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

The Filipina Women's Network (FWN) has launched a groundbreaking endeavor to bring together 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 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. is a celebration of 100 years of Filipino presence in America. They will be recognized at a special awards event during the 5th Annual Filipina Summit scheduled for October 25- 27, 2007 in Washington DC.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 11, 2007 -- The Filipina Women's Network (FWN), a nonprofit association for women of Philippine ancestry in the U.S., announces a search for Filipina women who are 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 part of a campaign 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.

"We call on these women to collaborate resources towards continuing their work and seek their assistance in 'womantoring' the next generation of Filipina leaders. Their experiences need to be shared and we invite them to help in the succession planning of our community," said FWN Board Chair, Tessie Zaragoza.

The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. is a celebration of 100 years of Filipino presence in America. They will be recognized at a special awards event during the 5th Annual Filipina Summit scheduled for October 25- 27, 2007 in Washington DC. Filipina Summit registrations are now open for early bird rates until August 30.

"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, manage, 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."

FWN invites nominations in the following categories:

Founders & 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 & Visionaries recognize Filipina women leaders who 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 workplace 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 is the nominating sponsor of the Filipina nationwide search.

"The nominations that have been submitted thus far are inspiring. We still need to reach out to those who have not been recognized so we can all work together. FWN's nationwide search supports the mission of Ayala Foundation USA. The Filipino 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 we can improve perceptions of all Filipinos worldwide."

Nominations have been extended to June 30, 2007. To request access to the nomination site, please contact FWN by sending an email to filipina@ffwn.org [filipina@ffwn.org.

For selection criteria, go to Filipina Women's Network. Submit nominations.

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