Superwomen Changing the World
- kiiimpanzeee
- Mar 15, 2018
- 50 min read
Updated: Jan 31, 2019
This has got to be my favourite blog entry ever! In light of International Women's Day, I thought to write about the women in my life that inspire me most, that are changing the world in their own way, and who I look up to through my own personal journey because of their resilience, determination, and humility. Selfishly, I must admit, I may have just used this blog entry as an excuse to get into the heads of these amazing women -- haha! But only because I truly treat them as role models. During those days when I feel down, unmotivated, "dry" or just out of it, I think to myself, what would these women do? I wrote to them with a bunch of questions that I often encounter myself, so that I can look back at their responses especially during those times. Little did I know (or maybe I did) that I would end up in tears after reading each word that came from them!
According to the time of my life that I met them, these women are: 1. Inday Panuncialman, 2. JV Roman, 3. Pia Ranada, 4. Gela Petines, 5. Reese Fernandez, 6. Vivian Lee, 7. Pat Ocampo, 8. Natasha Kintanar, 9. Mavic Hilario, 10. Anya Lim, 11. Rachel Halili, 12. Cynthia Billones, 13. Kritzia Santos, 14. Andel Reyes, 15. Hope Tancinco, 16. Nara Virak, 17. Debbie Haski-Leventhal, 18. Ronni Khan, and 19. Vanessa Coleman. Now, without further ado, I would like to present to you these awesome superwomen that are changing the universe!
1. INDAY PANUNCIALMAN
My mom has always inspired me just by being the generous and loving person that she is! She is very simple and modest - whenever I would ask her what present she would want for her birthday or Christmas, she would always just say "love" or for me and my sister to grow up as good people. My mom is a practical and analytical person (traits I myself inherited from her), which I believe is because of her tough past. When she was 11 years old, her mother passed away from cancer, forcing the 7 children (the youngest was only 7 then) to grow up with their father, who eventually remarried and had kids. Years later, as a mother that hoped to support her family financially, mom became very entrepreneurial, trying out different businesses that she was interested in. After decades of hardwork and a fair share of challenges, my mom has finally found her passion (which conincidentally helps a lot with paying the bills): helping people manage their finances. Now, as a Unit Manager in PruLife UK, my mom regularly wins awards and medals and gives speeches to aspiring individuals trying to get through life like she did. I especially admire her for her humility, hardwork, and kind heart, where people look up to her, calling her “Mother Inday” and run to her for advice. My mom and I have not had the perfect relationship, but I love her for accepting me for who I am, and for supporting me in everything that I do even if I can be difficult sometimes!:p
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
The achievement that I'm most proud of is having raised my daughters, Kim and Julia to be God-fearing and responsible individuals.
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
My biggest dream is for the 4 of us travel the world in style. By saving and working hard
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My family is my greatest source of inspiration.
What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it?
My superpower is being a problem solver. I do not stop until I'm able to find a solution to the problem. I strengthen it through prayers and perseverance.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
Follow your heart.
2. JV ROMAN - @jvfroman
JV and I have a unique past to our relationship. I’ve known her since kindergarten and was my schoolmate in the 14 years I was in Poveda. When we were in highschool, we had a bit of a rough time after both running for student council at our alma mater. I guess we drifted apart after that episode, but I am more than grateful that our paths crossed again years later, where we had the opportunity to work together. With JV as my manager in NCF, I honestly didn’t know what to expect given our past. Getting reintroduced to her, I was surprised to know a whole different person that had greatly matured and taken responsibility for the people she cares about. JV was a really good leader to our team, helping each of us grow and develop, helping us when we needed her, and respecting our decisions. All this while she juggled with caring for her mom and emotionally supporting the rest of her family members. She has inspired me with her strength and the positivity that she radiates despite all the challenges she is faced with. I don’t think I ever saw her shed a tear at the office, even when her mom passed away, and she always had the courtesy to ask how everyone else was doing. JV is the perfect example of a leader that values her team and doesn’t sacrifice her values no matter what!
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it?
