ShareThisA roundtable discussion on women’s issues featuring some of Illinois’ women leaders was hosted by NaFFAA IL’s Circle of Empowered Women (CEW) led by NaFFAA Illinois chair, Jelly Carandang , on March 3, 2013 at the Northwestern Institute of Health & Technology, a venue graciously offered for use by its president, Ms. Jenita Julian.
The attendees and panelists during the post forum photo shoot. Seated in front: Ms. Jenita Julian and Ms. Jelly R. Carandang. Standing next row, from left: Judge Jessica Arong O’Brien, Ms. Alma Reed, Ms. Imelda Cuevo, Ms. Ella Basilio, and Ms. Yoly T. Tubalinal. On the stairs, from left: P. Emraida Kiram, Ms. Jocelyn Azada, Ms. Merly Perricone, and Ms. Abbey Eusebio. Not in picture are: Ms. Rosamin Bhanpuri, Dr. Marietta Advincula, Ms. Clemencia Fromer, and Ms. Deb Donnelley, who left right after the presentation due to other commitments.
This year’s theme is “Women as Leaders and Nurturers”, with topics such as role of women in Religion and Politics, how and where to get help for victims of abuse and violence and victims of the economy collapse, and how to empower the youth. The informal discussion started with the ladies forming a circle, including the panelists. First Filipina elected judge in Illinois, Hon. Jessica Arong O’Brien, provided inspiration with her presence and timely information as to what the legal community is currently doing with regards to the issue of domestic abuse and violence. She also provided a copy of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act for our future reference. School District 219 Asst. Community Relations Officer, Ms. Rosamin Bhanpuri, provided her personal insights on the Role of Women in her Muslim Faith. Regardless of religious beliefs, everyone agreed that women/mothers greatly influenced the religious practices of family members. For the youth, Abbey Eusebio from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office, stated that good mentors are very important, and forums like this would be a good venue for different generations to reach out to each other. Others who shared their views on the topics were: Yoly Tubalinal, founder of the CEW and chair of NaFFAA’s Committee on Women’s Issues, P. Emraida Kiram, with two new members from Wisconsin, Dr. Marietta Advincula and Ms. Clemencia Fromer, Imelda Cuevo, current president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Illinois (PNAI), Ella Basilio, NaFFAA Illinois Asst. Treasurer, Merly Perricone, past president of PNAI, Jenita Julian, venue host and president of Northwestern Institute of Health & Technology, Jocelyn Azada from AFIRE, Alma Reed, a new transplant from Iowa, and Deb Donnelley, from Loyola University’s Masters in Social Work Program. Frances Roehm from the Skokie Public Library, an active CEW member was not able to join, but sent a library intern, Taylor to cover the forum. The delicious food shared by everyone was catered by Adeline’s Foods in Skokie. NaFFAA Illinois Chair also brought chicken adobo and bilo-bilo, while the Asst. Treasurer brought bicho.
Everyone agreed that there is a strong need for an organization such as the CEW, to inspire others to be empowered to pursue their full potentials in whatever passion they have and to nurture the youth, so that they can continue the work that we have started.
The Circle of Empowered Women (CEW) is a sub-committee of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFAA), Illinois Chapter. The CEW was formed to provide mutual support, leadership growth, information and experience sharing and to create the foundation for lasting personal and social change. NaFFAA is recognized by Washington policy makers, private industry, and national advocacy groups as the voice of the Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. Its mission is to promote the welfare and well-being of all Filipinos and Filipino Americans by fostering unity and empowerment. The CEW has evolved from an all-Filipino group to a diverse group with members from all races, all religion, and all social status, sharing the same moral values and dreams for all women worldwide. If interested in joining the group, please email: msjellybeans@aol.com