About Salve Vargas Edelman
Author | Leader | Humanitarian | Queen | Pageant Director | International Performing Artist
Welcome to My Journey
Welcome—I am delighted you are here. My life’s work is rooted in a deep passion for storytelling, purposeful leadership, and global service. Whether stepping onto an international stage as a performing artist or advocating for transformative community initiatives, my mission has always been to inspire resilience, amplify meaningful voices, and empower others to recognize the extraordinary potential within their own stories.
As an author, humanitarian, and leader, I believe that authentic impact begins with action and connection. From published works to community-driven endeavors, every project I undertake is guided by a commitment to heart-centered leadership, cultural enrichment, and lasting change. I invite you to explore my journey, discover my latest projects, and connect as we work toward building a more empowered, compassionate world together.
A Global Odyssey Begins
Born in the Philippines, Salve Vargas Edelman set out on a path that would see her living and performing as an International Performing Artist, in various corners of the world; particularly, in Asia and Europe. She spent 16 years in the vibrant city of San Francisco and the Bay Area, where she became immersed in its rich cultural tapestry. During this time, her passion for performing arts blossomed, eventually propelling her onto international stages where she would captivate audiences with her melodious voice, singing in multiple languages.
Teaching, Singing, and Inspiring
One of Salve’s proudest accomplishments is her decade-long commitment to teaching performing arts to over one hundred students in the Bay Area. Her dedication and mentorship undoubtedly nurtured the creative spirit within her students, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. She was the founder of Salve Vargas Production which provided stellar performances, great music and entertainment in various community events, shows, concerts, recitals, and fiesta celebrations. Salve was also the Lead Singer of Roy Leano and His Orchestra for 16 years.
From the Bay Area to the Entertainment Capital of the World
In 1996, Salve made a significant move to Las Vegas, where her versatile talents found a new stage. Her career spanned diverse fields, including financial services, banking, insurance, mortgage, government, non-profit, entertainment, television, and real estate. This multifaceted experience highlights her adaptability and determination to excel in any endeavor she pursued.
Crowning Achievements
Salve's journey also saw her achieve significant recognition on the beauty pageant circuit. She was crowned Ms. Senior Las Vegas 2015 and received the Best Talent Award. Her excellence extended to the Ms. Senior Nevada 2015 competition, where she secured the title of 3rd Runner-Up. In 2017, she was honored with the title of Ms. Senior Asia Pacific Universe. Her accolades continued in 2020 and 2021 when she was selected as Mrs. Philippines World International Pro and crowned Ms. World International Elegance, respectively.
Leadership and Community Service
Beyond her personal achievements, Salve has tirelessly served her community. She has been recognized as one of the "200 Distinguished Women in Nevada" and honored as one of the "100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World", by FWN, Filipina Women’s Network, in 2015; in 2016, Salve is a contributing author to FWN’s Book, Disrupt 2.0, Filipina Women: Daring to Lead; Salve’s Chapter, “To Dream the Impossible, Begin to Make it Possible”; Recipient of the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public and Community Service in 2015, presented by FAHAM; Salve also received the Centennial Service Challenge Award for 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and the 2018-2019 Club Excellence Award from Lions Clubs International.
Salve’s exceptional leadership within the Filipino American community has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors. In 2016, she received the Community Leadership Award from NaFFAA, as well as the Rumi Award for Outstanding Community and Business Leader. Her dedication was further celebrated by the Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum (FAHAM) and its founder, Mrs. Ditta Camomot, with Leadership, Humanitarian, and Philanthropy Awards spanning 2017 to 2019. In 2019, FAHAM also honored Salve with the Protector of Legacy, Innovator of the Year, and Artist of the Year awards. Culminating these accolades, she was inducted into the FAHAM Hall of Fame in 2022, receiving the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award as a "Filipino American Community Leader Extraordinaire."
Salve is also the Charter President of the Las Vegas Twin Lakes Lions Club, where she has received the "Lion of the Year" award multiple times. She founded and continues to lead the Rising Asian Pacific Americans Coalition for Diversity (RAPACD), since 2011, providing Cultural Performances in various community events, organized the Annual Youth Leadership Conference, produced the Isla Vegas, the Ninth Island TV Show, and supported Census 2010 and Census 2020, to ensure that the AAPIA Community is accurately counted, a testament to her commitment to fostering inclusivity. Salve, as Founder and President of RAPACD, received the “Kagitingan Samahan Award,” from the Cavite Association of Nevada during the Philippine Independence Day Celebration and Filipino Heritage Night on June 4, 2023.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Salve has been a dedicated member of the Lions Clubs International since the eighties. Through the Las Vegas Twin Lakes Lions Club, she has provided vision screenings for adults and children, supported the Armed Forces, Military Personnel, Veterans, and First Responders Annual Appreciation Day for twelve consecutive years, and distributed new and used eyeglasses to those in need both locally and internationally for various medical missions. Her philanthropic efforts also extend to helping the homeless and providing essentials to battered women and children in Southern Nevada.
A Survivor and Top Producer
On a personal note, Salve is a cancer survivor, embodying strength, and resilience. She has remained cancer-free since March 2023. In her professional life, she has been a top producer in real estate with Win-Win Realty and Property Management. Salve currently works for Weichert Realtors Millennium and Fortis Commercial Advisors. Salve has been a Licensed Real Estate Professional since 2003.
