Let Filipina Women RISE: Join FWN’s GivingTuesday Campaign to #HelpHerRise

Empower the Next Generation of Filipina Leaders – Sponsor a FEMtee for $300 or Become a Corporate Sponsor for $10,000

SAN FRANCISCO, November 26, 2024 – The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) proudly launches its GivingTuesday campaign with #HelpHerRise, a transformative initiative under its FemtorMatch™ program. This campaign invites individuals and corporations to invest in the future of Filipina women leaders through structured femtorship—pairing FEMtors™ (female mentors) with FEMtees™ (female mentees) to unlock their full potential.

GivingTuesday, celebrated on December 3, 2024, is your opportunity to create ripples of change. With $300, individuals can sponsor a FEMtee and fund six months of impactful one-on-one femtoring sessions. Corporations can amplify their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives by becoming a Corporate Sponsor for $10,000, representing their support for empowering Filipina women globally. Corporate sponsors will also have their logos prominently displayed on the FemtorMatch™ website, showcasing their dedication to creating equitable opportunities for women leaders.

Why #HelpHerRise Matters

The FemtorMatch™ program is more than mentorship—it’s a catalyst for transformation. By sponsoring a FEMtee or supporting the program as a corporate partner, you’ll help break systemic barriers, amplify diverse voices, and create pathways for Filipina women to lead with courage and intersectionality. Your sponsorship will enable aspiring leaders to gain skills, confidence, and the network they need to thrive in corporate, government, or community settings.

How You Can Help

  1. Sponsor a FEMtee: Your $300 donation funds six months of structured femtoring for a Filipina emerging leader.

  1. Corporate Sponsorship: A $10,000 contribution reflects your organization’s commitment to advancing DEI initiatives while supporting the next generation of Filipina leaders. Corporate sponsors will be prominently recognized on the FemtorMatch™ website.

  2. Spread the Word: Share your support on social media with #HelpHerRise and #GivingTuesday, tagging @FilipinaWomen.

  3. Contact FWN to learn more about availing corporate sponsorship.

Every Filipina leader has a story waiting to unfold—this GivingTuesday, help write hers.

 

About the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN)

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network is a U.S. nonprofit committed to increasing the influence of Filipina women globally. Through femtorship, leadership initiatives, and advocacy, FWN empowers the next-generation Filipina women leaders. More at www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org

About FemtorMatch™

FEMtorMatch™ is the Filipina Women’s Network’s strategy for developing the next generation of Filipina women leaders through local and global partnerships between female mentors, FEMtors™, and female mentees, FEMtees™. FEMtorMatch™ provides structured one-on-one femtoring that harnesses the power of the Internet to broaden and deepen the reach of traditional mentoring. Thus, both FEMtors™ and FEMtees™ can reside anywhere in the world.

This GivingTuesday, let’s unite to elevate Filipina women—one sponsorship, one FEMtee, one corporate partner, one story at a time.

 

Media Contact
Isabelle Santiago
Senior Fellow, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network
Phone: +1 415.610.6637
Email: filipina@ffwn.org

2024 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Honored in Sydney, Australia

12 Trailblazing Women Celebrated for Shattering Barriers and Transforming Industries Worldwide

SAN FRANCISCO, November 21, 2024 – Twelve extraordinary Filipina women were honored with the prestigious 2024 Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award at the 20th Filipina Leadership Global Summit, hosted by the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) in Sydney, Australia. These women, representing diverse fields and industries, have not only shattered barriers but redefined leadership, inspiring global transformation and setting new standards of excellence.

Guided by FWN’s bold vision of placing Filipina women leaders in every sector of the economy, the awards recognized leaders from around the globe whose accomplishments transcend borders. From healthcare and technology to government and real estate, these honorees exemplify resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring spirit of Filipina women who disrupt norms and lead with purpose.

A Celebration of Filipina Excellence

The awards gala, held against the backdrop of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, served as the pinnacle of the summit. It brought together Filipina leaders from seven countries, uniting in dialogue around the summit’s theme, “Femtech Futures: AI and Tech.”

In her keynote address, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega praised the honorees, emphasizing their impact not only within their industries but on global narratives about leadership and innovation. 

“We stand at this remarkable juncture in history,” proclaimed Marily Mondejar, FWN Founder and CEO. “Filipina women are not just participants in global change—they are architects of it. This year’s awardees have redefined what it means to lead, shattering ceilings and amplifying voices.”

“Each nominee goes through a rigorous multi-stage vetting process by the Global FWN100™ Awards Selection Committee composed of global awardees,” explained Award Selection Committee Member, Global FWN100™ 2019 Awardee and Commissioner Teresita Batayola, appointed by U.S. President Joe Biden to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI). "The awardees are selected based on the size and scope of their influence in their industries, communities, board affiliations, and other leadership roles.”  