Three years ago, my mom was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer - we were told that we had two months left with her and that it was close to impossible to cure it. Everybody who knew my mom also knows she was a superwoman and a megamom - she was completely hands-on with each of her children. And so, this was completely devastating and heartbreaking for me. It was the end of the world! The hardest thing I ever had to do in my life was seeing my Mama, who was my source of strength and love, go through so much pain. The second hardest thing (that I still continue to do) is dealing with her absence. When you’re faced with an overwhelming amount of fear and sadness that is beyond your understanding, I think the solution also has to be something bigger than yourself - God. I prayed a lot - for strength, peace, and an open heart. The practice of having at least one thing to be grateful for, everyday, also helps big time!
What breaks your heart?
Dishonesty and waste.
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way?
By being in control of it. Almost all the time, you can break life down into choices. i.e. Will you let this negative energy/action affect you or will you disregard it? Should you fight or keep quiet? Will you break down or pick yourself up? Will you rebel against something or use the flame to be a better person? Choosing to be stronger, choosing to be bigger, has always been a great way for me to fight off negativity.
How do you keep your balance?
By carving out time, everyday, to zoom out and think big picture.
What is your mantra?
“You will never find your voice if you don’t use it.”
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
Idealistic and cliche as it may sound, but I dream for the Philippines to go back to how peaceful and clean as it once was. More than anything, I dream of Filipinos being proud to be Filipinos, never wanting to leave permanently. I do my part in achieving this by never giving up on this country, by trying to positively influence the people within my reach, and by using the power that I have to make differences in people’s lives by empowering them with opportunities and words of hope
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My mother! She had experienced many difficulties in her lifetime but she still lived with so much gusto and love, as if she were a child.
What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it?
My superpower is resilience (does that count?). I strengthen it by choosing to believe in and fight for the good no matter what (even if it’s not easy).
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
I think it starts from knowing who you are (self-awareness) by being observant to what your strengths are, what you like, and what makes you happy. I would share this quote - “Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent.” —Jim Jarmusch
3. PIA RANADA - ROBLES - @apiature
I first met Pia at our second training climb at Cinco Picos for the Loyola Mountaineers. She was the Team Leader then and I remember how friendly and chill she was despite having to manage a big group of amateur hikers. I was more than happy for her and Dru when their relationship developed, because they seemed like the perfect couple - they were both really fun, kind, athletic, and sexy! (The proposal at Mt. Pulag left me in tears!). After college, I learned that Pia was working for Rappler and was inspired by her efforts to help with environmental conservation, and afterwards her involvement with current issues when she was assigned to another column. Crazy political events have been happening recently, where Pia is greatly involved in. Receiving intense pressure from the country and being constantly put on the spotlight, I am more than amazed at how strong she is in dealing with everything. Pia, with her petite physique, kind heart, and fun personality, stays resilient and true to herself despite all the haters. I can truly say that Pia is changing the world by doing her work with integrity and being a voice for the Filipino people.
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
I am most proud of when I asked Duterte about his wolf-whistling during a press conference before he took his oath as president. I was scared to ask the question because I knew how he would react but I also could not NOT ask because I knew he had to be put in his place.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it?
It was watching my mom leave for the States to work as a nanny because our family had so many financial problems. When she left, we tried to go back to normal. But things never really were until she came back.
What breaks your heart?
Gross injustices, like how so many poor Filipinos toil yet earn a pittance for their families while there are a few rich who just have to get up in bed to earn millions.
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way?
I turn to family and friends. They always remind me I’m doing the right thing and that they’re there for me.
How do you keep your balance?
I enrich my personal life by having fun with friends and family, indulging in hobbies like reading and travelling, and exercising.
What is your mantra?
It’s always changing but recently it’s been, “When they go low, we go high” (Michelle Obama)
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
To write a book. My job as a reporter is giving me all kinds of useful experiences and connections.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My mom.
What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it?
My idealism. I strengthen it by never losing hope that this world can be a better place.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
To find your passion, you must get to know yourself and the world more. Get out there and collect as many experiences as you can, meet as many people as you can. When you’ve found out your passion, pursue it relentlessly.
4. GELA PETINES - @stungbyagelafish
Don't ever be fooled by this soft-spoken woman - she's a tough one! The first time Gela inspired me was during her Loyola Mountaineers induction climb, where she had a sprain and could barely walk halfway through the climb but still powered through with the help of her teammates. She reached the peak, running while limping, with tears in her eyes. I knew then that she was a fighter. Gela is a person who makes it seem so easy to follow dreams and transform thoughts into action. She is the co-founder of ISDA, a freediving organisation in Ateneo which has grown to have hundreds of members, Reef Nomads, a similar organisation that hopes to create awareness about marine life, and Batang VIP, which helps the community in Isla Verde with their livelihood through sustainable tourism, among other things. Gela is so inspiring as she is always true to herself, has initiative to help others out of her own will, and stays humble and kind at heart. She continues to work hard to further her advocacy of environmental conservation and inspires others to do the same. Mother Nature and the Isla Verde community are lucky to have Gela!
