By Rey Fortaleza OLY
Vanessa Gilera: A Mother, Healthcare Professional and Community Advocate Ready to Serve Surrey’s Schools
Proud Filipina-Canadian plans to seek a seat as Surrey School Board Trustee
For Vanessa Gilera, the desire to serve Surrey’s families begins with a role that is closest to her heart being a mother.
A longtime healthcare professional, school parent and community volunteer, Gilera is planning to run for Surrey School Board Trustee, bringing with her the perspective of a parent raising two children in Surrey and a healthcare professional who has spent much of her career listening to and caring for others.
Born and raised in Marikina, Philippines, Vanessa came to Canada with her family when she was 11 years old. She is the daughter of Lita and Angel Cruz and grew up as one of four siblings alongside Fritzie, Avegail and Gela.
Today, Vanessa and her husband, Jay, are raising their two children, Ethan, 13, and Sofia, 11, in Surrey. Her experience as a mother and school parent has given her a firsthand understanding of the hopes and concerns families have for their children’s education.
Vanessa has been a Registered Respiratory Therapist for 15 years. Her professional background includes extensive experience in respiratory therapy and CPAP care, patient education and long-term support. She has also taken on clinical training and mentorship responsibilities, helping educate other healthcare professionals. Her résumé reflects a career built around patient-centred care, communication, problem-solving and helping people navigate difficult situations.
Before entering respiratory care, Vanessa gained leadership experience as an Airport Operations Supervisor at Harmony Airways at Vancouver International Airport, where she supervised passenger and gate operations and dealt with customer issues in a demanding environment. She later pursued respiratory care studies at Seattle Central Community College and also studied Travel and Tourism at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
But Vanessa’s commitment to service goes beyond her professional career.
She is an active school parent, a member of her school’s Parent Education Committee (PEC) and a community volunteer. Through healthcare, parenting and volunteering, she says she has learned one lesson that she believes is especially important in public service: listen first, understand people’s concerns and be prepared to speak up for those you serve.
Why she wants to serve Surrey schools
Vanessa says her decision to step forward comes from her own experience as a parent.
“As a parent myself, I care deeply about our children and the quality of education they receive. I want parents to feel heard and included, and I want our students to have a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and succeed.”
For Vanessa, seeking a position on the Surrey School Board is not simply about holding public office. It is about giving parents a stronger voice and helping ensure decisions continue to put the needs and future of students at the centre.
She believes her healthcare background has prepared her well for that responsibility. Working with patients and families requires patience, empathy, careful listening, teamwork and the ability to make responsible decisions qualities she hopes to bring to the school board.
Proud of her Filipino roots
Vanessa also speaks proudly about the Filipino values that helped shape the person she is today: family, education, hard work and community.
She recognizes the growing contribution of Filipino families to Surrey and hopes her candidacy can encourage greater participation and representation from the community.
“Our Filipino community has contributed so much to Surrey, and I would be honoured to represent our community and bring our voices and perspectives to the table, while serving all students and families across Surrey.”
That last point is important to Vanessa. While she is proud to be a Filipina-Canadian and hopes to bring the community’s perspective to the table, her commitment is to all students, parents and families across Surrey, regardless of background.
Her motivation ultimately comes back to her own children and the future she wants not only for Ethan and Sofia, but for every child growing up in Surrey.
“At the heart of it, I’m a mom who wants the best for our kids. I’m stepping forward because I want to give back, serve our community, and hopefully make a positive difference.”
From a young immigrant who arrived in Canada from Marikina at age 11, to a healthcare professional, wife, mother, school parent and community volunteer, Vanessa Gilera’s story is one of service, family and a willingness to step forward when she believes she can make a difference.
As she prepares for a possible campaign for Surrey School Board Trustee, Vanessa hopes to carry those same values into public service listening to parents, supporting educators, advocating for students and helping build safe, inclusive and supportive schools where every child has the opportunity to succeed.
ReyFort Media 
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