorship and those The challenge in using our new
that comes from helping another
receiving and benefiting from it. website is that it is designed as
person to learn, grow and
It is intended to develop and main- a member management tool –
develop.
tain a cohort of highly competent really to benefit those who are active
• Enable the passing of technical
current and future Filipina women members.
and ethical knowledge gained
leaders to serve not just in our com- Once you update your information,
from years of professional
munities but in our career fields and we will utilize this site as a discussion
experience.
our nation. The following are benefits forum on your progress as mentors.
of mentorship: This will include questionnaires as
In order to meet the objectives of
• Increase self-awareness and well as building relationships for
FWN’s mentorship goals, we need
personal growth. protégés to advance to management
to assess the needs of mentors and
• Enhance career development levels, as examples.
mentees, provide competent and
and options. Let’s find a way to be inclusive and
available mentorship and establish
• Promote job satisfaction. begin mentorship today!
and cultivate a personal, positive and
• Develop new ideas and
FILIPINA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ISSUE 21
10/28/09 10:33:56 AM
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