University of San Diego Magazine 75th Anniversary 2024

TOREROS MAKING WAVES

high bar by how they lead and are an absolute inspiration.” FWN launched the Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award in 2006 in the United States and expanded its search globally in 2013. Awardees have reached the pinnacle of their careers, breaking glass ceilings in the public and private sectors. Previous award winners include former California Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford. Zapanta served as a public defender for 13 years, where one of her specializations was advocating for mentally ill clients charged with violent crimes. Understanding the science of the mind and learning to advocate for her clients — many from underserved communities — helped grow her listening skills and her ability to objectively assess each individual client. “It really broadens your perspective on a case when you understand the root causes of behavior and acknowledging a person in court really comes down to knowing them — you have to listen to what they share.” Zapanta was appointed to the bench by former California Governor Edmund Gerald Brown Jr. in December 2018 and elected to a six-year term in 2020. She is only the second Filipina-American to serve on the San Diego Superior Court. As a superior court judge, she is trained and qualified to hear all types of cases. “We are expected to hear cases from traffic all the way to felony murder,” she said.

Breaking Glass Ceilings

PHOTO CREDIT: © MEG MCLAUGHLIN/SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE VIA ZUMA WIRE

Rohanee Zapanta Named Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World

By Matthew Piechalak

S an Diego Superior Court Judge Rohanee Zapanta believes strongly in the importance of representation. “Part of being a judge is being out there in the community — being visible and showing what justice looks like, and if it looks like you and me, there’s an emphasis that justice is for everyone,” says Zapanta, a USD double-alumna and member of the USD Alumni Board of Directors. Zapanta ’98 (BA), ’02 (JD)

celebrates outstanding work in their respective fields and acknowledges their contributions to society, mentorship and legacy. Zapanta was selected from a field of 19 nominees from 10 countries. “These women are amazing in their passion for what they do in their fields,” said Zapanta. “I see how their set of values transcends and translates through the work they do for a living and their projects. I am humbled — they really set a

was recently named one of the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN). She received the award in November at the foundation’s 19th Filipina Leadership Global Summit in Prague, Czech Republic. “I am so grateful and excited to receive this award,” said Zapanta. The foundation recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who are changing the face of leadership in the global workplace. The award

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