The Islamabad Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA) has elected Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, spouse of the Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, as its new Vice President during elections held on December 8, 2025. Mme. Fernandez brings to IFWA a distinguished professional background spanning finance, community service within diplomatic circles, and the arts.
Prior to accompanying her husband on his diplomatic assignments, she spent many years in the Philippine banking sector, rising to the position of Assistant Vice President at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), one of the country’s leading commercial banks. She has also been actively involved in diplomatic community organizations, previously serving as Treasurer of the Asian Ambassadors’ Ladies International Association (AALIA) in Amman, Jordan, and the Asociación Internacional de Diplomáticos en España (AIDE) in Madrid, Spain. Alongside her professional achievements, Mme.
Fernandez is an accomplished painter, chef, and writer, and has consistently contributed to cultural diplomacy initiatives at the embassies where she has been posted.
IFWA is an international association dedicated to fostering friendship, mutual support, and cross-cultural understanding among expatriate women living in Islamabad. The association works to promote intercultural dialogue and supports humanitarian, educational, and cultural initiatives within Pakistan and the wider diplomatic community. Membership of IFWA is open to foreign women residing in Islamabad, including spouses of diplomats, expatriate professionals, and internationally affiliated residents.
