The Filipina Women’s Network honored Leslie Guevarra’s achievements as a seasoned journalist at a celebration on Sept. 14.
After 25 years at the San Francisco Chronicle, Guevarra, along with 13 other managers, was laid-off in June because of cutbacks.
Marily Mondejar, the network’s president, called the San Francisco Chronicle’s former deputy managing editor an icon who campaigned for Asian and Filipino American community news coverage in the mainstream media.
“Back when the community was still struggling for recognition and trying to get the mainstream media’s attention, she was already advocating for diversity,” Mondejar said. “She hosted a public affairs program called The Filipino American Journal on KTSF-TV, and she was one of the podcasters for the Chronicle’s Pinoy Pod, a clear testament of her advocacy to promote more coverage for the community.”
Guevarra said the feeling was mutual in an e-mail after the event. “I was so touched that the organization chose to hold an event honoring me,” Guevarra wrote. “The Filipina Women’s Network has so many successful and influential Filipina professionals in a myriad of industries as members, and it is truly an honor to be considered among their ranks. The Network is especially lucky to have Marily Mondejar as its founding president, and I am lucky to have her as a friend.”
The Savoy Room of the Crowne Plaza was packed with family members, fellow journalists, members of the Asian American Journalists Association and Asian American community leaders, not to mention state Senator Tom Torlakson, who presented her with a state Senate resolution honoring her contribution to the American media industry.
The toast became a roast when Lisa Chung, San Jose Mercury News’ Silicon Valley columnist and Guevarra’s “shopping buddy,” went on stage and revealed Guevarra’s non-journalist side.
“We were known as cute and little in girth and stature, way back when we were in our early 20s, of course,” joked Chung. “Leslie is also a member of LAW, which stands for Loud Asian Women.”
Chung revealed that Guevarra has an ability that suited her career as a journalist — precision with words. “She is always excruciatingly correct in her use of words,” Chung said.
Al Matthews, assistant managing editor for the Chronicle, presented a fun Top 10 list for her future employer, compiled by Guevarra’s fellow editors.
Topping the list was that Guevarra’s future employer would be lucky to have “a multitasking, workaholic, hot Asian babe.” Also garnering a few laughs was the requirement for a “well-starched, obedient male servant named Ferdinand.”
The need for “a mirror to watch your back,” which Matthews did not elaborate on, elicited some knowing nods from members of the audience, hinting at the underpinnings of Guevarra’s departure from the Chronicle.
In a message read by Filipinas Magazine’s founder Lisa Yuchengo, KTVU South Bay Bureau Chief Lloyd Lacuesta said, “You don’t deserve the abrupt end of your career at the Chronicle, but you deserve this toast because of your inspirational accolades in the media industry.”
Guevarra, who is on the planning committee for the network’s upcoming annual Filipino Summit in Washington, remains optimistic. “In this industry, layoffs and downsizing are facts of life,” she told the audience. “We have to realize — as this experience has underscored for me — that we are not our titles, we are not our jobs, they do not define us. What does defines us is what we do.”