Despite modest origins from a small rural village, Thelma (with the support and encouragement of her family) was able to complete a college education, attending the prestigious University of San Carlos in Cebu City, the largest city (and provincial capital) on her island, several hours journey away from the small villages of Tacup, San Remigio, and Bogo where she grew up. Thelma completed her education and became a Certified Public Accountant in the Philippines.

She obtained a position with 3M, an American company with locations overseas, and soon transferred to their main Philippine office, in Makati, Metro Manila, where she worked for several years, earning numerous awards, citations, commendations, prizes and promotions to positions of increasing responsibility.

When she had advanced as far as she could go in the Philippines, she set her sights on a higher goal: she transferred to the United States, traveling boldly alone and demonstrating her pioneering spirit.

In the United States, she had to start over again at the bottom, but once again quickly rose through positions of increasing responsibility and achievement.

After several years in America, she met Douglas Dunn, and they were married on the island of Kauai a year later.

Now a U.S. citizen, Thelma is active in community issues and political interests. Of course, she also still retains her Filipino pride and culture and, with adopted Filipino husband Doug, has returned to the Philippines several times for personal, family and recreational purposes.

Thelma's husband Doug, full of love and pride, had to write most of this, because Thelma is too modest and would not be willing to say it herself!