Aya Garcia Shlachter Named Most Influential Filipina Woman In The World For Extraordinary Merit
- 4 min read
- November 27, 2025
At the 21st Filipina Leadership Global Summit in San Francisco, Aya Garcia Shlachter — Founder & CEO of MGS Global Group, stood among hundreds of Filipina leaders from across the world to celebrate a historic milestone: 25 years of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) elevating women’s voices, leadership, and impact.
Aya received the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World™: Founder & Pioneer: The Groundbreaker Award”, recognizing her trailblazing work in architecture, AI innovation, and global collaboration. As a featured speaker at the summit, she represented the architects, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the built environment.
A Moment of Global Recognition
During her acceptance, Aya delivered a 10-word speech that captured her mission and leadership philosophy:
“Driven to learn, to empower others, and to keep growing.”
Reflecting on the experience, she shared:
“Standing in that room with Filipina leaders from every industry imaginable — doctors, educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, reminded me why representation matters. We’re not just building businesses or designing buildings. We’re creating pathways for the next generation of Filipina women to lead without hesitation.”
Two Sessions That Inspired the Summit
1. Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers
Aya officially launched the Global Filipina Architects Network, a cross-border initiative designed to strengthen mentorship, collaboration, and visibility for Filipina architects worldwide. This network aims to:
- Connect Filipina architects across countries
- Create mentorship pathways and peer support
- Share resources on AI, business growth, and technical excellence
- Amplify Filipina voices in global architecture conversations
“We’re often the only Filipina in the room at architecture conferences. This network changes that. It creates a community where we can support each other, share knowledge, and build together.”, Aya said.
Stay tuned for the official launch of the Global Filipina Architects Network on January 26, 2026.
2. From Hesitation to Innovation
In her second session, Aya shared how embracing AI transformed not just her business but her leadership. Through MGS Global Group and the AI for Architects initiative, she is helping firms adopt AI responsibly, empowering architects to work smarter, lead confidently, and embrace the future of practice.
A Moment of Global Recognition
Held in San Francisco, the birthplace of FWN, the 21st Filipina Leadership Global Summit celebrated the theme: “Shaping Pinay Futures: Honoring Our Memories, Continuing Our Legacies.”
The week-long event featured plenaries, leadership workshops, learning journeys, cultural performances, and the prestigious Global FWN100™ Awards Gala at the iconic Julia Morgan Ballroom. At the center of the movement is Marilyn D. Mondejar, FWN’s visionary founder, whose leadership has built a global sisterhood spanning over 40 countries.
Her message: “We’ve come full circle, back to where we began. The work continues. Our mission to elevate Filipina voices and leadership around the world is stronger than ever.”
Celebrating the 2025 Global FWN100™ Honorees
This year’s honorees represent excellence across technology, healthcare, education, public service, business, and the arts.
Aya was recognized in the Founder & Pioneer – Groundbreaker category alongside:
- Jennifer Capones Tongco – CEO, Netrust Philippines
- Stephanie Reese – International performer and philanthropist
What the Global Filipina Architects Network Means for the Future
The launch of this network opens doors for:
- Global mentorship
- Leadership development
- AI-enabled learning
- Collaboration across borders
- Greater visibility in architecture and design
It is a community built for growth, confidence, and connection. Official launch happening on January 26, 2026.
Continuing the Legacy
At MGS Global Group, Aya’s mission remains rooted in innovation, leadership, and empowerment. From Cebu City to Cleveland to the global AEC community, she and her team are committed to building a future shaped by collaboration, compassion, and continuous learning.
The work continues.
The legacy grows.
And the next generation of Filipina leaders is rising.
Connect With the Movement
🎧 Listen to the AI for Architects podcast: Apple | Spotify
🌐 Visit mgsglobalgroup.com
💼 Connect with Aya on LinkedIn
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