#PassionWednesday: The Radiance in an Empowered Woman
Rainbows don’t just always paint the skies—sometimes, quietly and boldly, they radiate from the spirit of an empowered woman.
Meet Dr. Rowena Bañes, a woman of power and a force to be reckoned with. Once you get to know her, you’ll always remember the vibrant hot pink lipstick and glasses gracing her face, her clicking three-inch minimum high heels echoing through the hallways, her chic outfits that never fail to leave an impression, and her cheerful demeanor towards students. But there’s more to her than her signature style.
What truly resonates with Lasallians is the memorable message she amplifies, a short yet profound three-word catchphrase she tells everyone: “You are loved.”
Fondly known and called “Doc Weng”, Dr. Rowena Bañes, RGC, LPT, RPsy, is regarded as a beacon of empowerment and diversity on the campus. As a proud Lasallian educator and psychologist, she is hailed for her relentless dedication to the causes she holds close to her heart.
For decades, Doc Weng has been an impassioned advocate for the rights and welfare of women in crisis, the protection of mental health and its accessibility to everyone, and the promotion of safe spaces in communities.
Her dedication to her craft is evident in the significant roles she has held throughout her 37 years of service at the University. During her tenure, she served as a research assistant, psychology professor, Department Chair for Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Director for Guidance and Evaluation Center, and Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Yet, Doc Weng’s influence transcends beyond the academic sphere. She is also an active figure in the local civil society, working as a volunteer psychologist and guidance counselor for Gabriela - Negros, serving as a court witness in cases involving women in crisis, and contributing as a member of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association - Negros. She also offers her expertise as a consultant for a telepsychiatry services center.
Her achievements have also been recognized on multiple fronts. In 2021, she was named Outstanding Professional of the Year for Guidance and Counseling by the Philippine Regulatory Commission, and in 2019, she was granted the Best Paper Award at an international research conference in Istanbul, Turkey.
Currently, Doc Weng leads the University's Director for the Center for Alumni Relations and Coordinator for the Gender and Development (GAD) Program where she continues her mission of fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for everyone in the Lasallian community.
True to the thrusts of her offices, she is one of the driving forces behind the university’s significant milestones on gender development such as the recently launched All-Gender Restroom. She also played a pivotal role in establishing the Safe Space Hub, a place where Lasallians can seek psychological support, acquire walk-in counseling services on gender issues and other concerns, and find refuge in a responsive environment.
Cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusivity within academia is a critical process, Doc Weng shares. This is why she tirelessly works to address the critical need for inclusivity, particularly for individuals from diverse backgrounds. She believes it is essential for everyone to feel loved, affirmed, and deserving of a safe space where they can flourish.
For her, creating an inclusive academic environment is not solely the responsibility of the GAD program or any single organization or individual. Ultimately, it requires collaborative efforts among members of the Lasallian community to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to, and included in the university's affairs. After all, she firmly believes that only when people know they are loved can they flourish and feel safe.
Doc Weng draws from her own previous experiences of discrimination and abuse. However, the love and support she received from others made her realize that life is worth living and that there is meaningful joy found in being loved and loving others. Life may sometimes bring us toward dark moments but that is alright, she says. Let them come and go.
Because for Doc Weng, life may not always be easy—but it’s always, always a rainbow.