23 January 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand honored Ms. Agnes Espineda, the first Filipino President of the Zonta Club of Wellington. Originating from Bicol, Ms. Espineda has made her home in Wellington, New Zealand for the last 23 years. As President, Ms. Espineda has shown unwavering commitment and laser-focus determination. She has helped to energize Zonta’s vision to Advance the Status of Women Worldwide through Service and Advocacy.
Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez was proud to host recently an inspirational dinner with the Zonta Club, which was attended by 14 female students from Wellington and Hutt Valley high schools. During the dinner, Ambassador Benavidez said “We at the Philippine Embassy are greatly honored and happy to partner with the Zonta Club of Wellington, whose officers and members, led by its President, Ms. Agnes Espineda, distinctly and tangibly demonstrate in their activities and advocacies their single focus to improving the status and protecting the rights of women worldwide. This is the collective resolve and common pursuits that bind the Philippines and New Zealand which are in the forefront of highlighting the importance of women as the key driver to growth and development in the lives of nations and in the lives of peoples.”
Ms. Espineda embodies the Filipino spirit of ‘bayanihan’. She has been instrumental in the Zonta Club’ visibility and credibility and making a positive difference in the lives of women and girls. Under Ms. Espineda’s leadership, members have enthusiastically participated in many fun-filled and meaningful events and wider partnerships forged with other community organizations, especially in the anti-violence against women campaign.
Some of the Club’s significant events and projects in 2014 included the Young Women in Public Affairs Award, the International Women’s Day Breakfast, the 13th Zonta Science Award, and an Inspirational Dinner to celebrate New Zealand Suffrage Day. A “High Tea " fundraising event was held to raise funds for Zonta’s local, national and international projects. Zonta members also joined the White Ribbon Day “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” march, taking a stand against violence to women. Under her leadership, the club has actively engaged with colleges and schools to inspire young women and support them in their career choices.
Ms. Espineda’s rewarding and remarkable journey of leading the Zonta Club of Wellington speaks volumes of a Filipina’s dedication, leadership and heart-centered service. Together with the full support and trust of the Club’s Board, its members and partners, she has championed projects for the empowerment of women.
The Philippine Embassy is blessed to partner with Ms. Espineda and the Zonta Club of Wellington. It has raised the positive profile and favorable reputation of the Philippines as well as the talents and contributions of its people to New Zealand’s multi-cultural society.
Ms. Espineda is Managing Director of TACTICS Limited, a training and documentation consulting company based in Wellington. Under her inspiring leadership, TACTICS has grown to become one of the leading providers of performance support services in the Asia-Pacific region. TACTICS has successfully delivered many projects for private and public sector clients in New Zealand and internationally. END