Vancouver Filipina lawyer Melissa Briones named among world’s most influential Filipina women

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 20, 2026

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Filipino-Canadian lawyer and entrepreneur Melissa Remulla Briones has been named one of the 2026 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN).

Briones, founder and principal of Vancouver-based Northam Law Corporation, was selected for the Global FWN100 Awards under the Founder & Pioneer: The Groundbreaker category. The distinction recognizes women entrepreneurs who have established businesses and opened new paths in their respective fields.

She is set to receive the award during the 22nd Filipina Leadership Global Summit, scheduled for November 15 to 19, 2026, in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Building a legal career across borders

Briones established Northam Law Corporation in 2019, building a legal practice that serves individuals, families and businesses in British Columbia.

Based in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood, the firm handles real estate conveyancing, family law, wills and estates, and corporate and commercial matters.

Her professional experience extends beyond Canada.

Briones is licensed to practice law in British Columbia and the Philippines. She also holds authorization to practise foreign law in Washington State, strengthening her cross-border legal background.

In 2026, she completed her Master of Laws at the University of Washington, adding to her legal education from the University of the Philippines.

Alongside her private practice, Briones serves as in-house counsel to Organika Health Products Inc.

She also holds the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Certified In-House Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designations, reflecting her experience in human resources, corporate governance and legal compliance.

A recognition shared with her clients and team

For Briones, the international recognition reflects more than her individual career achievements.

“This recognition belongs to every client who trusted a growing firm with their most important matters, and to the team that makes Northam Law work every day,” she said in a statement.

Her career combines entrepreneurship with legal work across different jurisdictions, building on her experience in business, employment and corporate matters.

Through Northam Law, she has developed a practice serving clients in Canada while drawing on her professional background in the Philippines and the United States.

Joining a global network of Filipina leaders

The Global FWN100 Awards recognize Filipina women whose work spans entrepreneurship, business, public service and other professional fields.

Since the program began in 2007, the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network says it has recognized more than 800 women across over 33 countries.

Briones joins the organization’s international network of awardees, which promotes leadership development, professional connections and mentorship among Filipina women.

As part of her recognition, she has committed to a two-year Global Pitch Project intended to benefit Filipina women and girls in her home community.

She will also mentor an emerging Filipina leader, extending the award’s impact beyond the recognition ceremony.

Filipina leadership takes the global stage

This year’s Filipina Leadership Global Summit will bring together women leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from different countries under the theme “Leadership Futures: Power. Influence. Security.”

The gathering will feature leadership discussions, networking opportunities and the Global FWN100 Awards Gala.

For Briones, the event marks another milestone in a professional journey that began in the Philippines and developed into a legal career spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Her selection also brings attention to Filipino-Canadian professionals building businesses and contributing to their communities while maintaining connections with their Filipino heritage.

Briones is expected to receive her recognition at the November summit in Monaco.