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
The Batang VIP field trip I did in 2015. I crowdfunded over Php 160,000 in 6 weeks to bring 84 kids and their teachers from Barangay San Andres, Isla Verde to The Mind Museum in Taguig City where their home was featured as the Epicenter of Marine Biodiversity in the World. I wanted them to know, take pride in it, and hopefully grow to love and take care of their home. I think I got to do it successfully because the cause was communicated in a fun and clear way where anybody and everybody were given the opportunity to help out.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it?
Probably leaving the corporate world (financial stability) and trying to jumpstart Reef Nomads. I just let myself cry, but still fight hard when things do not go well. I surround myself with the right people: supportive family members and friends, especially ones who have already experienced the same path I am taking and are doing much better. I take advise and encouragement from them.
What breaks your heart?
Lack of compassion and empathy
How do you keep your balance?
Stay healthy. Eat right, get good sleep, and exercise. Also pray and keep positive people in my life.
What is your mantra?
Just be a good person.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My Lolo. He was also adventurous and told me to be kind especially to those who have less.
What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it?
Compassion. By striving to be kind to myself, too, so that I can stay kind to others.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
Take it a day at a time. Don't waste the decisions you make.
5. REESE FERNANDEZ - RUIZ - @reesefernandez
The first time I heard Reese speak was during our year end ceremony (pabaon) at Ateneo. I remember being really inspired as she shared with us her personal story and her journey in co-founding Rags2Riches. I was left thinking “she gets to help the less fortunate while at the same time works with fashion designers?? I would definitely want to work with her at R2R!” Maybe about a year later, I had the opportunity to join the team, and it was one of the most fulfilling jobs ever! As a young CEO, Reese was a very open, flexible, fun, and friendly leader, while at the same time maintaining her drive and professionalism. She has inspired me with her optimism, humility, and grace under pressure (I’m not even sure if she ever does get pressured!), especially hearing about her difficult past when her family went through financial and parental problems, and was bullied at school. As she used to say that she wasn’t sure if she wanted children, I am more than proud to learn about how much she’s grown since she had Miguel. We would always joke about how Reese and Mark’s baby would be the youngest Filipino social entrepreneur, which I’m sure he will be!
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there? Being a mom!!:) I used to think achievements are milestones. But now, I know that an achievement is the person you become and the people you help empower in the process. What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it? There were lots! I don’t know now what the hardest is because all of them felt like the hardest when they were happening. The one that comes to mind is the time after I gave birth to Miguel when I had Post Partum Blues while working on making R2R sustainable. It was incredibly hard to have little to no sleep, wounds from giving birth, a tiny baby who was completely dependent on me, and a social enterprise that needed urgent decisions and attention as well. I overcame this with a lot of support from my husband and team in R2R. My husband found ways for me to rest and sleep and he took care of me and Miguel. The R2R team did the best they can and when possible, handled a lot of things with me even the most difficult tasks and decisions. I survived that dark period because of the love and understanding of others. What breaks your heart? Injustice! Ever since I was young, injustices break my heart and stress me out so much. How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way? It depends on what they are and where they are coming from. If the negativity comes through social media, I do a social media detox. But most of the negativity is self-generated. I am intensely competitive as a person so there are times when I would push myself or beat myself up for things not done to the level I’m expecting of myself. Self-generated negativity is the hardest to fight off but I try through processing my thoughts and emotions through journaling and reminding myself to pause and enjoy life because really, almost everything we try to “achieve” are social constructs. When all is said and done, we are all tiny tiny parts of the world and history and all we can really do is try to create as much positive impact as we can in our lifetime. How do you keep your balance? I have long accepted that balance is an ideal state but hardly a constant. For as long as you are juggling roles and responsibilities, the road towards balance is asymptotic. You get close but you never really get there. So in everything I do, I just try to be intentional about the time and efforts I spend on things and people who matter to me the most. But accepting the fact that absolute balance is just an ideal, keeps me calm, more forgiving of myself when I fail from time to time, and more determined to try and try again. What is your mantra? Show up, be humble, do the work. And it used to be “do what you love and you never have to work a day in your life”! haha But now, I know the reality for most people is not necessarily about doing what they love but doing work for the people they love. And I think that is just as noble. Doing what you love is still quite a privilege. But loving what you do because of what it allows you to do and who it allows you to support, has merits too. Personally, even if I am doing what I love, things get difficult and these challenges may make that thing I love to do less lovable. So I remind myself that no matter what happens, show up, be humble, and do the work. and in the process, remember your WHY. What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream? Having a kid really changes things even my dreams and what used to be my biggest dreams. I used to have a list of things that I want to have and places I want to visit. But now, I honestly just want to have a better country and world for my son, his generation, and the generations after. Who is your greatest source of inspiration? Miguel!:) What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it? I am quick and resilient. I strengthen these through being intentional about my decisions especially when challenges come my way What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions? Show up, be humble, do the work. But also, reflect on the causes and ideas that give you strong feelings! If something makes you really disturbed, it could be an indicator of what you are passionate about. But even if you are struggling and searching, wherever you are, show up, be humble, and do the work. Even if you are in a place that don’t make you feel alive and passionate yet, hone your work ethic and resilience anyway.
