In its commitment to recognize outstanding Filipino-American community leaders who distinctly exemplify success, Philippine Fiesta, now Fiesta in America, once again honors individuals with exemplary achievements in their chosen profession with a well-conceptualized ceremony during the annual People’s Ball, one of the most glitzy and glamorous gala events this side of North America.
Under the able chairmanship of the indefatigable Darlene Borromeo, together with equally dependable community leader Ludi Hughes, this year’s roster of awardees consists of unmistakably accomplished community figures that are all more than deserving of the award and recognition bestowed on them.
Let’s meet the 2013 Empowerment Awardees:
Susan G. Castor
RN, BSN, C.N.N.
Excellence In Nursing Leadership
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River and the Co-regional CNO of Health South Facilities in Northeast Region, Susan received her MSN Degree in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University. She has worked in various clinical and management capacities in the Philippines, Middle East and New Jersey.
A prominent member of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) Susan has received awards from different prestigious organizations which include the 2012 Don & Diva Award, 2011 Leadership Award from the Asian American Association for Human Services, 2010 NJ Organization
of Nurse Executives Professional Recognition Award, 2009 PNAA’s Excellence in Nursing Administration, Toms River Proclamation for Outstanding Nurse Leader, and Most Outstanding
Filipino-American Leader given by the Federation of Philippine Societies of New Jersey.
For fifteen years, she has turned Philippine Nurses Association – NJ (PNANJ) the solid and steadfast chapter it is today. Susan in her presidency has elevated NANJ to a status that evokes respect, vitality, dynamism and dedication.
Mary Ann T. Donohue
PH.D., RN, APN, NEA-BC.
Empowerment of Filipino Nurses
Dr. Donohue is the Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive of Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Meridian Health in Neptune New Jersey. She shares the responsibility for the overall
delivery of safe and effective family-centered care provided to patients throughout the academic medical center.
She is a strong advocate of career advancement of Filipino nurses and she works hand in hand with them in providing the best care for their patients. She is recognized as outstanding in the area of communication and interpersonal skills; strong foundations in ethics, research and management. She delivers dynamic presentations on a broad variety of topics.
She has received multiple awards from nursing organizations including the American Nurses’ Association (ANA); New Jersey State Nurses’ Association (NJSNA) and Sigma Theta Tau.
A familiar face in PNANJ’s events, as lecturer, participant and supporter, Mary Ann enjoys the company of her Filipino colleagues in Nursing.
Leo-Felix M. Jurado
Ph.D., RN, NE-BC, APN, CNE
Excellence in Medical Field
A role model, mentor, quantum leader and the epitome of a true Filipino, that is Dr. Leo-Felix M. Jurado. A professor at the Department of Nursing at William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey, he is an Administrative Nursing Supervisor at St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude at St. Paul University, Tuguegarao City and finished his MA in Nursing from New York University in 1991. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Health Systems, a joint degree from University of Medicine & Dentistry in New Jersey Institute of Technology & Rutgers University.
Dr. Jurado received numerous awards for his exemplary service and dedication in the medical field and
community leadership. He has served as President of the PNANJ, Inc in 1997-1998. He served as Board Member of the New Jersey Board of Nursing for 10 years. In 2008-2010, he was the President
of the PNA of America, Inc. One of his remarkable accomplishments was the establishment of a Gawad Kalinga Village in Plaridel, Baliuag, Bulacan
Hon. Rolando Lavarro
Excellence in Government Service
Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr. is Jersey City’s first Filipino-American councilman in 2011. He was re-elected on June 11 and sworn in as Council President on July 1, 2013. He grew up in Greenville, Jersey City. He is the son of doctors Rizalina and Rolando Lavarro, Sr., who migrated in the late 1960s to the United States.
Rolando has a lifetime of community service. He co-founded Sumisibol, a non-profit organization dedicated to promote Filipino American culture and leadership via social and educational programs. He oversaw various inter-generational and cross-cultural programs, such as Healthy Aging and Strengthening Families and worked with community coalitions to reduce substance abuse and underage drinking.
