Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

THE 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US were recognized at the gala awards ceremony last Friday, October 30, during the Filipina Women’s Network’s Filipina Leadership Summit at the Claremont Resort Hotel in Berkeley, California.

The Filipina Women’s Network’s (FWN) Award is a working recognition award and a key initiative of Pinay Power 2012 which aims to double the number of Filipino women leaders by 2012. Pinay Power 2012 began in 2006 with a dream to inspire, inform, and advance Filipina women leaders who would infl uence the Filipino American community’s future. It provides a critical pathway for success ful women who care about advancement, achievement, and signifi cance. FWN honored the 100 women who are changing the face of power in America and who have reached status for outstanding work in their fi elds and are known for their leadership and achievements.

The president of FWN is Marily Mondejar, while Elena Mangahas is the Chair of the FWN Board. Lieutenant Colonel Shirley Saoit Raguindin of the Arizona National Guard is the Chair of the FWN 100 Nationwide Search and Selection Committee.

FWN invites nominees in six categories – founders and pioneers, innovators and thought leaders, policymakers and visionaries, behind the scenes leaders, emerging leaders and builders and the "Nicole" category.

Founders and Pioneers honor Filipina women in their capacities 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 and 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.