PH Consulate Officials Attend Upwardly Global’s 25th Anniversary
Event hosts welcome guests to the 25th Anniversary of Upwardly Global (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco joined the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Upwardly Global, held at the LinkedIn Headquarters in San Francisco on 17 November 2025. The Consulate was represented by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil and Vice Consul Hannah Elloise Go.
Founded in San Francisco in 2000 by Ms. Jane Leu, Upwardly Global is a pioneer non-profit organization that provides free programs to help work-authorized immigrants and refugees re-enter the workforce in their professional fields. Over the past 25 years, the organization has linked thousands of immigrant professionals with employers and communities, promoting economic mobility and inclusive growth.
Since its establishment, Upwardly Global has grown into a nationally recognized leader in immigrant workforce integration. During the program, founder Jane Leu and former CEO Camille Ramani reflected on the organization’s early days and the continued importance of recognizing the untapped potential of immigrant professionals. A panel discussion featured two Upwardly Global “alumni” from Brazil and Hong Kong, who shared their personal journeys in navigating the U.S. job market and how the organization played a key role in their successful career transitions.
Consulate officials also had the opportunity to meet Filipino alumni of the program, who attested to the organization’s significant role in helping them secure meaningful employment.
The Consulate likewise highlights Ms. Leu’s long-standing ties to the Philippines. In 2012, she founded Smarter Good, a global services firm based in the Philippines that now employs more than 100 Filipinos and supports nonprofit organizations and social enterprises worldwide.
The Consulate commends Upwardly Global for its 25 years of impactful work and looks forward to continued collaboration in support of Filipino and immigrant professionals in the United States. END
Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil poses with Upwardly Global’s FilAm “alumni” Ms. Aurora Tran and Ms. Karen Cadavos during the 25th Anniversary of Upwardly Global (San Francisco PCG photo)