Rowena is a proud Bramptonian inspired by community and driven by a passion to change the culture of politics and building a more prosperous, livable and sustainable future. She was elected in Brampton in 2018 and is the first Filipino elected to Council. She was recognized as the 2023 Woman of Influence honouree by Municipal World, and a Municipal Trailblazer by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Rowena is passionate about serving as an active board member of FCM. She has been serving the FCM Board since 2020 and seeking re-election for a fifth term. During her time, she has been a strong voice on women’s issues and has served as Vice-Chair of the Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, Vice-Chair of the Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and most recently Chair of the inaugural Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee doing important work related to the Municipal Growth Framework.
Rowena holds an HBBA degree from the Schulich School of Business, and a Masters in Sustainable Development & Environmental Planning from the London School of Economics.
Prior to being elected she worked at the Ontario legislature for over a decade and has mentored countless youth to be politically active across the GTA. Before politics Rowena worked at Magna, RBC and General Mills. She was also the Program Manager of Corporate Citizenship with Imagine Canada, and Executive Director of Emagine, working with venture capitalists and entrepreneurs at the Centre for Social Innovation.
Rowena was raised in Brampton and is raising her son in the community she serves, along with their dog Stanley who was adopted from the Animal Services Shelter in Brampton. She is a supporter of the arts and enjoys playing with her local band “Point of Order”. Rowena is an avid outdoor person who regularly runs and bikes the Etobicoke Creek Trail.
Please visit, www.CouncillorSantos.ca/FCM to learn more.