DISRUPT 5.0. Filipina Women:
Leading with Intersectionality
22 AUTHORS • 6 COUNTRIES
Canada • Japan • Philippines • Switzerland • United Kingdom • United States
Filipina Women Leaders: Disrupting Stereotypes
MARILY MONDEJAR
Founder/CEO, Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network
“I believe the future is intersectional, and it is ours to shape. By leveraging the power of our diverse experiences, we are not just breaking barriers but redefining leadership itself. We are showing the world that true leadership is inclusive, equitable, and deeply rooted in understanding the complex realities we face.”
PREFACE
fRANCIS TSANG, MPH
Strategic Communications Advisor, San Francisco International Airport
“This collection of stories forms a powerful chorus of strong voices, showcasing what is possible when a Filipina woman’s talents, determination, dreams, and leadership are shaped and refined by the challenges of cultural norms, traditions, and expectations.”
CRUCIBLES AUTHORS
CHARINA AMUNATEGUI, MBA
Executive Director, Fund Finance Business Execution, MUFG Investor Services; Treasurer, Board of Directors, Inspiring Girls USA
Global FWN 100™ 2023
“I decided it was time to challenge the giant gorilla in the room—my self-limiting belief that I was not smart enough. I had lived like an impostor trapped in my self-deprecating thoughts for far too long. It was time for fear to end its reign. I was a woman on a mission to redeem myself from my past.”
SOFIA ARAGON, JD, BSN, RN, FAAN
Executive Director, WA Center for Nursing
Former Mayor, City of Burien, WA
Global FWN100™ 2022
“My Filipina identity often makes me a new player to the table, one that those from established groups are not used to seeing or interacting with. I’ve been fortunate to be able to grow where I’ve been planted and committed to using what I’ve learned to benefit others.”
MARIA SANTOS-GREAVES
President and Founder, Surrey Hearing Care, Inc.
Owner and Founder, Minamar Janitorial Services
Global FWN 100™ 2015
“I realized that my thoughts were not merely fleeting whispers—they were the architects of my reality. By consciously nurturing positive thoughts and surrounding myself with a community of supportive, compassionate people, I found that I could begin to shape a brighter, more hopeful future.”
ISABELITA T. MANALASTAS-WATANABE, M.A.
President, Speed International Finance
President, Speed Consulting Services, Inc.
President & Representative Director, Speed Money Transfer Japan Kabushiki Kaisha
Global FWN 100™ 2013
“When I describe myself as a warrior, I mean a fighter who does not give up despite significant challenges hindering my success. Like bamboo that bends but does not break during harsh typhoons and strong winds, I stand up even after falling, ready to rise and fight again, embodying the true spirit of the warrior that I am.”
GRACE JAMON
President/CEO, Lapu-lapu Cebu International College
Global FWN 100™ 2022
“Destiny is certain. I was meant to be exactly where I needed to be, guided by grace through every step. The universe convinces us that we are placed where we are for a reason. Life challenges us to believe that we are designated to accomplish our tasks dutifully, passionately, and lovingly.”
CHAMPIONS AUTHORS
REGINA BERBA, MD. MSC
Professor 3, University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine
Global FWN 100™ 2022
“There’s a special ingredient to the teamwork we experienced at PGH during the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it is best captured by the word “Bayanihan” from the word “Bayani.” BAYANIHAN is a unique Filipino value of working together. And at our worst and best moments, it was the Bayanihan spirit that pulled us through.”
KRISTINE CUSTODIO SUERO, ACP
Vice Chair/Commissioner, San Diego County Commission
on the Status of Women & Girls
Legal Professional and Educator
US FWN 100™ 2012, Global FWN 100™ 2022
“I proclaim: trust your power! If we count ourselves out from the beginning, we will count ourselves out of important connections, conversations, and opportunities. Our self-awareness of our inherent worth is mission critical to the genesis of movements that change the world. We must know our worth in order to exert and share our power.”
ELLEN SAMSON, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCP
Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care
Trainer, Certified Montessori Dementia Care
President, American Geriatric Care Management
President, My Own EVA
Founding Executive Board, Coalition of Filipino American
Chambers of Commerce (COFACC)
Global FWN 100™ 2019
“Landing in America was like being dropped into a parallel universe. Everything was different—the language, the pace, even the way people looked at you. My first jobs were a far cry from my corporate life back in the Philippines. One day, I was a high-flying executive; the next, I was a karaoke master and saleslady in Downtown LA. Talk about a humbling experience.”
JUDGE ROHANEE ZAPANTA
San Diego Superior Court, State of California
Global FWN 100™ 2023
“When you look into the mirror, who do you see? It’s an easy enough question, but many say it’s difficult to answer. Think about the image reflecting on you. Would your answer start with the familial roles you take on? Parent? Child? Sibling? Do you answer by explaining how you contribute to your community? Teacher? Mentor? Spiritual provider?”
