News Briefs | FYI
October 27, 2025
ACSA member named most influential filipina in the world
Gwen Baquiran, board member at the California Association of Asian & Pasifika Leaders in Education and assistant superintendent at the San Benito County Office of Education, has been selected to receive the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World” award from the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network. This honor is based on measurable achievements and demonstrated leadership excellence.
Baquiran will be recognized at the Awards Gala in the Julia Morgan Ballroom at San Francisco’s historic Merchants Exchange Building during the 21st Filipina Leadership Global Summit, Oct. 26–31.
Baquiran was selected from a competitive international field for her outstanding work in educational leadership and organizational development, including mobilizing statewide networks of Asian and Pasifika educators and forging innovative partnerships that have transformed schools, districts, and counties across California. Her selection reflects FWN’s rigorous, merit-based evaluation of measurable impact.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the students, families, educators, and CAAPLE community who inspire and uplift me daily. It affirms that leading with resilience and vision creates lasting impact, and strengthens my commitment to empower the next generation,” said Baquiran.
As one of CAAPLE’s founding regional directors, Baquiran pioneered efforts to build a collaborative and innovative community of educators advancing equity and leadership statewide. Her success led to her historic appointment as the first Filipina CAAPLE Board Member, where she continues to shape the organization’s strategic direction with vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
Celebrating 25 years, the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network identifies the world’s most accomplished Filipina leaders through a rigorous merit-based selection. The Global FWN100 Awards, launched in 2007, honor over 750 proven performers across 33 countries. Find more information at www.filipinawomensnetwork.org.
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Apply for free personalized coaching through ACSA
ACSA’s Precision Coaching service provides personalized coaching to help leaders address specific needs in their school or district, such as creating positive school culture, conflict resolution or improving student outcomes. Members are matched with a trained ACSA Leadership Coach who will provide guidance on the issue (up to 25 hours). This service is available to any ACSA member, but it is intended to support school principals in growing their leadership capacity. Applications are now open for 2025-26. This service will be offered to 75 members selected based on need with priority given to principals. Find more information and apply at www.acsa.org/precisioncoaching.
Toolkit provides resources for SB 98 implementation
To support the immediate implementation of Assembly Bill 49 and Senate Bill 98, the CDE has published Our Schools: Resources for Including Immigrant Families, a new toolkit with family-facing posters and informational cards that communicate assurance of all schools’ obligation to provide every child with access to education and a safe learning environment, regardless of immigration status, as protected by law. Access the toolkit at www.cde.ca.gov/ls/pf/if/immigration-toolkit.asp.
P-3 Learning Progressions support age-based learning
The California Department of Education is proud to share the Preschool Through Third Grade (P-3) Learning Progressions. The learning progressions are designed to strengthen alignment and coherence across preschool to third grade. They are now available on the CDE P-3 Alignment web page, https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/p3/.