We’d like to introduce you to the newest member of our team, Eleison’s Social Worker, Mary Jhudielle Gicale-Villasin. Ms. Gicale-Villasin’s journey began with a profound desire to make a positive impact in the lives of society’s most vulnerable members. Her path to becoming a social worker was paved by the influence of her mother’s philanthropic work and her aunt, a dedicated social worker. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the impact her mother and her aunt had on individuals and communities. The powerful intersection of her aunt’s direct involvement with social work and her mother’s commitment to philanthropy provided her with a holistic understanding to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, which fueled her desire to follow a similar path. When asked why she decided to work at Eleison, she said:
“Upon learning about the Eleison Foundation, I was impressed by their dedicated mission to positively impact the lives of survivors through a comprehensive and holistic approach. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how I can directly contribute to the empowerment and healing of survivors in an environment where my personal values align with my work.”
With a genuine sense of compassion, she has undertaken diverse responsibilities within the organization, demonstrating unwavering commitment. At Eleison, Ms. Gicale-Villasin provides crisis intervention services, organizes the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, and supports the economic empowerment programs: Barug and Bansay. Beyond her direct work with clients, Ms. Gicale-Villasin has created content and communications materials for Eleison’s advocacy and outreach efforts. She amplifies the voices of survivors through impactful narratives and strengthens the organization’s efforts to raise awareness, mobilize support, and inspire action. In a recent interview, she expressed her admiration for Eleison’s strong mission and commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of survivors, saying:
“Being a social worker at Eleison Foundation is a deeply gratifying and fulfilling experience. Although the job can be challenging, the unique nature of the work and the positive impact it has on survivors serve as a constant source of inspiration. As a social worker, it’s heartening to witness the inspiring journeys of survivors and their remarkable resilience and strength. It is fulfilling to assist them in overcoming obstacles, supporting them toward healing, self-empowerment, and greater security.”
Ms. Gicale-Villasin’s multifaceted role as a social worker highlights her contributions and exemplifies her dedication to driving transformative change within the organization and its community. We are honored to have Ms. Gicale-Villasin on our team.
