By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
AS the 12th Women’s Summit came to a close, one of the organization’s longest-serving members, Jacqueline P. Che, used her closing remarks not only to honor the woman who founded the Commonwealth Women’s Association, but also to reflect on the deeper purpose of the gathering itself.
Che, who has been part of the organization since its inception, told participants that what took place during the summit went beyond a one-day event. She is currently the Federal Programs Officer of the Public School System.
“As we close this year’s Women’s Summit, I want to honor what has happened in this room,” Che said. “We came together as women and were reminded that ‘coming home’ is not just about geography. It is about coming home to our purpose, our authenticity, and our power to serve and drive change.”
She said the summit created space for women to reflect not only on where they are, but on the leadership and responsibility they carry moving forward.
“We talked about showing up as our true selves, refusing to shrink, and using our gifts in service of others,” she said. “We looked ahead to the future, including AI and emerging technologies, and claimed our place not just as users, but as shapers of what comes next.”
Che added that the summit’s visioning sessions helped transform individual reflections into something collective and forward-looking.
“We named both our aspirations and our challenges, turning individual stories into a shared agenda for change,” she said.
But the heart of her remarks centered on legacy.
Che paid tribute to the late former House Vice Speaker Felicidad “Daling” Taman Ogumoro, the founder of CWA, whose vision laid the foundation for the organization now marking its 15th year.
“We also stand on the shoulders of those who began this work before us,” Che said. “I want to especially honor the late Felicidad ‘Daling’ Taman Ogumoro, who started this CWA organization and is no longer with us.”
Though Ogumoro has passed on, Che said her vision continues to live through the women and community she helped bring together.
“Her vision created the very space we are sitting in today,” Che said, adding that the founder’s legacy remains present in every connection made, every story shared, and every woman who leaves the summit more confident, informed, and committed to purpose.
For Che, that continuity is reflected not only in the organization’s staying power, but in how its work has been carried forward by future women leaders, including the founder’s daughters and those who have continued to keep the association active over the years.
She also took time to thank those who helped make this year’s summit possible.
“To our speakers, organizers, and volunteers, especially Les, Carm, Annie, Pia, Rep. Denita, and Becky, thank you for creating this space and keeping this alive,” Che said. “And to each of you here: thank you for your courage, your honesty, and your presence.”
Before closing, Che left participants with a challenge to carry beyond the event.
“As you leave, I invite you to carry three commitments,” she said. “Come home to your purpose and trust that your journey has prepared you. Protect your authenticity and use it to lift others as you rise.”
In many ways, Che’s message brought the summit’s theme, “Give to Gain,” full circle — linking the founding vision of the Commonwealth Women’s Association to the women now entrusted to continue it.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
