2 Filipinas earn spots in WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women 2023 list

Photos from Rochelle Atizado/LinkedIn, Anna Patrizio/LinkedIn

Truth be told, Filipinas throughout history have made significant contributions to nation-building. From legendary figures like Tandang Sora and Gabriela Silang to our unsung women heroes in modern times, they have left an indelible mark in their respective fields.

Their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire generations, showcasing the impact of Filipinas on shaping the nation.

Presently, two Filipino-Canadian powerhouses, Annaflor Feliprada-Patrizio and Rochelle Atizado, have secured their spots in the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) 2023 list of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. Their commitment to their relentless services and Filipino roots have earned them the distinguished “Like A Legend” award (given to those who have made transformational impact).

WXN, known for recognizing exceptional women since 2012, applauds Feliprada-Patrizio and Atizado as true embodiments of power, not just in their accomplishments but in their ability to inspire and uplift others.

The list, unveiled on Oct. 30, features over 1,500 women across 12 categories, spanning private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

Atizado, a senior advisor for partnerships and special initiatives at the United Nations Foundation, is an Amex Emerging Leader for her role as a “master connector” at the foundation, facilitating partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.

Hailing from Toronto and currently based in New York City, Atizado’s work has taken her across Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.

In a LinkedIn post, Atizado attributed her success to her ancestors, emphasizing the Bayanihan spirit. She paid homage to her parents, grandparents, and her uncle, underscoring the impact of her heritage on her journey.

“To the young women reading this – especially Filipinx, API, and BIPOC folks – stand tall in your power. With or without a title, you alone are enough. You alone are legendary,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, Feliprada-Patrizio, a community pharmacist-owner at Schomberg Village Pharmacy and an alumna of Centro Escolar University in the Philippines, shines as a professional leader known for her influential role during the pandemic and her advocacy for women in agriculture in the Philippines.

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Recognized as a 2022 “Most Influential Filipina Women in World,” she founded “Ang Báye sa Agri (The Woman in Agriculture)” to inspire high school females in agriculture, blending her expertise as a pharmacist-owner with her Filipino heritage.

In her post celebrating the accolade, the Filipina leader expressed gratitude to her parents and others who played pivotal roles in shaping her into the leader she is today.

“My life is blessed with parents that are courageous role models, mentors, teachers, friends and organizations that molded me into the leader I am today,” she shared.

From mothers, housewives, breadwinners, and workers to women in various fields, the achievements of these two most powerful women in Canada not only reflect their personal successes but also underscore the strength and influence of Filipinos on the global community.

Their stories serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring leaders, particularly women of diverse backgrounds taking up space in the world.