Thelma Boac (FWN'S Chair of the Selection Committee) was born in the province of Bohol, Philippines and came to America at the age of ten. She became an English, Spanish, and Music teacher and taught for many years before becoming an administrator and high school principal, the only Filipina principal in twenty years in the East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA.
Thelma retired after 37 years in education but continues to work as adjunct professor for San Jose State University and National Hispanic University, training and supervising graduate students entering the teaching profession.
She is also a professional leadership coach for new principals and administrators in the Santa Clara County school system working with the Office of Education. She has a Masters Degree in Education and Supervision and attended San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, and University of Granada, Spain.
Thelma currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Berryessa Union School District in San Jose, CA. As a board member, she has committed herself to improving performance at all levels and to making sure that all students have equal access to excellent education, especially those students that are most at risk.
Thelma continues to encourage, inspire and empower youth to reach their highest potential and help make our world a better place in which to live.
