Board of Directors
Founder, President
Lili Weidenfeller
Lili lives by her mantra,“If I have more, I can help more.” This inspired her to establish The Weidenfeller Foundation, with a mission to connect those in need with those who are willing to give. By working for meaningful change, she aims to foster hope and compassion in individuals and communities. She brings her perspectives and vision as an industrial manufacturing planner, as an immigrant from a rural area in the Philippines and as a member of the community to The Weidenfeller Foundation. The owner of JL Events, a company specializing in modern wedding and specialty event planning and design, Lili is certified as a wedding event planner by the Institute of Wedding, Event, & Design.
Lili was recognized as the “Most Outstanding Event Planner of the Year” at the Gawad Amerika Awards in Hollywood, CA in 2023. She recently assumed a leadership role as coordinator of the Lustre Global Awards in Las Vegas, where she was honored as the “Most Outstanding Event and Creative Planner and Designer of the Year.” She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Iligan Capitol University in the Philippines.
Co-Founder, Vice President
John Weidenfeller
John brings over 18 years of extensive experience in logistics, supply chain, transportation, and program management from the military and the U.S. federal government. His career began in 2006 when he joined the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier stationed in San Diego. In 2013, he completed a combat tour in Afghanistan, demonstrating his dedication and resilience. After 9 ½ years of service, John transitioned to civilian life in 2015, joining the Department of the Army as a logistics professional. His current career is with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service as a Transportation Fleet Manager.
In 2018, with unwavering support from Lili(his wife), John decided to further his education. By May 2019, the duo also ventured into entrepreneurship, founding JL Music & Entertainment, a DJ service business catering to the Pacific Northwest. That same year, John earned his associate's degree and immediately embarked on his next academic journey at Central Washington University. By June 2021, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management, specializing in Administrative Management. Continuing his pursuit of excellence, John achieved a Master of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management in August 2022.
John’s commitment to professional growth is evident in his certifications, which include project management, multiple information technology and cybersecurity credentials, Six Sigma methodologies, government contract management, and OSHA. A lifelong technology enthusiast, John has always been passionate about leveraging his knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact.
Through the Weidenfeller Foundation, John channels his passion for creating positive change. He takes pride in supporting communities, families, and individuals, working locally and internationally to improve lives and make a difference for the greater good.
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Isabel de la Torre
Isabel brings her extensive work on environmental justice, indigenous peoples, coastal management, women, and community rights, trade, finance, forestry, fishery, and toxics issues in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas to The Weidenfeller Foundation. She co-founded the nonprofit organizations and networks Earth Economics, Industrial Shrimp Action Network, and Southeast Asia Fisheries Coalition for Justice. Having worked on policy advocacy, campaigns, and writing, Isabel is excited about her work with The Weidenfeller Foundation, which directly impacts individuals and communities.
Isabel grew up and worked as a journalist, editor, and senior legal researcher in the Philippines. She then coordinated international networks with grassroots, national, and regional organizations. She has a Juris Doctor in law and a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of the Philippines. When not working or spending time with family and friends, she loves to write, read, train in martial arts, go hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, and compete in dragon boat and outrigger canoeing races.
Co-Founder, Director
Emily Sy
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Emily has established herself as a leading fashion designer, entrepreneur, and retail management specialist. She holds a degree in Fashion Design and Applied Arts from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1992) and a Retail Management certification from Fresno City College, CA (2021). The CEO of Emily Sy Couture, Lustre Global Awards, Vicemi Floral Creations (USA), and The Fashion Emporio Inc. (Philippines), Emily has earned numerous accolades, including:
- Top 100 International Iconic Woman of the Year (2023-2024)
- International Bridal Designer of the Year (Manila International Fashion Week, 2023)
- Most Outstanding Fashion Designer and American Excellence Fashion Queen (American Excellence, 2023)
- Most Outstanding International Fashion Designer of the Year (Gawad America Awards, 2023)
- BrandAsia Admire International Fashion Designer (BrandAsia Branding Awards, 2023)
Emily's work has been featured in prestigious fashion events such as Philippine Fashion Week, Metro Fashion Ball, and the MIFW Fashion Ball & Awards. Renowned for her exceptional creativity, refined style, and entrepreneurial vision, Emily continues to shape and inspire the fashion world.