6. VIVIAN LEE - @vivarino
Vivian was my immediate superior at R2R and she is one of the coolest people I know - an American with Taiwanese roots that lives either in the Philippines or in Thailand! She helped equip me with the tools needed for the operational side of business, making Excel sheets and textile shopping at factories sexy. Not only is she really intelligent, she is also active in a lot of sports like flag football and yoga. Vivian inspired me with her love for adventure, the value she puts in living a balanced life, and her dedication to the work that she does, even if it’s on the other side of the planet, with people that she barely understands. As a good leader, Vivian still supports my career path even after our working relationship in R2R, assisting with the recommendations needed for my applications for employment and university. I am more than grateful to have found a sports buddy, friend, and lifelong mentor in her!
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
I'm proud of the fact that I was able to build a second career in social entrepreneurship that I'm proud of. Almost exactly 8 years ago now, I allowed myself to follow my heart, gave myself the time and space to figure it out, told people I knew, and met what I was looking for (even if I didn't really know the specifics at the time but I just put that energy out there). With some luck, I was introduced to a series of people that led me to my first socent job with R2R. Since then, I've built up 2 social enterprises that are successful in their own rights and look forward to continuing this work!
How do you keep your balance?
Yoga yoga yoga! Working in socent is never easy, and yoga is and has been my ultimate sanctuary on the toughest of days and lowest of times. Moving and sweating has it's own benefits that I also love, but beyond the physical practice of yoga, it has this ability to clear your mind (a moving meditation for me), creates lightness in whatever is going on off the mat, and teaches you things about yourself (new perspectives and ways of thinking) that are applicable in real life. I've also gotten better at allowing myself to do nothing from time to time... Whatever self-care rituals are yours, they're important to maintain a feeling of balance!
What is your mantra?
Flow, don't fight... Bend so you don't break.. Something like that, such an important lesson from the yoga mat too. This means a number of different things to me:
1) Go with the flow and add things to your day that bring you happiness, serve you, and fill your cup -- We get so caught up in big goals and life plans, but the reality is that a lot happens in 3-5 years that we have no control over, but if you focus on intentions and habits that serve you, you'll always be headed in the right direction even if that short term vision of yourself changes or gets derailed.
2) There is strength in softness... Being strong doesn't mean always fighting or forcing your way - how you think things should be and doing everything on your own. Be okay accepting the things you cannot control, accepting the fact that you and everyone around you are a work in progress, and that sometimes, it's okay to let things go and ask for help.
3) Lastly, some days you'll feel the fire and some days you won’t... Allow yourself to flow with that, your body and soul know what you need.
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
Personally and professionally, I would love to live a life that combines social enterprise or non-profit work with yoga while living close to the ocean. I'm fortunate enough to work at Wedu, where we have a lot of flexibility and autonomy as long as we're doing our job, so I've been able to explore different ways this could look and hope to try some version of it out later this year.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My team. As a leader, I think one of the most important things you can do is to nurture other leaders. I continue to show up because they consistently show up with the most amazing passion, integrity, and drive to learn and do better. People who choose socent don't make a lot of money and receive meager benefits, so I'm just amazed at the diversity of people who commit to this path and am blessed to be working alongside these people as changemakers and friends.
