Four Fil-Canadian leaders get ‘most influential’ Filipina women award

TORONTO – Four Filipino Canadian trailblazers, including the first Filipino woman elected as a Member of Parliament in Canada, received the “Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World” Award from the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network.

The awardees are Rechie Valdez, Member of Parliament for the riding of Mississauga—Streetsville, and the first Filipino woman elected to the Canadian legislature; Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto; Joycelyn David, CEO of AV Communications, a multicultural marketing agency and the only Filipina-owned firm of its kind in Canada; and Anna Patrizio, pharmacist, and owner of Schomberg Village Pharmacy.

The awardees are (from left) Anna Patrizio, a pharmacist, and owner of Schomberg Village Pharmacy; Dr. Eileen de Villa, the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto; Joycelyn David, CEO of AV Communications, a leading multicultural marketing agency; and Rechie Valdez, a Member of Parliament for the riding of Mississauga—Streetsville. (CNW Group/Oasis Integrated Communications)

A total of 13 Filipina Canadian women have been recipients since the awards were founded in the US in 2006, and went global in 2013. The women were selected from an outstanding field of nominees from 10 countries this year, and have been invited to the Gala Awards Ceremony at the 18^th Filipina Leadership Global Summit on Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2022, in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who who have done outstanding work in their respective fields and are acknowledged for their contributions to society, “femtorship,” and legacy. The four women were awarded in separate categories.

Valdez, a small-business owner turned politician won in the Policymakers & Visionaries category for exceptional business acumen combined with a forward-looking vision in influencing policies, campaigns or laws that impact business, industry, and society.

“My wish is that organizations like FWN and award ceremonies like this, will serve as an inspiration to generations of Filipinos, especially for women and youth. We must continue to dream big and imagine more of what is possible,” Valdez said.

De Villa, who has led Toronto Public Health since 2017, echoed Valdez’s sentiments. She was raised in a household that was expected to give back to the community and she has carried this principle throughout her life and work. “It’s important that our youth see people who look like them shattering the ‘glass ceiling’ and taking leadership positions in order to positively impact our community,” she said.

De Villa won in the Builders category, for demonstrating exceptional organizational impact at a large workplace environment; deep passion for a cause through collaborative initiatives or alliances with institutions, corporations or nonprofit organizations on behalf of her own company.

David’s award in the Innovators and Thought Leaders category, for breaking new ground in the marketplace, delivering new and unique applications of emerging technologies for business, sports, literature, the arts and pop culture, or improving the lives of others by helping develop a product or service in the fields of finance, science, technology, engineering, fashion, cuisine, architecture, arts, film and entertainment.

“I will continue to focus on the need for greater representation, and speaking from my place as a multicultural marketing leader, I will continue to help companies and brands bridge the gap between themselves and diverse audiences across North America,” David said.

Patrizio won in the Founders and Pioneers category, which honors 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. As a pharmacist who has been navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Patrizio and her team set a high standard for leadership through early participation in mass vaccination and rapid testing.

“(The award) validates my personal growth from self-doubting, stepping outside the comfort zone, and challenging the status quo. I am so excited to be with like-minded individuals that see a common goal of moving Filipina greatness front and center,” Patrizio said.

Filipinos are the third largest ethnic group in Canada at nearly a million and continue to play a crucial role in health care and key industries across the country.

Marily Mondejar, founder and CEO of the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network, noted, “The Global FWN100 awardees are innovators and thought leaders, dynamic entrepreneurs, rising stars under age 35, practitioners, and public service advocates, who have moved through the ranks in the public and private sectors. They are magnificent women doing extraordinary work trailblazing for the next generation leaders.”