Our Founder Magdalena Calcetas

Pioneer in Nursing Leadership, Clinical Excellence, and Community Advocacy

With a career spanning over six decades and three countries, Maggie is a distinguished nursing leader and community advocate whose impact resonates through Montreal’s healthcare system and the Filipino-Canadian community. From frontline critical care to high-level nursing administration, her journey is defined by a commitment to clinical excellence, lifelong learning, and the empowerment of others

Clinical & Administrative Expertise

A specialist in Critical Care, Gerontology, and Nursing Management, Maggie spent the majority of her career at the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) in Montreal. Her versatility and leadership saw her rise through the ranks from Head Nurse to Nursing Coordinator, where she managed diverse portfolios including Medical Units, CCU, and Hemodialysis.

Her technical proficiency is matched by her dedication to education, having served as an instructor for CPR and Intravenous Certification, and as a consultant for the Canadian Nurses Association

A Legacy of Innovation

Maggie has been a "first" in many arenas, consistently driving institutional change through committee leadership. Notable contributions include:

  • Founding & Chairing essential clinical teams, including the Stroke Team, Diabetic Team, and the Coronary Rehabilitation Program at JGH.

  • Pioneering Quality Assurance as a founding member of the Nursing Audit and Primary Nursing committees.

  • Advancing Nursing Education through the establishment of the Mary Barrett Nursing Education Fund in 2011.

Community Leadership & Advocacy

Deeply rooted in her heritage, [Name] is a cornerstone of the Filipino-Canadian community. In 1992, she founded the Filipino Nurses Association of Quebec (FNAQ), serving as its first President and remaining a lifelong mentor. Her influence extends to numerous cultural and civic organizations, including:

  • Executive roles in the Federation of Filipino Canadian Associations of Quebec (FFCAQ) and the Philippine Association of Montreal & Suburbs (FAMAS).

  • Global Alumni Leadership for Central Philippine University, supporting nursing graduates across North America.

  • Research Contributor for McGill, Concordia, and UQAM on studies regarding immigration, nursing history, and urban knowledge.

Place of Birth:  San Enrique, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Date of Birth:  February 05 
Education:
San Enrique Elementary School (SEES), Class 1949-50, Neg. Occ. Philippines
La Carlota High School, 1955 – Class Section IV Vice Mayor, Cadet Sponsor. Neg. Occ. Philippines 
BSN Class 1961- Class Treasurer. Group Leader. Central Philippine University (CPU) Iloilo City, Philippines.

Select Honors & Recognition

Her tireless dedication has been recognized by heads of state and professional bodies alike:

  • Gawad ng Pagkilala (Award of Recognition), 2024: For pioneering contributions to the Filipino community.

  • Certificate of Congratulations, 2024: From the House of Commons (MP Anthony Housefather).

  • Most Distinguished Alumni: Central Philippine University.

  • Founders Award: Filipino Nurses Association of Quebec.

  • Lifetime of Appreciation: Numerous commendations from the OIIQ, McGill University, and the JGH Foundation for her "leadership, role modeling, and dedication to the profession