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Leadership
Words Matter: Quotes From 2021's Most Influential Filipina Women
Be inspired by these quotes in honor of Filipino American History Month.
Posted October 18, 2021 Reviewed by Jessica Schrader
Key points
- October is Filipino American History Month.
- There are many inspiring quotes from FWN's 2021 Most Influential Filipinas in the World.
- Writing a 10-word speech or personal motto is a helpful exercise that can clarify one's purpose and direction.
I have never belonged to a sorority. I thought about rushing in college, but never pursued the path of “Greek life.” Recently, however, I joined a sisterhood that I imagine parallels what it is like to feel connected to a group of women you want to help and who want to help you, what it feels like to belong to something bigger than yourself. This sisterhood is the Filipina Women’s Network.
I attended the 17th annual 2021 Filipina Women’s Network conference ("Be. Influential. The Future is Us.") this past September 2021 in San Francisco. The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FFWN) is the organization for career women of Philippine ancestry. With members in 31 countries, the FFWN’s passion is to help Filipina women achieve previously unimaginable levels of performance in the public and private sectors. In fact, one of FFWN’s commitments is to femtoring—that is, developing the next generation of Filipina leaders in every segment of the economy through a female mentor (femtor) and female mentee (femtee).
For the 2019 award, Ellen Samson, CEO of American Geriatric, captured the spirit of the FFWN sisterhood beautifully. Ellen stated: “So thrilled to be in the company of like-minded, type A but grounded and humble Filipina leaders.” A 2021 Global FWN100™ awardee and professional kitesurfer, Paula Rosales, shared her feelings about FWN at the 2021 conference, saying, “Not sisters by blood but sisters by heart."
The women I met were strong, compassionate, wise, giving, and beautiful souls. The bond happened quickly among us but also has been built upon years of planning, leadership, and community of classic Filipina women who broke bamboo ceilings and were driven to pave the path forward. We connected, were vulnerable with each other, and shared wisdom all with a foundation on a herstory of Filipinas and matriarchs who spanned professional disciplines. For more information on this herstory, check out the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network archives and the Filipino American National Historical Society.
During the 2021 Global FWN100™ awards gala, the award recipients continued the legacy of women before us. We accepted accolades for our contributions to society while also accepting the call to do more for future generations. We were asked to provide 10 meaningful words as our acceptance speech. Ten words that represent how the work we do in our award category (i.e., builders, emerging leaders, innovators and thought leaders, policymakers and visionaries, founders and pioneers) helps to inspire an equal future for women and girls, helping Filipina women get that elusive seat at the table. One awardee described the 10-word limit as a useful exercise that “demands one reduce a whole philosophy into a short speech making each word count so much more.”
These directions paralleled the “Six-Word Memoirs,” a project founded by the U.S.-based online storytelling magazine Smith Magazine. The quotes inspired. The words were powerful. The 10-word speeches (and sometimes less) left such a powerful impact that I decided they must be kept alive, passed on further, and shared to an even larger audience. During Filipino American History Month, I am especially overjoyed to share these words articulated by amazing Filipina leaders who are literally making history as we speak. While not an exhaustive list, a majority of the speeches are listed and organized by award categories.
Builders
“Filipina Fearless Girl on Wall Street.” –Holly Vocal, Managing Director Bank of America Securities, USA
“Music evokes joy. Pursue your passion. The possibilities are endless.” –Arlene Tordecilla Ferrolino, President Filipino American Symphony, USA
“Global Filipina, now rising in the Middle East. Get ready!” –Joanne de Guzman Rico, Head of Marketing and Sales, NMC Bareen Cluster at NMC Healthcare, United Arab Emirates
“Fight for what you care about, empower others to join.” –Katherine Villanueva Lai, Partner Crowe LLP, USA
“In the spirit of bayanihan, we can do anything! Mabuhay!” –Cynthia CK Suero-Gabler, Senior Diversity and Economic Opportunity Representative, LA Metropolitan Transportation Agency, USA
"Female financial representation is minimal. I'm driven to elevate this community." Melissa Sanvictores, Vice President Business Development, Milestone Business Solutions, USA
Emerging Leaders
“This is for the undocumented, fierce often forgotten Pinay woman in SOMA” –Carla Laurel, Executive Director West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center, USA
“Filipina Engineers, be unapologetically ambitious. We will change the world!” –Korina Alvarez Mercado, Manager Operational Excellence, Philippines Airlines, USA
Founders and Pioneers
“Head high, feet grounded. Embrace the power of a woman.” –Rhoda Castro Caliwara, President & CEO Executive Genesis Services Inc. Philippines
"Diversity. Inclusion. Level up and empower the world." –Grace Reyes, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, The Investment Diversity Exchange
“Grew up with strong fierce Filipina women. I am grateful.” –Marla de Castro Rausch, President and Chief Executive Officer, Animation Vertigo Inc. Animation Vertigo Asia USA & Philippines
“Grateful for educating to use intelligences to make a difference.” –Dr. Mary Joy Canon Abaquin, Founding Directress, Multiple Intelligence International School, Philippines
Innovators and Thought Leaders
“We all have wings, just trust yourself and fly.” –Paula Rosales, Chief Executive Officer, The Ocean Defenders, Philippines
“When someone puts you down, rise up and prove them wrong.” –Lucia Olalia Reyes, RN, MN Research Coordinator University of Calgary
“Break hearts wide open and create more moments of joy.” –Giovannie Espiritu, Actress. Filmmaker. Owner Hollywood Actor’s Workshop, USA
“Be grounded in culture. Overcome shifts courageously. And shine radiantly." –Annabelle Manalo-Morgan, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Masaya Medical, USA
“Own your own greatness. Lead, empower diverse leaders for positive change.” –Denise J. Lopez, Ph.D., Professor, Alliant International University, USA
"All women deserve the knowledge to cultivate healthy, vibrant bodies." - Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, DO, Senior Doctor at Parsley Health
Policymakers and Visionaries
“Empowered women, empower women. Thank you Tita. Love you Mom.” –Jessica M. Caloza, Commissioner, Board of Public Works, City of Los Angeles, USA
“When you go up, always reach back. This is Bayanihan!” –Natalie Garcia Lashinsky, Attorney, Husch Blackwell LLP, USA
“Pinay sisters, we can create the incredible change we imagine!” –Nikki Fortunato Bas, City Council President District 2 Councilmember, City of Oakland USA
Previous Award Winners
“Learning is best experienced when you take someone with you.” –Edith Winterhalter, EdD, Associate Vice President, Budget and Strategic Business Operations, California State University, Northridge
“Lead. Mentor. Find your purpose. Make a difference.” –Maria Fides Balita, Financial Professional, Transamerica Financial Advisors
“In my daughters’ eyes, I can see the future." (Lyrics from singer Martina McBride) –Joyce Javier, MD, Associate Professor, Clinical Pediatrics | Department of Pediatrics & Population & Public Health Sciences
I witnessed these women be bold, intelligent, and compassionate. I watched them project their words on stage, and I felt empowered. Listening to their dynamic, brief speeches touched me. Words truly matter. I hope reading these quotes motivates you too. With that, I will end with my own 10-word speech I delivered at the FWN gala, "Follow your heart, and use your brain to get there."
References
Beebe, M. A., & Escudero, M. O. (2014). Dis-Rupt: Filipina Women: Proud. Loud. Leading without Doubt. Filipina Women's Network.
Smith, L. & Fershleiser, R. (2009). Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure. ISBN 978-0061374050.
