We are delighted to announce Elizabeth Joy Quijano, from the Philippines, as a finalist for the 2025 Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards in the Leadership in Care Award category.

Elizabeth Joy Serrano-Quijano—known lovingly as “Joy”—is a mother, writer, educator, and community leader whose life’s work embodies caregiving in its deepest and most transformative sense.

A mother of three, Joy balances the dual role of breadwinner and primary caregiver while championing initiatives that uplift her indigenous community in Matanao, Davao del Sur, Philippines. As a proud member of the Blaan cultural group, she extends her care far beyond her own family, creating opportunities for indigenous women and children to learn, thrive, and reclaim their narratives.

Connection to the Leadership in Care Award

Joy’s leadership reflects the essence of this award: centring care as both practice and principle. Whether founding community libraries, writing stories that preserve indigenous voices, or mentoring the next generation, her approach shows how caregiving can be a powerful force for justice and cultural survival. She redefines care as an act of leadership—visionary, resilient, and transformative.

Mobilising Change

Recognising the barriers to literacy and representation in her province, Joy founded the Blaan and Tagakaulo Cultural Community Libraries—safe spaces of learning sustained through her own initiative and community support. These libraries are not only places to read, but also hubs of empowerment, especially for women and girls.

As an author, Joy broke new ground with Dili Pwede Mogawas ug Ubang mga Sugilanon (2022), the first short story collection written by an indigenous Filipina. Winning the 2023 National Book Award for Short Fiction in Binisaya, her work challenges systemic marginalisation and elevates indigenous narratives to the national stage.

Through these efforts, Joy mobilises care into collective action—whether distributing hygiene kits during the pandemic, mentoring young indigenous writers, or organising storytelling workshops that celebrate cultural identity.

Why Joy Stands Out

What sets Joy apart is her ability to weave care into every aspect of her leadership. For her, caregiving is not confined to family—it extends to community, culture, and future generations. She empowers women across neighbouring provinces, raises her children to carry forward a legacy of justice, and shows through her own resilience that care can be both deeply personal and profoundly political.

Her achievements have been recognised nationally and internationally, including the Women of the Future Award (Arts and Culture, 2022) and as an Outstanding Matanaoan in Literature. Yet Joy views these accolades not as personal milestones but as reflections of collective strength: “If one woman can, all women can.”

Elizabeth Joy Serrano-Quijano’s leadership is a testament to the power of care to transform lives, safeguard cultures, and inspire futures. She reminds us that true care is not passive—it is courageous, visionary, and community-building.

Connect with Joy on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Join us in celebrating women’s leadership!

On 30 September at 6PM ICT, we will announce the awardees of the four Wedu Women’s Leadership Awards in a special online celebration. Reserve your spot and be part of the moment. RSVP here to join us