The Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), a global non-profit based in San Francisco, celebrated another milestone with the launch of the fifth series of the DISRUPT Filipina Leadership Book Series in Cebu. The event also marked the confirmation of Ms. Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung as FWN Ambassador for Cebu, further expanding the network’s reach in the Philippines.
Founded in 2001 by Marily Mondejar, FWN began as a local San Francisco Bay Area organization focused on Filipina women’s advancement. It has since evolved into a global movement present in 33 countries, amplifying the leadership and influence of Filipina women across sectors and continents.
“In the early days, searching the word ‘Filipina’ online mostly yielded degrading stereotypes,” Mondejar shared during the event. “We wanted to change that. Today, when you Google ‘Filipina,’ the Filipina Women’s Network appears prominently — a testament to how far we’ve come in reshaping the narrative.”
After being confirmed as FWN Ambassador for Cebu, Yeung expressed gratitude for the role. “It is with deep gratitude and great humility that I accept this honor today.” Yeung attributed her dedication to charity to her father’s influence. She recalled his words: “No one is ever too small or too poor to give something of himself.”
Inspired by his values, she founded the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation in 1991 to help those in need. In 1997, she also provided valuable support to the Operation Smile Foundation.
FWN’s flagship DISRUPT book series is at the heart of this mission, chronicling the leadership stories of Filipina women breaking barriers worldwide. With over 167 contributing authors from the United States, the Philippines, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Japan, the series serves as a powerful platform for showcasing Filipina excellence.
Several authors of the book series graced the Cebu event, including Marily Mondejar, FWN Founder; Benel Se Liban, Managing Partner, JBC Group LLC; Gina Garcia Atienza, Chair, SunStar Publishing Inc.; Maria Santos Greaves, President and Owner, Surrey Hearing Care Inc.; Janette Nellie Chiu, President, Nutrivalue Technologies Inc.; and SNF Grace Jamon, President, Lapu-Lapu Cebu International College.
Adding depth and inspiration to the program were guest readers of selected excerpts from the DISRUPT series: Jane Panganiban, President, Cebu Advent Development Corp.; Ma. Teresa Chan, CEO, E-Asia Tech Solutions; Maria Corazon Akol, President, Philippine National IT Standards Foundation Inc.; Marylou Ngo Ang, President, Magna CMGN Solutions Inc. and Ace Medical Solutions; Director, Dynacast Group of Companies; Melanie Ang, Executive Vice President, Ng Khai Development Corp.; Paulette Liu, President and CEO, PSEFI-Skills; and Stella Bernabe, Region Head, Manulife – STELLAR OCEAN Region.
The event underscored FWN’s continued push to empower Filipina women as decision-makers and advocates for social and economic justice. Mondejar highlighted that FWN awardees are required to launch two-year community impact projects wherever they live, encouraging Filipina women to build visibility and leadership not only in the Philippines but also in their local communities abroad.
“We often focus on sending help back home, but we must also establish our presence where we live and work,” Mondejar said. “This is how we truly elevate the Filipina brand on the global stage.”
As FWN approaches its 25th anniversary, the organization remains committed to expanding its leadership pipeline through its signature programs such as the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Awards, the FEMtoring/mentoring program, and the Filipina Leadership Global Summits.
With the growing momentum in Cebu and across the world, FWN continues to champion its mission: to ensure that the world sees Filipina women not through outdated stereotypes but as powerful leaders shaping the future.
