SAN FRANCISCO – 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 recently. 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 US 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 Filipino women
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)