Dr. Nerissa Mendoza-Gerial, the current Deputy Executive Director for Nursing Services of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and the Founding President of the Urologic Nurses Association of the Philippines (URONAP), was awarded by the Filipino Women’s Network (FWN) as one of the MOST INFLUENTIAL FILIPINA WOMEN IN THE WORLD.
She received the crystal FWN plaque during the Gala awards ceremony at 16th Filipino Leadership Global Summit last October 31, 2019 in Paris, France. She was honored in the INNOVATOR AND THOUGHT LEADER award category after a worldwide search to recognize women for their professional work and civic engagement in the community as she has broken new grounds in her field of expertise.
The Filipino Women’s Network recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who are changing the face of leadership in the global workplace, having reached status for outstanding cork in their respective fields and are recognized for their leadership, achievements and contributions to society, femtorship (female mentorship), and legacy. Dr. GERIAL was selected from an outstanding field of nominees from around the world. FWN is a San Francisco California, USA-based non-profit, non-partisan international advocacy organization that aims to increase the power and influence of Filipina women as leaders in the private and public sector. The membership has grown to cover 31 countries and is actively involved in programs and activities that enhance public perceptions of Filipino women, capabilities to lead. The FWN100 Award was launched in the United States in 2006 and expanded its search globally in 2013. Many of the awardees have reached the pinnacle of their careers breaking the ‘glass ceiling’ at the CSuite and Executive Management Level.
FWN has recognized Filipino women for their work and achievements, among them Loida Nicolas Lewis, Ma. Ressa, Loma Kapunan, Marife Zamora, and Vice President Leni Robredo.
“This award is very memorable for me because all my hard work and contributions to my profession were recognized by the global Filipino Women’s Network. I was ecstatic to meet the women behind FAIN and my co-Filipino awardees from the different parts of the world, and to ‘mow their success stories and at the same time build partnerships and friendships. This is proof that women leaders of the world can really make a difference in their field of specialization and their achievements can truly leave a mark in history through the remarkable things that they have accomplished,” says Dr. Gerial.
Dr. Genial was born in San Miguel, Bulacan, graduating from St. Jude College in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing: she then started With a valiant journey as a well-rounded medical-surgical nurse at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in 1993. Along with the advancement of her career, she was also able to maintain balance with her personal life as the started to raise a family of her own.
Consequently, while working in the Operating Room, she persevered and was able to finish her Master’s in Hospital Administration the University of the Philippines-Manila and with further edification, was conferred Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education Major in Leadership and Management. She became one of the very few nurses in the Philippines who is Career Executive Service Eligible (CESE)given by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) of the Philippines; a distinction that requires arduous work and untiring determination. More than that her contribution to the Nursing profession encompasses not only to NKTI but also to the whole country as she established the Urobgic Nurses Association of the Philippines (URONAP).
On top of the countless positions that she holds in various nursing organizations, she was also the former All Star President of the Rotary Club of Chinatown Circle. Through her humanitarian endeavour, she still continues to give to die community by channeling her knowledge and linking her profession and position in the health services in various communities in the country giving emphasis on Kidney Disease Prevention and Organ Donation.
“Each nominee goes through a rigorous vetting process by the Selection Committee composed of previous global awardees,” explained Thelma Boac, chair of the Global FWN100 Awards and elected Trustee of the San Jose, California Berryessa Union School District. “They were selected based on the size and scope of their positions, influence in their industries and their communities, board affiliations and other leadership roles.”
“DR. NERISSA M. GERIAL is now a valued partner in helping FWN develop the Filipino community’s pipeline of qualified leaders to increase the odds that some will rise to ‘president’ position in all sectors of the global economy,” added Dr. Carol Enriquez, FWN board member. “The summit is where smart women are sharing the secrets to their success and inspire each other. The 2007-2019 awardees’ leadership stories s have become part of the largest recorded Filipino women diaspora in modem times.”
“The #FWNSummit2019 theme is Be. Magnificent. AMPLIFYING Filipina Women Voices. Seeing all the global awardees on stage at the awards ceremony assures me that the future of our young Filipino sisters is solid,” said Georgitta Puyat Chairman, Philippine Orchard Corporation and FWN president. “Awardees often share this inspiring evening with their moms, granddaughters, daughters, sons, spouses, partners, young women and men, mentors and bosses from their organizations. They all come on stage to celebrate her.”
Dr. Nerissa M. Genial was accompanied by her supportive and loving husband, Dr. Ernesto L. Gerial, Jr., a Urologic/Laparoscopic Surgeon during the awards night. She expresses her gratitude to the Filipino Women’s Network for the recognition accorded to her, to her family, who has been her source of strength and inspiration, to her NKTI family especially to the Executive Committee and Nursing Services leaders and staff, for trusting and believing in her commitment and leadership. With that, Dr. Genial will continue to live up to the challenge and essence of this award. (via PNA Sinag)