2026 OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF AFEW

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 Josephine Medenilla-Bayan is a true Fil-Am Powerhouse in STEM, bridging international boundaries and shattering glass ceilings in engineering, urban planning, and construction.

Global Infrastructure Trailblazer: From managing vital rail, road, and utility projects in the Philippines to leading major rail, aviation, and utility infrastructure in the United States, Josephine has consistently driven large-scale civic advancements.

Master of Technical Leadership: Armed with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Philippines, as well as a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, she brings elite technical expertise to her role as Senior Project and Construction Manager at Rock Project Management Services, LLC.

Dedicated Civic Leader: Her impact goes far beyond the construction site. She has dedicated years to local governance and professional excellence, serving as a Commissioner and Past Chair for the City of Renton Planning Commission, and as past President of AACE international Seattle Section.

Community & Family Pillar: Balancing a demanding career with deep community roots, she serves her local Renton catholic parish church, dances with AFEW, and remains a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who always prioritizes family, health, and joy.

Josephine embodies the essence of an empowered Fil-Am woman leader—proving that women can build cities, lead industries, and uplift communities all at once.
 

 Janice Rigonan- Pelayo is a visionary telecommunications executive and passionate community champion who has spent over three decades driving technical innovation and advocating for absolute inclusivity. 

Telecom Industry Trailblazer: Grounded in her roots as an Ilokano woman from Cagayan, Philippines, Janice has been with T-Mobile for 28+ years, playing an integral leadership role in the company's evolution into America's best network. Armed with a B.S. in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Mapúa Institute of Technology and an MBA, she masterfully bridges engineering precision with global business strategy.

Transformational Leadership: Beginning her career at Globe Telecom in the Philippines, Janice’s trajectory is a powerful testament to corporate excellence. Her strategic mindset has allowed her to navigate high-stakes tech disciplines as a leader. She is proud to have been part of the pioneering era of telecom and to have contributed to innovations that continue to shape how people connect, work, and live. 

Champion for Inclusion & Philanthropy: Janice is passionate about fostering inclusion and belonging, amplifying diverse voices and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent. As AFEW President from 2022–2024, she expanded educational outreach and significantly strengthened the scholarship program, providing greater opportunities for aspiring engineering students in the Philippines. Through her professional leadership and community service, Janice is committed to opening doors, empowering others, and creating lasting impact. 

Maria Easter Solis is a trailblazing force in STEM who turned every barrier into a stepping stone. From being the only woman in her class to pioneering roles at a global aerospace giant, her journey is a masterclass in resilience and empowerment.

The Ultimate Barrier-breaker: Dismissed early on by a world that called engineering "a man's profession," Easter countered by earning a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Philippines, completing a BS in Civil Engineering at the University of Washington in just 5 quarters, and winning a full scholarship for graduate studies in Environmental Engineering.

A History-making Boeing Leader: She shattered glass ceilings as the First Female Filipino Engineer hired in Boeing’s Facilities Engineering Department. Over a brilliant 28-year career, she advanced from an entry-level engineer—who had to mathematically prove her worth to skeptical male peers—to the ultimate Lead resource for complex, multi-million-dollar chemical process lines.

Fierce Grit & Uncompromising Standards: Managing high-stress, high-stakes infrastructure like chemical tank lines and waste plants with zero initial training, Easter’s relentless drive earned her the respect from her peers—a testament to the fierce work ethic that fulfilled her lifelong dream.
Lifting the next generation: A true champion for education,  Easter is one of the 12 Visionary Founders of AFEW, helping disadvantaged STEM students in the US and the Philippines. Her leadership helped raise over $50,000 for financially needy students at UP Visayas, leaving a legacy of empowerment that extends far beyond the workplace.

Lourdes “Lou” Domingo was a distinguished IT leader, community advocate, and dedicated volunteer whose life embodied the principles of servant leadership and radical generosity. Across a fulfilling 35-year career at The Boeing Company, she directed critical enterprise systems and steered key technical and audit divisions, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence. Key milestones of her impactful life and career include:

• Enterprise IT & Corporate Leadership: Oversaw IT CAD/CAM Architecture, guided teams of technical fellows, and spearheaded program management for Boeing’s enterprise-wide Transportation Management & Monitoring System, following early career roles at San Miguel Corporation.
• Elite Academic Foundation: Graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Mathematics from St. Paul College of Manila, where she served as President of the Paulinian Math Club and earned a prestigious computer programming scholarship.
• Civic & Community Governance: Served with distinction as Past President #8 of the Association of Filipino-American Engineers of Washington (AFEW, 2010–2012), Chairperson of the Pacific Northwest Tagumpay Awards, and Board Member of the Filipino Community of Seattle.
• Servant Leadership & Legacy: Deeply committed to the principle, “You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give,” she spent her retirement years actively volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul Ministry at St. Stephen the Martyr.

Lou shared a beautiful life with her husband, Ron. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Olivia (and Kyle Swanson) and Samantha (and Albert "Matt" Solis). She deeply treasured her five beloved grandchildren: Isaiah, Jayden, Caleb, Duke, and Serena. Lou loved traveling widely and cherished every moment spent with her family and lifelong friends.