Joanna Portilla

Joanna Portillo is a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Association (Singapore) – Third Chapter. She has been appointed as the Programme Chairperson since she joined the chapter. She hopes to bring life to the chapter by organising interesting programmes for the members, given her wide social network and connections. 

Joanna has 30 years of experience serving the community in various capacities, such as the Women’s Health Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Health, Family & Community Council of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) of the Ministry of Defence, Families for Life Council of the Ministry of Social and Family, and also on the panel of assessors for the National Council on Problem Gambling.  

She was the Chairperson of PA Women’s Integration Network Council for ten years, Chairperson of Ang Mo Kio Women’s Executive Committee for 18 years, and Vice-Chairperson of PA Active Ageing Council for 14 years, amongst others. She is also a Solemniser appointed by the Registry of Marriages.  

Joanna is an advocate for women’s advancement and empowerment and has always been a voice for women. She has proactively organised events and activities for many women’s organisations in the past 30 years. She is well-versed in many government policies, given her experience working alongside many Ministers and members of Parliament, helping the general public on various ground issues. She is well-connected and has a good network of people and organisations. She has a friendly, approachable and outgoing personality and is ever-ready to offer a healing hand. In recognition of her dedication to community service, Joanna has been conferred the National Day Public Service Medal in 2011 and the Public Service Star in 2020. 

Joanna is also a long-serving member of SCWO, serving in various portfolios since 2008, helming Vice-President and Honorary Secretary positions.  

During her term of service with the SCWO Board, she was active in all its activities and events, such as hosting visits by foreign delegates, annual star bazaar fundraising events, and emceeing for the International Women’s Day Gala Dinner and more. She was on the 21st SCWO Executive Board from 2020 – 2022 as Honorary Secretary. She is also the Chairperson for New2U Thrift Shop and a part of the fundraising committee.