Lavarro has introduced and passed legislation significant to the Filipino community, including the creation of the first local Immigrant Affairs Commission in the State of New Jersey. His legislative priorities include crime and public safety and implementing a city budget that prioritizes the needs of
Jersey City residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
Etchel M. Neri, RN
Excellence in Business & Entrepreneurship
An accomplished certified nurse nephrologist, Etchel’s the CEO of Life Streams Medical Transportation Inc. She is responsible for the direction of the business and the administrative
oversight of the company. She plans, directs and coordinates the operation of her business, and manages the daily operations.
Her business was inspired by the long waiting hours she experienced with her patients after their dialysis. It prompted her to establish a medical transport company with the mission of ensuring timely transportation; hence the apt mission statement “Driven by people who care.” A compassionate
and generous nurse, Etchel is also a philanthropist, always willing to support programs brought to her by her friends and religious organizations.
She is the mother of four children: Franchelle, Philip, Aleena and Patrick and grandmother of one, Aidan.
Andy Pada
Excellence in Business Lending
Andy is the founder and president of the 1st 2nd Mortgage Co. of NJ, Inc., a New Jersey-based mortgage bank. It is a leading lender for the Filipino community providing residential mortgages across eight states. It is the only Filipino lender approved seller/servicer of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and has extended billions of dollars in mortgages and presently services $600 million worth of mortgage loans. 1st 2nd Mortgage personally receives each monthly payment for the life of the loan.
His career started at Twin Country Realty. He guided buyers and sellers through complex real estate transactions. As his real estate experience grew, the broadening of his career into mortgage banking was a natural progression. Andres graduated from the University of the East, Philippines, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Laws in 1963.
His membership includes the following: Philippine Bar, Mortgage BankersAssociation, Mortgage Banker Association of NJ, National Association of Realtors and New Jersey Realtor Association.
Rosario Enriquez Magno
Excellence in Overseas Workers Welfare & Management
“Enriching people and empowering lives” is the ultimate mission of Rosario E. Magno, President & CEO of Rosario E. Magno Int’l Staffing, Inc., an organization of people trained to provide reliable and excellent patient care through personalized attention, compassion and with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
Rosario has 50 years of experience in business as entrepreneur. She has an extensive background as job classifier, interviewer, supervisor and manager. Her company is a corporation duly registered, bonded and licensed in the state of New York, New Jersey, Texas, Idaho, California, Florida and Nevada.
A holder of Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1969 from Mapua Institute of Technology, she pursued her Master of Business Administration degree majoring in industrial and personnel management from the Lyceum of the Philippines in 1973.
Actively involved in Filipino activities, she got an Appreciation for Good Service to the Community in 2003 and 2004, Golden Heart Award in 1997 and Queen of Queens Award in 1990.
Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey
Achievement Award Professional Association of the Year
The Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey, INC (PNANJ) was founded on August 8, 1976 with a mission to uphold the image and foster the welfare of the Filipino-American nurses in New Jersey. The first sub chapter was established in 1987 by Filipino nurses at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
At present, there are 11 sub chapters and membership has risen to 1,064.
PNANJ members were instrumental in the creation of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) and, to date, has produced four presidents: Phoebe Andes, Beatriz Miranda, Anunciation
Lipat and Dr. Leo-Felix Jurado.
PNANJ’s outstanding achievements are numerous. To mention some:
• Removal of CGFNS qualifying exam in NJ
• Collaborated with PNAA, Philippine Government and NCSBN in the establishment of NLCEX in the Philippines
• Establishment of annual Scholarship and CARE awards
• Partnership with Gawad Kalinga in the establishment of PNAA Village
• Participated in Balik-Turo and Faculty mentoring program of PNAA
• Collaborated with RWJUH for Magnet partnership and mentoring of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila.
Empowerment Awards Committee chair Darlene D. Borromeo (RN, BC) is the Operations Manager of the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit / Behavioral Health at Boonton, New Jersey.
Fiesta In America, incidentally, is the largest two-day, indoor gathering of Filipinos on the east coast. Full-day expo tickets are $25 per adult; $30 after 5 pm. Limited VIP concert seats at $60. For more information, call 212-682-6610 or visit www.philippinefiesta.com.
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