What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it? I'm proud of the fact that I'm able to manage people with very process-driven, systems-level thinking combined with emotional intelligence and empathy. It's something I need to continue to get better at but as a consultant in my previous career, I was very process and systems driven. It was my job to optimize processes, make things more efficient, and focus on results. Somewhere in my 30s, I started getting way more emotional about everything and at first rejected it, but then learned how to manage it. When it comes to managing others and a growing organization, I'm finding the mix to be quite powerful and effective in defining my leadership style and therefore sitting comfortably in it rather than fluctuating between the two. I'm the roll-up-your-sleeves get-shit-done-together type of manager who wants to be emotionally attuned to each individual's needs and concerns and strengths and motivations. At the end of the day, we manage people, not processes or numbers. I'm not sure how I strengthen this, but maybe in another 10 years I'll have an answer to that.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
Talk to as many people as you can about what you're feeling and thinking, put it out there in the world, don't be afraid to be vulnerable because your ideas or thoughts might sound crazy, unclear, impossible, or unconventional, but this is only in your head. Your biggest disservice will be keeping it to yourself. By sharing your vision, you'll meet people who get you and support you (keep them close), but also those who challenge you. Reframe the naysayers with smart filters -- you may learn something or shift in a way that ultimately benefits you. None of it might make sense in your head or to others now, but trust the process and know that you can only connect the dots looking backwards.
7. PATRICIA OCAMPO - GONZALEZ - @patriciaogonzalez
Pat’s story is one of my favourite ones to tell. We were still officemates in R2R when Pat shared with us the unfortunate situation with her ovaries. A few years prior, one of her ovaries suddenly burst (like how appendices do), leaving her with just one left. Then, the one that was left had developed cysts that were getting more massive every month. Wanting to assure they would have children in the near future and plan for their family, Pat and her long time boyfriend Antonio decided to tie the knot. The situation kept getting worse where she had to go through painful injections or surgery to help clear her one ovary to get pregnant. But, being the faithful and prayerful person that Pat is, of course a miracle happened! She had conceived a baby, despite all the bad news that she was receiving from her constant visits to the doctor. Shortly after birthing, Pat found out that she was pregnant with her second baby! How amazing is that?! As a prayerful woman, Pat always turned to God and also brings others closer to Him - it was through Pat that I reconnected with God through Holy Thursdays with her prayer group. Pat has inspired me by having faith, hope, and love for God, her family, friends, and others around her. It was absolutely amazing to see miracles happen through kind and generous people like Pat!
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
I’m most proud of being a mom to two little girls. Before I got married, I had a 25% chance of conceiving. I did not know if I could ever get pregnant…now I have 2 miracle children! I’m also proud of our growing brands—Coral Swimwear & Pearl Clothing. Both businesses started as a way to spread a positive message through fashion, and we never expected that they would be what they are today. What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it? Life is currently very challenging as a mom of two young children and an entrepreneur, so I guess this is the hardest thing I am ever doing in my life! The pressure to make the business profitable and provide for my family is very real…at the same time there’s also pressure from myself to be the kind of wife and mom I want to be for my family. What breaks your heart? Not being able to help someone I want to help…witnessing people stuck in cycles of bad decisions. How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way? Lots of prayer and processing. I take my inner battles to the chapel and write to process my feelings. Once on paper, everything seems less dramatic. Prayer and writing are good ways to put things into perspective. How do you keep your balance? I’m a new mom (my eldest is 3) but through the years I’ve learned that balance is about being present where I am. If I plan my weeks and days well, I know what to prioritize and focus on that. Sometimes it is family, and sometimes is work. And on days that they intersect—my business partner and I try to involve our families in our work as much as possible…for example at our beach photoshoots, or at our office where they are always welcome…I try to relax and remind myself that I don’t need to control everything. What is your mantra? Omg, it is different every week. But my word for the year is FOCUS. In the recent years I’ve tried to juggle numerous jobs and responsibilities. This year I am keeping things simple by focusing on my family, my company, and my faith. No extras. What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream? My biggest dream is to grow the business so that it changes lives (in the same ways that my own life has been changed by its message) and so that it will provide for my family so that neither my husband or I will ever need to have “jobs.” I am blessed to do work that I love and I wish the same for him. I know he enjoys his work, but I also know he has a lot of plans up his sleeve for when the time is right. Who is your greatest source of inspiration? Prayer, books, and a community of likeminded people who want to make a difference in the world. What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it? I’m not sure if this is a superpower…but when I am passionate about something…especially something I believe is good, I obsess over it and share it with as many people as I can. This goes hand in hand with why I love marketing and communications. How to strengthen this? By not being discouraged by rejections, and to constantly find ways to make what is good attractive to the audience I am hoping to reach. What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions? I worked 3 different jobs before I took the leap to be a full time mom/entrepreneur. And from each of those jobs I learned skills that applied to my side hustle and are useful today as I manage my business. That’s always a good start! My parents always told me to just try—and it is by trying that you experience what you enjoy, what you think is worth your time, what you are willing to sacrifice for. As a mom of 2 young kids, schedule was no longer something I wanted to compromise. I wanted to find a way to marry work with motherhood and learning that it is difficult but possible. Honestly, my life is a great example that miracles happen, that God wants us to be HAPPY, and that anything is possible.
