For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 ESV)

REAPING A HARVEST 

If we’re being honest, this past year for Joahna Tupas was hampered by its share of turbulence.

But God…

“Twenty, twenty-two was like the climax battle scene of the legendary David and Goliath,” Tupas vividly recalls. “At the beginning of the year, I was a living quiet life, just minding my own business, doing my job to the best of my ability.”

Unfortunately for Tupas, a rather bizarre, frightening sequence of events unfolded by year’s end.

SALUTING WOMEN WHO SHAPE OUR WORLD

MORE ON TUPAS: https://schoolinabackpack.com/

“By the last quarter of the year, ill-intentions resulted to a series of unfortunate events and my health and well-being — both mentally and physically — took a hit,” Tupas explained. “I was rushed to the ER for a third stroke and a diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension…dangerously sustained for a month, which caused me to resign from my employment. Broken hearted, figuratively and literally, courage played a huge role in my life. I decided to be courageous first, change my angle, and throw my seemingly harmless pebble against the giant in front of me.”

And the rest, as they say, was history.

And just like that, Tupas — demonstrating some bend-but-don’t-break unlike never before — subsequently began to inherit what could be appropriately described as a renewed sense of joy.

The kind of joy the world didn’t merely give her.

NEED NATIONAL MEDIA EXPOSURE? CALL TODAY: 901.690.6587

“This changed the trajectory of my life as we know it,” said Tupas, referring to the recent miracle God ceremoniously bestowed in her life. “I am now a speaker, author, and coach, carrying the message of courage first to living a full life.”

By year’s end, Tupas would ultimately acquire another breakthrough when she became the Founder and Chief Advocate of School In A Backpack, her newly-established Whiteriver, Arizona-based empowerment venture that customarily partners with parents and educators in raising a “courageous next generation” of leaders.

Is it, by all accounts, due in large part to her resiliency, unshakable faith, and steadfast commitment to being a beacon of light in her community that Tupas has been named Making Headline News’ International Women’s Day Woman of the Year for 2023.

BE ENCOURAGED 

“I am humbled and grateful to be accommodated,” Tupas told MHN. “International Women’s Day is all about commemorating equity empowerment for all. As a Filipino living in the United States and have served the Native Americans from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation since our migration until the end of 2022, I attribute this honor to the empowered women of my motherland, the Philippines, my families within the White Mountain Apache Tribe community, and my women elders, mothers, sisters, friends, and daughters all over the world.”

Originally called the International Working Women’s Day, this day is celebrated annually on March 8 and customarily commemorates the movement for women’s rights.

According to https://www.internationalwomensday.com/, organizations and individuals around the world have collectively become committed to helping women and girls achieve their ambitions, challenge conscious and unconscious bias, as well as call for gender-balanced leadership and value women and men’s contributions equally.

In addition, this day was designed in part to create inclusive flexible cultures. From awareness-raising to concrete action, organizations rallied their people to pledge support to help forge gender parity on International Women’s Day and beyond, according to a spokesperson for IWD.

For Tupas, her latest notable honor comes amid humble beginnings, something by which she doesn’t merely take lightly.

NOTHING LIKE FAMILY 

“Aside from opportunities through stages, books, and coaching, consultancy and mentorship programs, my vision is to inspire courageous communities through equity empowerment for all,” said Tupas, whose first International Ownschool Day took place March 3 with her Courage First Conference scheduled for this December. “Women have such an extraordinary influence within the most basic units of our society — homes. They are inspirations to the innovation of our children, and thus, our world needs that.”

Continued Tupas: “I traveled from the Philippines to the U. S. in 2017 with one backpack only to attend a best friend’s wedding. I never got to use my return ticket after three weeks because of a job opportunity was presented to me.”

Talk a massive, yet memorable beauty-for-ashes encounter Tupas figures to embrace for years to come.

“God opens doors and He closes doors,” said Tupas, referring to the Biblical passages of Joshua 1:9 and Romans 8:28. “(That has been my life verse (Romans 8:28) since I was very little.”

SPREADING AGAPE LOVE 

Given in the immeasurable strides she’s been blessed to witness in recent months, it’s safe to assume Romans 8:28 is just as prevalent in her life today.

If we’re being honest.

MORE ON TUPAS 

For more information about Whiteriver, Arizona Businesswoman/Philanthropist Joahna Tupas of School In A Backpack, to inquire about her books, or to schedule her for a public appearance, book signing, or speaking engagement, connect with her via social media under: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joahnatupas; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BlQ6bE4gtht/; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1iAX3dY3FtBsd0KIIgYA4w?app=desktop; WhatsApp: Joahna Tupas.

​CONNECT WITH THIS AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST FOR MEDIA EXPOSURE

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.

ADVERTISE WITH US