10 Filipina Americans you should know this International Women’s Day
Ten Filipina Americans you should know this International Women’s Day
NEW YORK CITY — As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, it’s a perfect time to honor the achievements of women worldwide. This year, we highlight 10 exceptional Filipina women in the United States, each making a significant impact in their communities and inspiring future generations.
Annalisa Burgos — An acclaimed TV anchor and journalist, Annalisa has over two decades of experience covering vital global stories. As an anchor for Hawaii News Now, she emphasizes diverse narratives in media, representing Filipino and indigenous communities. She also teaches at the University of Hawaii, encouraging young journalists to pursue integrity in their work.
READ: #HerStory: Women Transforming Society
Annalisa Burgos
Deirdre Levy — The first Filipino-American to run for mayor of New York City, Deirdre is a special education teacher and author of Bodega Princess. Through her NYC Filipinos initiative, she amplifies underrepresented voices and fosters community engagement, showcasing her commitment to education and cultural representation.
Deirdre Levy
Gina Ortiz Jones — An Air Force veteran and the first woman of color and openly lesbian individual to serve as under secretary of the Air Force, Gina is running for mayor of San Antonio, Texas. Her advocacy for marginalized communities and focus on inclusivity in governance inspire many.
Gina Ortiz Jones
Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover — Founder of EdukSine, Karen has created a hybrid streaming platform for Filipino films, focusing on educational and socially relevant content. Her efforts promote independent filmmakers and ensure broader access to Filipino stories, championing representation in the arts.
Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover
Licelle Cobrador — A New York City immigration lawyer, Licelle is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex visa processes. She serves the undocumented Filipino-American community by providing free legal assistance, empowering those she serves with crucial resources.
Licelle Cobrador
Maria Torres-Springer — New York City’s First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer has a distinguished career in public service. She stepped down from her position, along with three other deputy mayors, in protest against Mayor Eric Adams’s cooperation with President Donald Trump. Her leadership roles highlight the importance of representation in government.
Maria Torres-Springer
Olivia Quido-Co — Now the vice president of Miss Universe for Global Partnerships, Olivia built a successful career in the beauty industry. Known for her holistic skincare approach and her partnership with the Miss Universe organization, her journey exemplifies perseverance and a commitment to empowering women.
Olivia Quido-Co
Trish La Chica — Trish was appointed to the Hawaii House of Representatives and successfully ran for re-election to represent District 37 in the general election last November. Advocating for public transportation improvements and youth protection, her background in investigative journalism fuels her passion for social justice.
Trish La Chica
Ysabel J. Jurado — Making history in 2024, Ysabel became the first person of Filipino descent elected to the Los Angeles City Council. Her commitment to tenants’ rights and community advocacy resonates with voters, inspiring future leaders.
Ysabel J. Jurado
Reina Filipina Pageant Winners — This year, we celebrate the winners of the inaugural Reina Filipina pageant, representing the Fil-Am community in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. Valerie West, a biomedical engineer, honors her Ifugao heritage and promotes community service. Pauline del Mundo, Global Director for Social Media at IT Cosmetics, advocates for inclusivity in beauty pageants. Amanda Russo, a finance major, supports the elderly, showcasing the power of beauty pageants to share stories and cultural values.
Reina Filipina Pageant Winners
These women exemplify the strength and resilience of Filipina women in the US. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honor these trailblazers and their contributions to our communities. Their stories remind us of the power of unity and the enduring spirit of Filipina women everywhere, inspiring us to uplift and empower one another for a brighter future.