The evening’s keynote awardee speaker, Mary Massina, CEO of Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd, echoed these sentiments:
“You have continued to disrupt and lead—proud and loud. You’ve redefined leadership, shattered barriers, and risen to new heights. Tonight, we celebrate you as change-makers and catalysts for the future.”

 

Meet the 2024 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World

Builders

Visionaries driving innovation and excellence in their organizations:

  • Jacqueline Cezar Dela Cruz – COO, Innovention Food Resources Inc., PHILIPPINES (Restaurants, Food & Beverage)

  • Michelle Baltazar – Executive Director, ISS MI (PART OF ISS STOXX), AUSTRALIA (Media, Journalism)

  • Nadia Bint Rafael, CPA – Director, Nadia Bint Rafael Personal Real Estate Corporation, CANADA (Real Estate, Construction)

  • Sheilani Cruz Alix – Owner, Sandigan Consulting, UNITED STATES (Healthcare, Consulting Services)

  • Tina Bailon Lindres – CEO, 7225378 Manitoba LTD The Green Apron, CANADA (Production)

Founders & Pioneers

Trailblazers who have built transformative ventures:

  • Evangeline Rivera Powell – CEO, Rockwell Healthcare LLC, UNITED STATES (Healthcare)

  • Maria Corazon Mendoza Akol – President and Founder, Philippine National IT Standards (PhilNITS), PHILIPPINES (Technology, Nonprofit)

Innovators & Thought Leaders

Groundbreaking thinkers shaping the future:

  • Dr. April Joy Guiriba Damian – Vice President, Moses/Weitzman Health System, UNITED STATES (Healthcare, Research & Development)

  • Mary Lizabeth Robillo Lu – CEO, Leveret Pte Ltd, PHILIPPINES (Entertainment, Gaming, Media)

  • Marylou Ngo Ang – President, MAGNA CMGN Solutions, PHILIPPINES (Engineering and Wholesale)

Policymakers & Visionaries

Leaders creating lasting impact through policy and foresight:

  • Jeannie Ng Sandoval – Mayor, City of Malabon, PHILIPPINES (Government)

  • Mary Massina – CEO, Mary Ann’s Island Pty Ltd, AUSTRALIA (Real Estate, Construction)

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About the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN)

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network is a San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Filipina women worldwide to lead in all sectors of the economy. Through its awards, programs, and advocacy, FWN celebrates Filipina disruptors who challenge norms, break barriers, and create enduring legacies of excellence. Learn more at www.filipinawomensnetwork.org.

About the Filipina Leadership Global Summit

The Filipina Leadership Global Summit is an annual gathering of influential Filipina leaders, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and innovation to amplify Filipina voices in shaping the future.

Awardees are available for interviews.

Media Contact:

Isabelle Santiago

Senior Fellow, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network

Phone: +1 415.610.6637

Email: filipina@ffwn.org

 

LEVEL UP YOUR CAREER! Pinay Speed Femtoring @ Eagle Rock, 09/14

Do you know a Filipina professional or student looking to level up her career?

We’re bringing together a powerhouse of accomplished Filipina women leaders, Global FWN100™ Awardees, to help shape the next generation of Filipina-American leaders.

What’s FEMtorMatch?

FEMtorMatch is a groundbreaking event in the Filipino American community—a dynamic gathering of FEMtors (female mentors) and FEMtees (female mentees). This is your chance to connect with seasoned professionals who can provide the insights and advice you need to navigate your career effectively.

Who should attend?

  • College and Graduate Students: Start building your network and get advice on entering the workforce.

  • Young Professionals: Learn how to advance your career and tackle challenges head-on.

  • Returning to the Workforce or Changing Careers: Get support and guidance as you transition back into your career.

Why Attend?

This is a complimentary opportunity to ask those "everything-you’ve-always-wanted-to-know-but-didn’t-know-whom-to-ask" questions. During the event, FEMtees will have the unique opportunity to engage with up to 13 FEMtors, gaining valuable perspectives that could influence their career journey.

How to Join:

Advance sign-up required. This allows FWN to match you with FEMtors who can provide tailored advice in your areas of interest. No drop-ins so be sure to register in advance!

Click here to RSVP or scan the QR code to secure your spot.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with some of the most influential Filipina leaders in the community.

See you there!

 

Co-Chairs:

Edith Winterhalter, Ed.D., FWN Ambassador to Southern California

Maria Benel Corazon G. Se, CPA, FWN Board Member

Sponsored by: Crowe LLP - Audit, Tax, Advisory, and Consulting Services

Mabuhay Invitation: July 2nd Philippine Independence Day Reception

How do Filipinos in America celebrate Philippine Independence Day?

We gather, visit with friends, sing, dance, and eat Filipino food. Oh, and we refresh our unique Filipino outfits and wear them to the reception!

Join FWN and the Philippine Consul General in San Francisco for a once-a-year gathering to celebrate freedom, Filipino voices, and "seats at the table."

Let us know soon - click here to RSVP or use the QR code.

Mabuhay!

Marily Mondejar and the FWN Board