Leonisa B. Villena, AFP®, is a BS Chemical Engineering graduate with professional experience in quality assurance, health, safety, and environment, manufacturing, construction, and warehouse operations. Currently based in the Czech Republic, she brings a practical and disciplined mindset shaped by years of work across technical and operational environments.
Villena’s financial journey is deeply rooted in her early experience of growing up with limited resources and witnessing the financial struggles of her family during critical health situations. These life experiences taught her the importance of preparation, proper money management, emergency funds, and long-term financial security. Through her AFP® journey, she continues to strengthen her financial knowledge, build a solid financial foundation, and inspire others to become more responsible with their finances.
AFP® Certification Story
Early Life Lessons on Financial Struggle and Responsibility
“I came from a poor family and grew up with very limited resources. That is why we struggled, and during my childhood, I dreamed of becoming successful and improving our finances to help my family.”
Wishing She Had Learned Financial Literacy Earlier
“I wish I learned financial literacy since I was a teen. I wish I knew how to budget and how to find extra sources of income.”
Financial Turning Point Through Family Health Challenges
“Yes, when my family struggled during the time my father got sick and then died, we did not have money to continue his medication. As the eldest among eight siblings, I felt the burden and knew I had to stand for them to survive.
The same thing happened to my mother in 2015 when she suffered a brain aneurysm and was in a coma for four days in the ICU, but she did not survive. It was so hard because we were not financially prepared for such an event in life. Even though we had HMO for her, we still struggled.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of my younger sisters was diagnosed with diverticulitis and lasted only six months before she also passed away. Those ‘what ifs’ in life opened my mind to the importance of preparation and managing our hard-earned money well.”
Becoming a Saver, Investor, and Wise Spender
“I am a saver and investor right now. Yes, I am also a spender, but wisely. I think first before I spend.”
Financial Advice from IMG Mentors
“I have received the best advice from our mentors in IMG: Sir Joen delas Peñas, Sir Bart Borja, and Sir Noel Arandilla. Mr. Rex Mendoza, one of our financial gurus, also inspires us.”
Spending Wisely Through Better Financial Awareness
“I am not too meticulous, but I make sure now to spend wisely.”
Investment Lesson from Starting Without Enough Knowledge
“Yes, before I just got an investment like VUL without knowing what it is or what the coverage was. I just signed in. But now, I understand more. I compare and check first before starting.”
Balancing Risk and Reward Through Capacity to Pay
“I check first my capacity to pay and my resources to see if I am capable of sustaining it.”
Current Goal of Building a Solid Financial Foundation
“I want to build my solid financial foundation. That is why, even if it is so hard to be an OFW, I made a hard decision to pursue it even though I am 47 now. This is my preparation for retirement. I need to double time now since I am not yet prepared.”
Motivation for Joining the AFP® Program
“I learned more from their trainings, and being in an environment like this motivates me more.”
Becoming More Responsible in Financial Decisions
“It is a reminder for me to be more responsible in my financial aspect and to inspire others too.”
Most Valuable Lesson from the AFP® Program
“Little by little, I learned how to improve. It is not easy, but at least I have learned from my mistakes, and I am willing to upgrade and build my solid financial foundation. It is not too late. I still have time, and that is why I need to double time in saving and investing.”