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 2018, and is the first Filipino elected to Council in Brampton. Serving on the FCM Board of Directors since 2020 and as FCM’s Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity since 2021, Rowena is committed to leveraging this platform to foster stronger partnerships and drive transformative change.
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, most recently as a Director, and has mentored countless youth to be politically active across the GTA.
Before politics Rowena worked in a number of top tier corporations to include Magna, RBC, 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 Wards 1&5, along with their dog Stanley (adopted from the Animal Services Shelter in Brampton). As a supporter of the arts, she enjoys playing with her local band “Point of Order”. She believes in living a healthy and active lifestyle. Rowena is an avid outdoor person who regularly runs and bikes the Etobicoke Creek Trail, works out at the local YMCA and daily on the Peloton.
Please visit, councillorsantos.ca to learn more.