MARLENE MOGADO: A STRONG BET FOR MARKHAM WARD 5 COUNCILLOR

 
By Mogi Mogado
Markham-Canada
August 21, 2018
 


Based on experience and qualifications, Marlene Mogado is far ahead among fellow candidates for Councillor in Markham Ward 5. She is running for the office vacated by the retiring incumbent, along with 12 other rivals.A 3-term Catholic School Board Trustee for Markham Area 2 that includes Ward 5, Marlene Mogado comes forth with a track record of integrity, dedication and excellent service for her 12 years in office.

 

In addition, she has had over 40 years of community volunteerism for the people in Markham, York Region and the greater Toronto area. That is a lifetime of selfless giving unmatched by any of the other candidates.

To top it all, she has the scars, honors and awards to show for it. "These are all assets I am proud to bring to Markham Council," she said.

"I am committed to continue doing my best for my constituents, particularly in ensuring value to every taxpayer dollar. That shows in my achievements as Trustee. Of special importance to me is to push with the inclusivity and diversity character of Markham, of which I am one of the first advocates," Marlene Mogado stated.

As a seasoned social activists, Ms. Mogado took on the frontlines fighting off racist comments against the Chinese by a Markham official in mid90s. She co-Chaired the Coalition of Concerned Canadians with Dr. Ken Ng that pursued the issue, until Markham adopted its diversity policy, even winning recognition and awards for it.

Similarly, she was a leader in every social justice cause involving the Filipino community over the years, as co-Chair of the Community Coalition vs STC Racism Against Filipino Youth, the Justice for M. Santos Committee, and the Justice for J. Reodica Committee, among others.

 

Her significant accomplishments as Trustee includes: the naming of San Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Elementary School in honor of the first Filipino Saint; having a new school, the St. Joseph CES, built in Cornell; introducing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program to Fr. M. McGivney Catholic Academy, the Elementary Music Program in all schools, the first French Immersion Elementary School Program at St. Edward CES, the first Secondary School French Immersion Program at St. Bro. Andre Catholic High School, and the first full-time kindergarten at St. Kateri Tekakwitha CES; among others.

At the York Catholic District School Board, she was Vice Chair of the Board, and also Chair of the Committees on Audit, Finance and Human Resource.

Marlene Mogado's civic leadership involved various organizations, among them as: Founding Director and Chair of the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians; Founding Director and Treasurer of the Old Kennedy Cooperative Development Corporation (that established the first low-cost housing in Markham); President and Line Counsellor of the Helpline and Outreach Services of York Region; Chair of the Markham Race Relations Committee; Co-Chair of the "Many Faces of Markham", and also of the Markham Milliken Children's Festival.

She has been recognized with many honours and awards, among them: the YMCA Peace Medallion; the York Region "In Celebration of Women" Achievement Award for Community Service; the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal Award for Community Service; Bell Canada International Year of Volunteers Award; and UPAAToronto "Most Outstanding U.P. Graduate" Award.

Marlene Mogado and family have resided in Markham for 37 years. Their daughter Linelle has worked as a Lawyer in Ontario and B.C., and is now General Counsel to the largest labour union in California.