At a stage in life where most people focus solely on themselves, Dr. Amb. Nellie C. Reyes (h.c.) dedicates hers to lifting others. A widely recognized humanitarian and thought leader in recent years, she has devoted to her legacy- building advocacy through a platform in technical assistance to equip diverse low income families, health awareness, and mentoring emerging leaders that has made it her mission to guide talented Asians, mostly Filipinos, including emerging creatives in the U.S. to leave lasting legacies through writing and creative arts.
Since she founded a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit AssistNA.org in 2022 she has been gifting her members and supporters with her first non published book, called “The Courageous Legacy Builder”, an exclusive in-house client acquisition systems manual.
Through her newly founded Writers & Artists Collab (WAC), Hon. Dr. Reyes provides more than publishing opportunities—she offers mentorship, encouragement, and a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard.
What is WAC?
Writers & Artists Collab (WAC) is a creative initiative that uplifts authors (both newbies and published authors), artists, and creative professionals across North America to publish their work, connect with global thought leaders, and build meaningful legacies. Beyond logistics, WAC emphasizes authentic storytelling, mentorship, and collaboration, guiding participants to craft projects that inspire communities and leave enduring impact.
Participants benefit from:
- Initially, publishing opportunities for both individual and collaborative projects
- Mentorship and coaching on writing, creative direction, publishing, and creating unique systems
- Collaborative projects connecting emerging creatives with global leaders and influencers
- Legacy-building initiatives that ensure their work resonates beyond their immediate audience
Dr. Reyes (h.c.) envisions WAC as a community and movement, where creativity meets purpose, and storytelling becomes a tool for mentorship, upliftment, and lasting social impact.
A Legacy in Humanitarianism Comes to Life
This vision is exemplified in the Amazon #1 International Bestseller, A LEGACY IN HUMANITARIANISM: Journeys to Genuine Connections Through Purpose, People, and Passion. The limited edition book chronicles the heartfelt stories of 13 co-authors—community leaders, philanthropists, and low-profile humanitarians—whose dedication to service has transformed lives across North America.
The work celebrates empathy, passion, and authentic connections, showing how ordinary people can create extraordinary change. It also features 6 VIP foreword authors and global leaders, reflecting the international scope and credibility of the project:
- Prof. Dr. Caroline Makaka, Founder of Leaders of All Nations, London, UK
- H.E. Amb. Dr. Nadia Harihiri, Diplomat, International Human Rights Commission, France
- Hon. Edgar B. Badajos, Asst. Secretary Philippine Dept. of Foreign Affairs
- Lady Amb. Dr. Robbie Motter (h.c.), Founder, Global Society for Female Entrepreneurs, California, USA
- Mr. Nino Jefferson Lim, Founder, Island Pacific Supermarket chain, US West Coast
- Lady Amb. Dr. Lenora Peterson-Maclin, Founder, Global International Alliance Program, Georgia, USA
- Special Message: Hon. Consul Gen. Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, Philippine Consulate General, Los Angeles
PRINCIPAL AUTHORS
Dr. Amb. Nellie C. Reyes (h.c.)
Dr. Amb. Juliette Barredo-Rucker (h.c.)
Mr. Eric Napule
Ms. Epiphany V. Nishimura
CO-AUTHORS
Lisa E. Kirkwood
Dr. Ferdinand Z. Edralin (h.c.)
Dr. Amb. Raziel F. Arcega, MBA, MAS (h.c.)
Maria Christina Talley
Charles Hai Nguyen
Dr. Gracie Sajor, RN/BSN (h.c.)
Dr. Theresa Guck (h.c.)
Susan Ordona
Stephanie Lynn Steenstra
Dr. Katherine Bercasio (h.c.)
Celebrating Community and Charity: Island Pacific Toy Drive & Ber-Kada Event
Through WAC, Dr. Reyes (h.c.) encourages her authors and artists to engage with communities beyond publishing, turning storytelling into action. Joining a unique community event and charity Toy Drive hosted by Island Pacific with Founder Mr. Nino Jefferson Lim and his wife, Krista R. Lim, exemplified this mission. This event not only inspired the collaborative book A Legacy in Humanitarianism but also highlighted how creative projects can intersect with real-world impact, culminating in the presentation of the Award of Excellence in Humanitarianism by AssistNA.org’s Writers & Artists Collab during its third book launch in just 30 days.
Dr. Amb. Nellie C. Reyes (h.c.) with Island Pacific Founder and VIP Author- Nino Jefferson Lim
Mr. Lim, one of the 6 VIP Foreword Authors in the book, exemplifies the values WAC promotes: dedication, purpose, and compassion. His foreword, Island Pacific: Not Just a Business Story, It’s a Legacy Rooted in Faith, Perseverance, and “Malasakit”, shares how he built a chain of Asian supermarkets in the U.S. West Coast from the age of 20 while staying true to core values of empathy and service. By connecting participants with stories like his, WAC demonstrates how mentorship and inspiration extend beyond writing, showing creatives the impact their work can have on communities and future generations.
Honoring Diplomacy and Humanitarian Service
WAC also emphasizes collaboration with leaders who model humanitarianism and ethical impact. In line with this vision, the General Manager of RB International Publishing Services personally visited Hon. Edgar B. Badajos, Assistant Secretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, to honor him with a Certificate of Excellence in Humanitarianism in Manila very recently. Hon. Badajos, one of the 6 VIP Foreword Authors in A Legacy in Humanitarianism, has inspired countless lives through his service and mentorship, aligning closely with WAC’s mission of fostering meaningful connections and guiding participants to leave lasting legacies.
Through initiatives like this, WAC participants witness firsthand how authorship and artistry can intersect with real-world leadership and philanthropy. By featuring stories of exemplary figures like Hon. Badajos, WAC reinforces its commitment to teaching emerging creatives that legacy is built not only through the work they publish but also through the impact they create in society.
Mentorship Through Storytelling
Through WAC, Dr. Reyes (h.c.) ensures these collaborations are not just publications—they are platforms for mentorship, inspiration, and legacy-building. She helps authors and artists navigate publishing, amplify their work, and connect with networks that elevate their impact. Thereby, empowering a new generation of storytellers to make meaningful contributions by sharing their authentic journeys of how they rise from the pains of their vulnerabilities which transformed them as true victors thus creating their lasting legacies.
“Legacy isn’t about fame or recognition,” Dr. Reyes (h.c.) explains. “It’s about the lives we touch, the stories we share, and the inspirational healing we leave behind. If we can help even one person amplify their truth that can create a massive ripple of change, that’s genuine success to me.”
A Heart for Humanity
Whether mentoring a young writer or collaborating with global leaders, Dr. Reyes (h.c.)’ approach is rooted in human connection and purpose. She believes every story has value, and every person has the potential to make a difference. Through her books, WAC, and collaborative projects, she demonstrates that the most enduring legacies are built on compassion, guidance, and lifting others as you rise. Leaving no minorities behind.
