By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPU alumna Amabel De Leon exemplifies the Centralian spirit of excellence, turning faith, perseverance, and purpose into a thriving healthcare empire that empowers hundreds and transforms lives across the U.S.
Success stories of Centralians are a testament to the values, guidance, and opportunities the university provides. CPU becomes a space where minds are challenged, inspired, and supported to discover their potential, navigate obstacles, and build a foundation for lifelong growth.
One such inspiring story is that of Amabel De Leon, whose journey exemplifies how these lessons can transform potential into accomplishment. Born into a family that valued education, with roots in both Mindanao and the Visayas, her father, Eddie, grew up in TanAgan, Miag-ao, Iloilo, while her mother, Zenaida, hailed from Negros. Education was always a priority in her family. Zenaida, a graduate of San Agustin University, pursued a career as a Medical Technologist, and her parents dreamed of providing their children a world-class education despite financial challenges.
The influence of her aunt, Amabel Lotayco Sampang, a member of CPU’s College of Nursing Class of 1961, further inspired Amabel to pursue nursing. “We were so poor then, and I needed to help my siblings and family financially,” she recalls. “I obeyed and did it. I was not the happiest person studying nursing, but I learned to love it over time.”
Challenges and Growth at CPU
Amabel’s college years at Central Philippine University were not easy. The sciences were particularly challenging, but with the tireless guidance of her teachers especially Sir Dante Francisco, she persevered. To support her education, she joined the Tennis Varsity team, managing asthma and health issues while staying committed to her studies.
She also witnessed the struggles of her classmates coping with financial and emotional pressures, which inspired her to keep pushing forward. Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) celebrations deepened her faith, reminding her to rely on God during moments of vulnerability. Through these experiences, Amabel learned perseverance, gratitude, and the value of community.
Nursing Career in the United States
After graduation, Amabel followed her dream of working in the United States. She started as a caregiver and advanced to a nursing aide while reviewing for her boards. She discovered that nursing offered opportunities beyond hospitals, including skilled nursing facilities and home health.
By age 26, her dedication and the Christian values instilled at CPU led her to become the director of Skilled Nursing Facilities in Southern California. Her work spanned acute hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health/public health, allowing her to make a tangible impact on patients’ lives.
Entrepreneurship and Vanura Homehealth Services, Inc.
In 2021, Amabel and her husband launched Vanura Homehealth Services, Inc. Her nursing background served as the foundation, but building a successful business required more than clinical expertise. “Cashflow is always a challenge as you grow a company,” she shared. At one point, a change in government payment systems left their office unable to collect payments for nearly two years, putting the agency at risk and leaving them without salaries.
Through these challenges, Amabel’s faith, resilience, and continuous learning guided her. Today, their five agencies serve 300-450 patients and positively impact over 2,000 lives annually. The company’s systems, developed over two decades, remain effective, demonstrating her foresight and dedication.
Leadership Philosophy
Amabel’s approach to leadership is people-centered and faith-driven. She views herself as a maternal figure, fostering an environment where employees can flourish. Mentorship, guidance, empowerment, and celebrating successes are central to her leadership style. “We incentivize our team with profits, provide training programs, and maintain a sense of family,” she explains.
She believes that leadership is shaped by personal priorities and beliefs: setbacks are opportunities to innovate, solve problems, and strengthen the team. Amabel emphasizes the importance of staying spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically strong, continuously learning, and developing her team to fulfill their mission and vision.
Faith and Mission-Driven Success
For Amabel, success is mission-driven: attracting talented leaders, providing essential services, and creating solutions that meet patients’ needs while empowering her teams. She and her husband consider themselves employees of their companies, rewarding their staff as they would like to be rewarded themselves.
As a proud Filipino, Amabel also gives back to the community. She partners with Filipino workers in the Philippines to support operations remotely and maintains strong connections with CPU. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she shared her expertise virtually with graduating students and was invited to speak at CPU’s Nursing Batch 2024 pinning ceremony.
Overcoming Setbacks
Amabel candidly shares the challenges she has faced: battling asthma, fatigue, cashflow issues, and learning complex regulations to comply with U.S. federal healthcare requirements. “Setbacks do not go away; you learn to stay stronger spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically,” she notes. She emphasizes the importance of continuous education, personal transformation, and building a strong, capable team.
Life Lessons
Through her journey, Amabel has learned that life is a course, not a destination, and staying open to opportunities is essential. She emphasizes gratitude toward those who help along the way, the importance of continuous learning, and seeking guidance from mentors. Humility is key, embracing one’s flaws as part of the journey, while faith in God provides guidance through challenges, revealing one’s mission in life. She believes that anything is possible with perseverance, hard work, and a focus on personal growth without comparing oneself to others. Living well each day, striving to be the best version of oneself, and celebrating wins big or small are integral to a fulfilling life and meaningful success.
Amabel De Leon’s story is one of determination, service, and purpose. From overcoming personal and financial challenges as a student to leading a faith-driven enterprise in the United States, she exemplifies resilience, leadership, and compassion. Her journey demonstrates that with faith, guidance, and determination, one can bloom on the battlefield in transforming lives, empowering teams, and leaving a lasting legacy across borders.