A Legacy of Entertainment and Giving Back
As an international performing artist, Salve has brought joy to seniors in assisted living facilities across Southern Nevada, leaving a smile on their faces with her enchanting performances. She is also an extraordinary Emcee, Keynote Speaker, Entertainer, and Performer, who performed in many community events, shows, concerts, fiesta celebrations, song and dance recitals, for over 30 years in Southern Nevada; 16 years in San Francisco and the Bay Area; and 10 years in Asia and Europe.
Explore A Life of Achievement
From the Philippines to San Francisco, from international stages to Las Vegas, Salve Vargas Edelman's journey is a testament to what can happen when talent, perseverance, service, and purpose come together.
Founder & President | Community Leader | Global Pageant Queen & Director | Media Producer
Salve Vargas Edelman is a multi-award-winning Filipino-American leader, executive producer, and humanitarian based in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the Founder and President of the Rising Asian Pacific Americans Coalition for Diversity (RAPACD), she has spent decades advocating for cultural diversity, civic engagement, and community empowerment. Her legacy spans elite international pageantry, global humanitarian efforts, television production, and dedicated service as a prominent leader within the Lions Clubs International.
Executive Leadership & Community Advocacy
Founder & President, Rising Asian Pacific Americans Coalition for Diversity (RAPACD) | 2011 – Present
Charter President, Las Vegas Twin Lakes Lions Club 2016 - Present
Zone Chair (Region 4B, District 46), Lions Clubs of Nevada | 2012–2013, 2018–2019, 2025–2026, 2026-2027
Filipino American Community Award Recipient, NaFFAA President’s Award | 2024
2-Time Lifetime Achievement Award, Las Vegas Twin Lakes Lions Club & RAPACD | 2024
Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award & Hall of Fame Inductee, FAHAM | 2022
Jefferson Award for Excellence in Public Service, Honoree | 2016 – 2018
100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World, FWN Global Honoree (Builder Award Category) | 2015
Distinguished Women in Nevada, Profiled Honoree | 2014
International Pageantry & Director Accolades
Global Directorship Roles
Nevada State Director & National Director, Ms. World International & Ms. Universe Pageants | 2024 – 2027
Crowned Director of the Year, Ms. World International & Ms. Universe | 2024 – 2026
Featured Cover Director, World Class Pageants Director Magazine | 2026
Pageant Titles & Royal Honors
Crowned Mrs. Lifetime Queen Universe, Ms. Mrs. Universe Pageant (Orleans Hotel Showroom) | 2025
Lifetime Community Service Queen Award, Recipient | 2026
Featured Queen & Interviewee, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine | 2024-2026
Mrs. Philippines World International Pro, Titleholder | 2021
Ms. World International Elegance, Titleholder | 2021
Founding Queen & Hall of Fame Inductee, Ms. Senior Asia Pacific Universe | 2017
Ms. Senior Las Vegas & 3rd Runner-Up, Ms. Senior Nevada Pageant (Best Talent Award) | 2015
🦁 Lions Clubs International Service & Honors
Milestone Chevron Award, Presented by International President Fabricio Oliveira for 15 Years of Dedicated Community Service | 2025
Zone Chair of the Year Award, District 46 | 2025 – 2026
Master Key Award, Lions Clubs International | 2024
Lion of the Year Award, Las Vegas Twin Lakes Lions Club | 2021–2022 & 2022–2023
Diamond Centennial & Premier Centennial Awards, Lions Clubs International | 2019 – 2020
Active Member, Las Vegas Twin Lakes Lions Club | 2016 – Present
📺 Media, Publications & Creative Arts
Author & Biographer: Launching the highly anticipated memoir, “Salve Vargas Edelman: A Blessed Life” alongside 3 World Class Beauty Queen Cover Magazines | October 3, 2026
Creator, Executive Producer, Director & Host, Isla Vegas: The Ninth Island TV Show (Seasons 1, 2, 3, and The Revival)
Contributing Author, Disrupt 2.0: Filipina Women: Daring to Lead, Published by FWN | 2016
Outstanding Woman of the Year & Lifetime Achievement Award, Fil-Am TV & Fil-Am News | 2023
News Maker of the Year Award, Philippine Times of Southern Nevada | 2019
Patriotic Singer Award, West Charleston Lions Club | 2014
Academic Honors, Humanitarian & Cultural Awards
Honorary Doctorate Degrees | 2024
Doctor of Philosophy in Ministry Science
Doctor of Philosophy in Pop Cultural Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Leisure Science
Pacific Islander Communities Humanitarian Excellence Award, Civility For All Foundation | 2024
Kagitingan Samahan Award, Cavite Association of Nevada (Awarded to RAPACD) | 2023
Noble Titles Recipient:
Lady of Ardmore (Ireland) | 2024
Lady of Blairadam (Scotland) | 2021
FAHAM Multi Awardee, Protector of Legacy, Humanitarian, Innovator, and Artist of the Year | 2019
Rumi Awards Honoree, Outstanding Business Leadership and Community Service | 2016