Filipina Women's Network Announces Nationwide Search for the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S.

A Filipina Power 2012 Initiative

A search for the Filipinas who are shaping the Filipino American community

(San Francisco, CA) April 26, 2007 - The Filipina Women's Network (FWN) has launched a groundbreaking endeavor to bring together a group of Filipina women recognized for their influence in shaping the Filipino American community nationally, in their local communities, in their organizations and professional practices, and in public policy and industry.

The nationwide search for the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. will identify Filipinas who have shifted the course of events in their own areas of influence through ideas, activities, or interactions using persuasion, advice or street smarts. Recognizing these women is a critical step in changing public perceptions of Filipina women's capacities to lead, innovate, and influence society.

An initiative of Filipina Power 2012, a result of the Filipina Summit's Future Search last October, the search was born with a powerful purpose: To create strong leadership in the Filipino American community by 2012.

"As the Summit participants brainstormed how to adapt and succeed in the future, it was clear that FWN's mission and goals will take on an increasingly significant role in changing biases against Filipina women's leadership abilities," said FWN Board Chair, Tessie Zaragoza. "The selection of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. will allow FWN to support and collaborate with these role models so they can continue to create breakthroughs and 'womantor' the next generation of Filipina leaders, an effective form of succession planning."

The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. is a celebration of 100 years of Filipino presence in America. They will be honored at a special awards event during the 5th Annual Filipina Summit scheduled for October 25-27, 2007.

"Filipinas have been praised as the 'silent but talented minority group' and at the same time perceived as 'submissive and exotic', overlooking their leadership and management skills. It is time that we actively promote Filipina women's capacities to lead, innovate, and persuade. FWN has a highly educated and experienced talent pool: 63% of our members have graduate and college degrees and collectively represent hundreds of years of significant management and industry experience. It is a shame that many Filipina women are not recognized in their positions of power and influence. We need to change that, " said Marily Mondejar, President of the Filipina Women's Network. "This nationwide search is a big part of the game plan for Filipina Power 2012."

Do you know an influential Filipina Woman?

FWN invites nominations in the following categories:

• Founders & Pioneers honor Filipina women in their capacity as the chief executive, president, executive director or founder of a company, community organization, non-profit, or business venture that they helped start, build or significantly grow.

• Innovators and Thought Leaders recognize women who have broken new ground through vibrant, energetic presentations of critical ideas, transforming the way people think, in the fields of arts and letters, performing arts or through pop culture, or have improved the lives of others by helping develop a product or service in the fields of science, technology, biotechnology or medicine.

• Policymakers & Visionaries recognize Filipina women leaders who have made or are making a difference in government policies or laws that impact business, industry, and society and who enrich the lives and careers of others by sharing the benefits of their wealth, experience, and knowledge.

• Behind the Scenes Leaders recognize Filipina women who, though they may not have the big title or corner office, are a driving force behind the success of their employer or community organization and who have gone beyond the call to devote time, energy, and resources to support their community.

• Emerging Leaders & Builders are making their mark in a large corporate environment, displaying high energy and skill in a leadership role at a nonprofit institution, government agency, or organization in any field.

• “Nicole” honors Filipina women whose words, actions, and activism, inspire others to act and revolutionize our society's way of understanding traditional beliefs and customs. This category is inspired by "Nicole" who sparked an international dialogue about women's rights, national sovereignty, and international law as she steadfastly pursued justice against her rapists.

Ayala Foundation USA (a gift from Maya Ong Escudero) is the nominations sponsor of the nationwide search. 

“I am excited to be working with a distinguished group of Filipinas. This 2012 initiative supports the mission of Ayala Foundation USA. The entire community can learn from their considerable knowledge, experience and talents,” said Maya Escudero, Executive Director of Ayala Foundation USA. "Together we can shape the discussion on the trends and implications that will affect the future of the Filipino community in the U.S. and how it will greatly affect perceptions of all Filipinos worldwide."

Nominations are accepted until June 30, 2007. Online submissions only. To request access to the nomination site, please contact FWN by sending an email to filipina@ffwn.org or click on this link.

After you've submitted your nomination (FINISH), make sure you are directed to the Thank You page.