Mary Massina recognised as influential Filipina woman

HOBART businesswoman and CEO of Mary Ann’s Island, Mary Massina has been recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World, on the weekend winning an award for Policy Making and Visionary Leadership.

Ms Massina’s mother, Natividad Frago Massina came to Hobart from Manila in 1965 under the Columbo Plan working as a nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital as well as raising two children with her husband Harry.

Their daughter is the first Tasmanian to win such an award and only one of two Australian’s to receive such recognition. 

She was recognised by the Foundation for Filipina Women's Network at a function in Sydney last week.

After leading the Tasmanian Division of the Property Council of Australia for seven years, Ms Massina then developed the nation’s first single statewide planning scheme for the Tasmanian Government, before being appointed the CEO of the Macquarie Point Development Corporation, a 9.3-hectare urban renewal project on Hobart’s waterfront.

She is now the CEO of Mary Ann’s Island P/L, a private sector business developing an irrigation scheme for the South Arm peninsula with its centerpiece, the Arm End Golf Course at the Gellibrand Point Nature Recreation Area.

The Filipina Women’s Network has been developed to promote Filipina women leaders worldwide through the Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award™. 

The Award honors those who excel in their professions and industries, champion social good, uplift others through femtorship, and leave a powerful legacy.

"While I never thought I would ever win such an award, I am proud to have been recognised,” Ms Massina said.

“My mother came to this country with nothing but a desire to succeed and the ability to work hard - values which she instilled in me, and I know she would be proud of this achievement.

Marily Mondejar, Founder and CEO of the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network said the Global FWN100™ awardees are not just leaders; they are visionaries who dare to reimagine the future. 

“These women embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and compassion that defines the Filipina on the world stage,” Ms Mondejar said. 

“Through their groundbreaking work in AI, technology, and beyond, they are not only shattering glass ceilings but are architecting entirely new leadership paradigms."

“To be acknowledged by Filipina Women’s Network, the premiere women’s organisation for the global Filipina, is a unique distinction.”