Lourds Adalia-Evertse at the awarding ceremony of Filipina Women’s Network in California, USA on October 31, 2025. SUPPLIED

Dubai-based restaurateur Lourds Adalia-Evertse has been named one of the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World 2025 by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN). Adalia-Evertse received the award under the “Builder – Architect of Change” category during a ceremony held on October 31 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, California, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of FWN’s global advocacy movement. Adalia-Evertse is the only Filipina from Dubai to be recognized in this year’s global roster of honorees. “This recognition is not just for me,” Lourds said in a statement sent to Expat Media. “It’s for every Filipina who dares to dream, lead, and make a difference, no matter where in the world she may be.” She is the co-founder and Managing Director of Spice Grill, a restaurant brand with three UAE branches — in Sharjah, Al Ghurair Mall, and Burjuman Dubai. Before venturing into the restaurant business, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Creative Zone, a UAE-based business setup firm, where she helped empower thousands of entrepreneurs to build and scale their ventures. A passionate triathlete, entrepreneur, and mother, Lourds is known for her relentless energy and commitment to inspiring others.

Recognizing global Filipina leadership

The Global FWN100 Awards, first launched in 2007 in Washington, D.C., celebrate Filipina women whose leadership and innovation have had significant global impact. The “Builder” category recognizes Filipina women who not only dream of a better world but actively build it — transforming organizations, communities, and lives through collaboration, measurable impact, and visionary leadership. Other Global FWN100 2025 honorees: • Dona Taguinod – Australia | Founder & Managing Director, International Study Avenue Australia & New Zealand • Mila Sprouse – USA | Chief Nursing Officer, Providence North Puget Sound Region • Mayor Vilma Caluag – Philippines | Mayor of San Fernando, Pampanga • Jelynn Malone – USA | Filipina-American entrepreneur, actress, and producer • Gwendolyn Baquiran – USA | Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, San Benito County Office of Education CAM/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page