GLOCAL
MYLA ARCENO, MCSP
Councilor Myla Arceno
Martins Wood Ward
Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Cardiac Rehab Specialist Physiotherapist
Team Manager
Hertfordshire Community National Health Service (NHS) Trust
Global FWN 100™ 2022
“My role as the first Filipina Mayor in Stevenage is more than a personal achievement; it represents a breaking of barriers for other women of color. It sends a powerful message to the next generation that their dreams are achievable, and their identities are assets, not obstacles.”
MARIA A. BEEBE, PH.D.
President, Kaisipan
Consultant, Asia Open RAN Academy
Portland State University, Department of Anthropology affiliate
US FWN 100™ 2011, Global FWN 100™ 2013 Continuing Influential FWN 100™ 2019
“These memories have been my touchstone, symbolizing perseverance and fortitude. They inspire me to challenge myself and others, speak up for what is right even in the face of opposition, act on my convictions even when they are unpopular, and take actions that require courage.”
DENISE VIARDO KOH, BSC, MD, CCFP, MPH, FRCPC, ACBOM
Public Health and Occupational Medicine Specialist,
Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Author
Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba
President, Federation of Medical Women of Canada-Manitoba Branch
Founder, MedResRx
Creator, the MedResRx Hypnotherapy App
Global FWN 100™ 2023
“To win, we need a crystal-clear vision of what we want our lives to look and feel like—our “What.” Don’t let your mind limit your potential. This is your vision, so don’t be afraid to be bold and unapologetic with your goals. Even if you don’t reach them, you’ll achieve more than you initially thought possible. It’s important to have a clear picture of your goals and a visceral sense of achieving them.”
DONNA AVELLANA KÜNZLER
Head of Procurement Process Excellence & Digital Transformation Robotics & Discrete Automation, ABB Switzerland
Board Member, Limbic Life AG
Board Member, BSM Global Association
Global FWN 100™ 2023
“In all aspects of our lives, we can face possibilities and opportunities that seem unreachable as we have our insecurities and biases. Because we are not the final decisionmakers, we may be discouraged to even take the first step of asking the question. As a leader, I constantly challenge myself to take this first step to gain clarity.”
MARLA DE CASTRO RAUSCH
Founder and CEO, Animation Vertigo and Kampilan Productions
Global FWN 100™ 2021
“It’s not about adapting to fit but about finding who you are amid all the changes and differences. That’s how I expressed myself best - because I found who I was throughout all the changes and adapting. Some things I discarded immediately, some things I tried but ultimately figured out it wasn’t who I was. Some were already part of my personality, but I haven’t allowed them to be because of my biases and perceptions.”
LEGACIES
MARY JOY CANON ABAQUIN, ED.D.
Foundress, Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS)
Global FWN 100™ 2021
“Growing up, my mama would always remind me that ‘’Who I am is God’s gift to me, but who I become is my gift to God.’’ As an educator, I know that the generation I leave behind will be my greatest legacy. May this be my gift to God at the end of my journey!”
RHODORA PALOMAR-FRESNEDI
Founder, Sunshine Farm Philippines
Chairperson, Best Buddies Philippines
Global FWN100™ 2019
“I am the product of the intersectionality of generations, geography, and gender. I am grateful for the influences of many women in my life who lived in systems that survived generations. I am the sum of all the people I have met, the places I have been, and the women in my life.”
ATTY. LORNA PATAJO-KAPUNAN
Senior Partner
Kapunan & Castillo Law Offices
Global FWN 100™ 2016
“At 72 years of age and 46 years of law practice, I aim to live longer and do more. Enough is not enough! I cannot eradicate poverty, hunger, discrimination, inequality, social evils, and intersectional injustice. I do not see these problems being solved in my lifetime or even in generations after me. But certainly, I can live a purposeful life with a passion for change and the combined fury of a whirlwind and tsunami.”
ROSEMARIE P. RAFAEL
Chairperson and President, AIC Group of Companies Holding Corp.
Global FWN 100™ 2023
“When I informed my British boss of my decision to leave and start my own company, he questioned, “Why be a small fish in a big pond?” I answered, “Being a small fish in a big pond offered more room for growth.” This response reflects my belief in my potential and my determination to carve out a space for myself despite the systemic barriers in place.”
NORA KAKILALA TERRADO
Founder, Carelon Global Solutions Philippines
Global FWN 100™ 2014, Global FWN 100™ Continuing Influential 2016
“We were not just husband and wife. We were co-pilots navigating storms, welcoming the sunrise, and being grateful as we watched the sunset. Our intersectionality? A blend of ambition, love, and pragmatism. The threads of our roles wove a tapestry that whispered, “This is us.””
MARIA BENEL CORAZON G. SE, CPA
Managing Partner, JBC Group, LLC
US FWN100™ 2011 and Global FWN100™ 2022
“Green bones after cremation are believed to be a symbol of good luck. In our culture, green bones are also thought to be found in individuals who were good people during their lifetime and carried no nastiness in their hearts. We welcomed Mama Nel’s last gift to us, and this sign confirmed everything I knew about my mom.”