In a profession grounded in compassion, service, and advocacy, few leaders exemplify these values across borders as consistently as Irene Mayo, MCSc, RN. Her nomination for the FiND DAISY Advancing Health Equity Award is not only a recognition of individual achievement—it is a reflection of sustained leadership that has strengthened the global Filipino nursing community and advanced meaningful conversations on equity in healthcare.
At the core of Irene Mayo’s work is a clear and compelling principle: that global collaboration and professional unity are essential to addressing inequities in health systems. As a respected leader within the Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network, she has consistently created platforms where Filipino nurses—regardless of geography—can connect, share, and collectively shape the future of the profession.
A defining example of this leadership was her role as Convenor of the 2nd International Roundtable Meeting of Filipino Nursing Leaders in Helsinki, Finland in June 2025. This landmark initiative brought together Filipino nurse leaders from across continents, fostering dialogue on leadership, innovation, and shared priorities. More than just a meeting, it became a strategic space for aligning global perspectives and strengthening diaspora collaboration.
Her commitment to equity extends beyond professional gatherings into broader sector engagement. In December 2025, Irene represented FiND at the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association Anti-Racism Forum in Sydney. Her participation ensured that the lived experiences of Filipino nurses were included in critical discussions on workplace inclusion, cultural safety, and systemic change. In doing so, she contributed to shaping more equitable and respectful healthcare environments.
Irene’s influence also reaches across regions. As a speaker at the National Roundtable Meeting of Filipino Nurses in Bahrain in June 2025, she helped facilitate conversations on workforce challenges, leadership development, and professional collaboration in the Middle East. Her presence reinforced the importance of connecting Filipino nurses globally—not just as individuals working abroad, but as a unified professional community with shared goals.
Within FiND’s major initiatives, Irene has played a vital role in program development and coordination. Her contributions to the 6th International Filipino Nursing Symposium helped ensure the continuity of a global platform dedicated to knowledge exchange, leadership development, and professional engagement. She has also served as co-convenor of the Roundtable Meeting of Filipino Nursing Regulatory Leaders, bringing together voices from governance and policy to address emerging issues in nursing regulation.
Beyond formal engagements, Irene has contributed to expanding the reach of Filipino nursing voices through the Pinoy Nurse Podcast Series. By helping facilitate this platform, she has amplified stories of leadership, innovation, and service—creating a space where Filipino nurses can inspire one another and celebrate shared experiences.
Across these initiatives, a consistent leadership style emerges—collaborative, inclusive, and forward-looking. Irene Mayo’s work is not centered on individual recognition but on collective advancement. She builds connections across countries, institutions, and professional sectors, reinforcing the global solidarity that defines the Filipino nursing diaspora.
Reflecting on this recognition, Irene shared:
“I am truly grateful and honoured to receive this Daisy Award. Thank you to my colleagues who took the time to recognise the work, care and support I strive to provide each day. Nursing is a team effort, and I am fortunate to work alongside such dedicated and compassionate people. This award reminds me why I chose nursing and encourages me to continue making a positive difference in the lives of others. Thank you again for this meaningful recognition.”
Her words capture the essence of her leadership—one that is grounded in humility, driven by purpose, and committed to empowering others.
As the FiND Network celebrates her nomination for the DAISY Advancing Health Equity Award, it does so with deep appreciation and confidence. Irene Mayo’s contributions are not only impactful in the present—they are shaping the future of Filipino nursing leadership and advancing a more equitable healthcare landscape for communities worldwide.
