Myla Arceno, Stevenage’s deputy mayor and councillor for Martins Wood ward, has been named one of the 100 most influential Filipina women in the world.
She won the award from the Filipina Women's Network for her work promoting good health through education and activities.
Deputy Mayor Arceno is a physiotherapist in the NHS, with clinical expertise in cardiac rehabilitation and acute medicine.
She made a significant contribution to the NHS in Hertfordshire during the pandemic, playing an instrumental role in transitioning the cardiac rehab service from in-person to online.
Deputy Mayor Arceno was elected to Stevenage Borough Council for the first time in 2021.
She also promotes and cultivates Filipino culture in Hertfordshire, co-founding Barrio Fiesta - a festival fostering community cohesion and celebrating diversity - and helping to lead Philippine Theatre UK, the only active multinational Filipino theatre group in Europe.
The award ceremony was part of the 18th Filipina Leadership Global Summit, which took place in Lisbon from October 30 to November 4.
Deputy Mayor Arceno was the only British-based woman to be named in the 100 most influential women.
She said: “This award is not just for me, but also for the town of Stevenage, my community and the NHS who were instrumental for me to be where I am right now.
“I am honoured to make Stevenage known to the global Filipino community.”
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