Zonta International has always inspired young women to excel in their educational pursuit and community involvement. There are many youth-oriented programs, specifically for women, which hone leadership with “a heart,” for the upliftment of the community.
The yearly search for the Outstanding Young Women in Public Affairs has yielded so much support from the Academe, not only through the various Z and Golden Z Clubs but also from the multi-sectoral community. The ultimate goal of the program is to identify and encourage young women to have a deep-seated commitment to volunteerism through advocacy and service.
The concept of “public affairs akin to public service” covers interrelated value formation, creative skills, team building, immersion in actual communitarian leadership with “purpose and compassion,” where decisions in issues influence public policy.
The 12 Zonta Clubs of Area 3, led by area director Zontian Terry Apistar, in coordination with Area 3 YWPA (Young Women In Public Affairs) vice president Zontian Eliza Torres, took time to disseminate the vision of the Search for the Young Women In Public Affairs, encourage participation from the Academe and learning institutions, and finally submit qualified nominees. All these were coursed through webinars, virtual follow-ups and media mileage.
The Board of Judges was composed of knowledgeable and respectable government and civic leaders.
The winners from Area 3—Zonta Club of Cebu 1: Cassandra Marguerit Salamat Cruz. (No. 8); Zonta Club of Tacloban: Katriel Gantalao (No. 3); Zonta Club of Cagayan de Oro 1: Victoria Balaba (No. 9) and Zonta Club of Cebu 2: Joan Gigataras (No. 5).
Congratulations to all! The winners showed impeccable participative leadership in public service enriched with commendable deportment, academic excellence and sustained involvement in civic projects. Each received certificates and cash gifts, which they would share with their family and small communities needing help.
Zonta International should continue and further explore wider dissemination of this program for the young women who will grow up and become active Zontians.