By Mikee Natinga Norico
Ralph Lauren Torre Figueroa (center), a proud CPU Nursing alumnus, receives his FNF Scholar badge during the graduation ceremony alongside Prof. Greta Westwood (left), CEO of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, and Dame Yvonne Moores (right), FNF Patron.
Central Philippine University (CPU) takes great pride in the remarkable achievement of Ralph Lauren Torre Figueroa, a BS Nursing Class of 2008 graduate, who recently completed the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) Leadership Program — an 18-month immersive, bespoke leadership development initiative based in the United Kingdom. Figueroa is only the second Filipino recipient of this fully funded scholarship, joining a global network of nurse leaders dedicated to advancing compassionate and effective healthcare leadership.
Currently serving as Section Head of the Critical Care Units and Specialty Centers at Western Visayas Medical Center, Figueroa applies the principles of leadership, mentorship, and patient-centered care that he honed through the FNF program. His role involves guiding nursing teams, ensuring safer patient care, and driving innovations that enhance the delivery of specialized medical services in the region.
The fully funded scholarship program provided him with advanced training in leadership coaching, mentorship, reflective practice, and an impact project—equipping him with the tools to lead systemic improvements within healthcare institutions.
Ralph Lauren Torre Figueroa (wearing a white long-sleeved shirt) poses for a group photo with fellow global scholars during the 59th Florence Nightingale Annual Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey, London, England, on May 15, 2024.
“The Florence Nightingale Foundation’s values of compassion, collaboration, and excellence deeply resonated with me,” Figueroa shared. “I applied because I wanted to grow as a nurse leader, build confidence, and learn how to influence positive change in healthcare.”
For Figueroa, being the second Filipino to receive the scholarship is both an honor and a responsibility. “It makes me proud to represent the Philippines and bring recognition to Filipino nurses. Professionally, it affirms that our contributions are valued internationally,” he said. “This inspires me to encourage other Filipino nurses to pursue opportunities that highlight our talent on a global stage.”
The Florence Nightingale Foundation, a UK-based charity, aims to support one million nurses and midwives worldwide by 2027. The foundation’s programs focus on improving health, clinical outcomes, and patient experiences by building leadership capacity and creating opportunities for professionals to shape healthcare policies.
Reflecting on his journey, Figueroa described leadership as “service, listening, and empowering others,” emphasizing that courage and authenticity are as vital as technical skills. “Leadership in nursing goes beyond direct care—it involves collaboration, advocacy, and influencing decisions that improve healthcare outcomes,” he said.
He attributes much of his success to his formative years at Central Philippine University, where he developed not only academic excellence but also the core values of faith, discipline, and service. “CPU prepared me to adapt, persevere, and lead with integrity. The education I received gave me the courage and confidence to step into international opportunities and represent my country with pride,” Figueroa shared.
He expressed deep gratitude to his CPU professors and mentors for shaping his values and discipline. “Each one played a role in nurturing my compassion and commitment to service. Their mentorship guided me to aim higher, embrace challenges, and grow into a nurse leader who upholds excellence and integrity,” he said.
Ralph Lauren Torre Figueroa (1st from left) poses with global scholars from Wales, Northern Ireland, India, Singapore, Ghana, and Kenya, together with Prof. Greta Westwood, during the commencement of the Florence Nightingale Foundation Leadership Program in May 2024 at the Royal Society of Medicine, London, UK.
To current CPU nursing students aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Figueroa shared this message:
“Trust the education you are receiving and believe in your potential. Be courageous in taking opportunities, even those beyond your comfort zone. Continue learning, serving, and leading with compassion. Filipino nurses can make a difference not only locally but also internationally.”
As he looks ahead, Figueroa remains dedicated to inspiring fellow Filipino nurses to pursue leadership opportunities. “I am grateful to the Florence Nightingale Foundation, my mentors, Central Philippine University, and Western Visayas Medical Center for shaping my journey. Moving forward, I plan to continue sharing what I have learned and work to improve healthcare through compassion, collaboration, and continuous learning,” he concluded.
Through this achievement, Ralph Lauren T. Figueroa not only upholds the legacy of Florence Nightingale but also exemplifies the Centralian spirit—faithful in service, steadfast in leadership, and committed to making a difference in global healthcare.