Our Legacy
Founding Advisor
A Life of Purpose: Josie Estaris de Jesus, MA, BSN, RN
From the quiet town of Camaliniugan in the Philippines to the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, Josie Estaris de Jesus has lived a life defined by compassion, leadership, and unwavering faith. Her journey as a nurse began with a deep calling to serve others—one that would grow into a legacy of community impact, mentorship, and advocacy.
After immigrating to the United States, Josie not only excelled in her profession but also became a driving force in uplifting Filipino American voices through healthcare and civic engagement. She is the founding president of the Philippine Nurses Association Southern California West LA Subchapter (PNASC-WLA) and currently serves as Executive Director and National Treasurer of the UERMMMCNAA USA Inc. Foundation.
Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World and honors from the California State Senate and Assembly. Through her work with organizations like Kalayaan Incorporated, Camaralingue Circle USA, and FACLA, Josie continues to champion education, health equity, and cultural pride.
Beyond her titles and awards, Josie is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose faith and family remain at the core of everything she does. Her story is one of resilience, generosity, and vision—a reminder that true leadership begins with service.
Motto: “Live a life of purpose, serve with compassion, and lead with faith.”
President-Elect Ma. Corazon Manapat, MSN, RN, FNP
As our President-Elect, Ma. Corazon Manapat will begin her term with great passion and vision. Her leadership will mark the start of a new chapter — one that will make history and inspire generations to come
Motto: “Leading with purpose, shaping a lasting legacy.””
Diane Tupaz Roque, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC (2024–2026)
Diane Tupaz Roque, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is the 5th and current President of PNASC West LA, guiding the chapter with compassion, integrity, and vision. A dedicated nurse practitioner and advocate for holistic well-being, she continues to uplift Filipino-American nurses through leadership, mentorship, and community engagement.
Under her leadership, PNASC West LA has hosted impactful events such as the sold-out screening of Nurse Unseen, honoring the courage and contributions of Filipino nurses during the pandemic, and supporting the continuation of Nurture HOPE: Practice of Loving Kindness—a wellness initiative originally led by Dr. Janette Moreno, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC—which promotes mental health, mindfulness, and community resilience.
Her tenure emphasizes wellness, empowerment, and solidarity, strengthening the bonds among nurses and inspiring the broader community to lead with heart and purpose.
Motto: "Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark" -Jay Danzie
Marie Navarro, MSN, RN, CCRN (2022–2024)
When Marie Navarro accepted the presidency of the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California (PNASC) West Los Angeles Subchapter, she saw it as a calling to serve. “I was inspired to uplift Filipino nurses, give back to our community, and make PNASC WLA more visible and impactful,” she shares.Her term was defined by compassion, collaboration, and service. Marie co-chaired the CALMHSA Grant (Take Action LA) promoting “Kalusugan para sa Kapayapaan ng Sambayanan” and led a fundraiser for the Kababayan Emergency Preparedness Fund (KEPF). Under her leadership, PNASC WLA organized 22 outreach programs, logged 2,430 volunteer hours, established 10 partnerships, and received 13 awards—partnering with the Philippine Consulate, Philippine Workers Center, and Jollibee North America.
A milestone event was the Educational Retreat on Loving-Kindness, Caring Science, and Mindful Meditation, chaired by Dr. Janette Moreno, symbolizing renewal and resilience. Marie also joined the Siquijor Dental Mission in the Philippines, organizing a dental kit drive with the UST Nursing Alumni International.
“True leadership is about resilience, humility, and moving forward together,” she reflects, crediting the PNASC and West LA Boards (2022–2024), mentors Ms. Josie de Jesus and Ms. Mindy Ofiana, and colleagues Maria Sagun, Catherine Rubio, and Diane Roque.
Guided by Helen Keller’s words— “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”—Marie hopes PNASC WLA continues empowering Filipino nurses and strengthening its community impact.
Motto: Lead with heart, serve with humility, and remember that our greatest strength as nurses lies in working together.
Catherine Rubio, MSN,RN,PHN (2020–2022)
During one of the most challenging times in history, Catherine Rubio led PNASC West LA with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Her presidency—a time of pandemic—was defined by resilience, innovation, and hope. She spearheaded vaccination partnerships with the City of Carson and Los Angeles County, launched the PNASC Mask Protection Initiative, and advanced mental health support through collaborations with the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles and PNAA’s Kabalikat Emotional & Wellness Program, offering free virtual mindfulness sessions.
Her leadership embodied compassion in action—PNASC WLA surpassed 1,000 volunteer hours through community outreach, LA Mission service, participation in Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral, and the first Family River Clean-Up Day. She led the 6th Anniversary Nurse Heroes Awards, honoring nurses’ courage and sacrifice during the pandemic. Under her leadership, the chapter received multiple commendations from the U.S. Congress, California State Senate, Philippine Consulate General, and PNAA, where she was named Outstanding Leader (2021) and recognized for Excellence in Community Population Nursing (2022).
Beyond accolades, she strengthened PNASC WLA’s visibility, expanding collaborations from 11 to 20 organizations and inspiring members to lead with faith, love, and authenticity. Her presidency stands as a testament to servant-hearted leadership—guiding PNASC WLA to emerge stronger, united, and more inspired to serve.
Motto: Lead with faith, serve with compassion, and inspire through action.
Victoria Perez De Leon, BSN, RN, CGRN (2018–2020)
Vicky worked hard to strengthen the ties within the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California (PNASC). She encouraged teamwork, open communication, and active participation among members. Through her efforts, the organization became more connected, and members felt more involved and supported in their shared goals.
She also helped promote unity across the wider community by building partnerships with other nursing groups and local organizations. Vicky’s dedication brought people together, strengthened PNASC’s presence in the community, and inspired others to work toward the common goal of supporting Filipino nurses and the profession as a whole.
Adolfo Famas, MSN, RN, CCRN-CMC (2015–2018)
As the inaugural president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California – West Los Angeles Subchapter (PNASC-WLA), Adolfo Famas played a defining role in shaping the subchapter’s foundation and direction. His pioneering leadership established the group’s structure and purpose, ensuring it would become a strong support system for Filipino nurses in the region.
Guided by compassion and a deep sense of service, Adolfo viewed his presidency as an opportunity to extend the core values of nursing—service, care, and advocacy—beyond the workplace and into the community. Under his leadership, the subchapter achieved vital milestones, including incorporation into PNASC’s bylaws and the successful co-sponsorship of the Annual PNASC–West LA Family Fun Day, a tradition that continues to foster camaraderie and unity among members and families.
He also championed partnerships with organizations conducting medical, dental, and educational missions to the Philippines, allowing nurses to give back to their homeland in meaningful ways. Through these efforts, Adolfo exemplified his belief that “the success of an organization speaks through its members.”
His leadership was marked by selflessness, perseverance, and faith—qualities he credits to the mentorship of Founding Adviser Josie Estaris de Jesus and the unwavering support of PNASC leaders past and present. His vision for the future is one of inclusive leadership, encouraging Filipino-American nurses, including those born in the U.S., to join and continue the mission of unity, service, and professional excellence.
Motto: “Service is the only way to good leadership.”
— Pope Francis