Edgardo Venegas III
Project Manager, Business Owner, Community Servant

Mr. Venegas’ journey from the Philippines to the United States is a story of resilience, faith, and community. Growing up in Quezon City, he faced the challenges of life with determination. His education at an all-boys Catholic school laid a strong foundation, leading him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems (BS MIS). He began his professional career at Hewlett-Packard (“HP”) and later held positions at Macquarie, Home Credit, and Globe, where he transitioned from IT to Project Management. Since 2015, he has been actively involved in “Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon,” a Catholic Charismatic community that has played a significant role in his life.

The decision to move to the United States was driven by family ties and new opportunities. Many of his relatives had settled in the US since the 1980s, and he fondly remembers family visits during the 1990s. With his entire family relocating, Mr. Venegas recognized the importance of maintaining their community life. They were fortunate to find a sister community in Los Angeles called “City on the Hill” and made the move during the pandemic in 2021.

Upon arriving in the US, Mr. Venegas was eager to continue his career in Project Management. However, the pandemic resulted in a 1.5-year wait for their permits. During this time, he focused on enhancing his skills, earning certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). In 2022, once the permits were finally approved, he secured a position as a Business Analyst at Southern California Edison. By early 2023, he had successfully transitioned to a Project Manager role at Boeing, a significant milestone in his career.

His journey has not been without challenges. Health issues have affected his family, including the remarkable survival of his son and the loss of their second son to congenital conditions. He has also faced personal health challenges. However, through faith, prayers, and community support, he aligned his journey with God’s plans and overcame these obstacles.

The values instilled in him by his Filipino heritage—perseverance, faith, and resilience—have been guiding principles throughout his life. Community support has been essential, with his Catholic Charismatic group and involvement in the Project Management Institute in Los Angeles providing invaluable connections. Sharing his journey and learning from others, including in UFAP, has been both rewarding and inspiring.

To young Filipino American professionals, Mr. Venegas encourages them to aim high and never settle for less. He believes in the power of prayer and reminds them that submitting their plans to God can lead to unexpected blessings. As Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Currently, Mr. Venegas runs a small car rental business in Turo and is planning to expand to more cars in the coming months. He also plans to launch a social media and/or a podcast channel, which will focus on sharing the stories of Filipino immigrants, highlighting both struggles and victories, along with travel and financial tips and tricks. The journey continues, and there are definitely exciting plans ahead!