I Love Pinoys

By MEG DIXIT
Filipinas Magazine

Some may think that Nimfa Yamsuan-Gamez got a late start in life: at 40, she arrived in the US, got her driver’s license and landed her first job. That was 12 years ago. Today, she’s enjoying the fruits of her late harvest as she reaps success in all areas of her life—career, family and her own personal development.

Nimfa was born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines. She was the youngest child of Ireneo and Damasa Yamsuan, farmers who later moved to the city for business. Her grandmother was a feisty Bulakeña (“Inang,” Nimfa calls her) who inspired Nimfa with words that have guided her since: “Honor and strength are the essence of your womanhood; your dignity should always be safeguarded and upheld.” And in spite of being disabled, Inang accomplished her tasks and enjoyed her leisure time with Tatang (her husband). The grandmother’s influence on the nine-year old Nimfa was profound.

Nimfa graduated from Philippine Science High School in 1971 then went on to the University of the Philippines where she studied Food Technology, but got married before she finished her third year. She came to the US in 1995 with one of her eight kids; the others followed when the lengthy immigration process was completed. Now residing in San Ramon, California, Nimfa is fulfilling a commitment to helping the disabled, empowering other women, and proving that Filipinos are leaders too.

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