Teresita Batayola

Teresita Batayola will receive an award as one of the most influential Filipina women in the world from the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN). The gala awards ceremony will take place at the 16th Filipina Leadership Global Summit Oct. 28-Nov. 2, 2019 in Paris, France. 

FWN recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who are changing the face of leadership in the global workplace. Batayola, who will be honored under the “Builder” award category, was selected from an outstanding field of nominees from around the world. “Builders” have demonstrated exceptional organizational impact at a large workplace environment, displaying deep passion for a cause through collaborative initiatives or alliances with institutions, corporations or nonprofit organizations.

Batayola has led ICHS since 2005. She is a prominent national advocate of affordable health care and health equity. Ron Chew, director of the ICHS Foundation, said, “I’m not surprised she’s getting this award. She’s one of the most dynamic, innovative and effective leaders in the country. Under her inspired leadership, ICHS has grown into a vibrant regional health care network with 11 service sites in Washington state.” Washington Governor Jay Inslee appointed Batayola in 2015 to the Seattle Colleges board of trustees, where she served as board chair from 2016 to 2017 and continues to serve as a trustee today. Batayola is a past president of the Washington Association of Community Health and serves on the boards of the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, the Community Health Plan, Community Health Network and the Forterra Strong Communities Fund.