8. NATASHA KINTANAR - @tuuushaaa
Tasha is the epitome of a strong independent (fierce) woman! Can you believe she is an archaeologist (like Ross!) who is doing her PhD on Archaeological Heritage through alternative education and community engagement.. in Germany! We used to just hang out with our boyfriends to climb mountains, chill at the beach, and do fun runs, and now she is changing the world through her studies, the NGO that she co-founded, and her advocacy work with Dakila. Tasha has always inspired me with her passion for doing the things she loves, for working hard, and being true to herself. She recently lost her father one unfortunate day when his body just gave up during his morning swim, and I can’t imagine how hard that must have been. Being able to power through and still do what she does is just amazing.
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
Founding Tuklas, an NGO for Heritage education, whose mission is to educate and engage the public on archaeology, culture, and history for a culturally sensitive and responsible Philippines and being a PhD candidate now.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it?
At this point, it's probably coping with my father's death amidst other problems at that time and defending my master's thesis. That period of my life was so tough. There was no other way to the overcome it, but to focus on the tangible things that I had to deal with. Sure, I had several moments of weakness whenever I'd have a breakdown. But I just came into terms with reality, got a grip, and just kept going. Life went on as I grieved, so I had to keep up with it... Through this I learned that people don't have to be in constant mourning period to remember a loved one. The best way to honour that loved one is to keep living and to keep going.
What breaks your heart?
The lack of empathy of some people, which leads to a lot of misunderstandings, arguments, and even war. It breaks my heart when people step on other people for their personal gain.
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way?
I accept it as part of achieving what I aim for, then I just keep moving. I've learned that life isn't about keeping negativity off. There will always be negative things in life, that's how it should be. There's a balance of highs and lows. So I just accept it for what it is, then keep doing what I'm supposed to.
How do you keep your balance?
I recognise when I have to move from one feeling to the next, when I have to move from one situation to the other. I make sure that after working so hard, I give myself time to enjoy and relax and vice versa.
What is your mantra?
Carpe Diem! Suck the marrow out of life, but don't choke on the bone. Got this from Dead Poets Society. It taught me to seize the opportunity, seize the day, live fully and sincerely, but keep the balance.
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
My biggest dream is the alleviation of poverty. Big words, right? But hey, you asked for biggest. Hahaha. Right now, my PhD research is about heritage literacy and cultural conscioness. I think that part of poverty alleviation includes uplifting the social and historical part of a group of people. Pride of place, pride of history, and culture will truly empower community members and this will cause them to work harder and be more emphatic individuals.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My late grandfathers from both sides of the family and my late father. They've always been very influential in my decision making. They may be gone, but their memory lives on.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
Look for something you're willing to suffer for. Look for something you're willing to live and die for. Ask yourself what you won't mind working hard for. The kind of thing that you won't mind staying up all night for. The kind that will excite you to do difficult things for. Focus on that thing.
9. MAVIC HILARIO
Ms. Mavic was like a mother to me (and to a lot of people) when I was a volunteer at Bukidnon, as my supervisor from PAKISAMA farmer federation. Doing community work is not easy, and Ms. Mavic taught me how to approach the community members by learning to be in solidarity with them. She helped make a good balance between work and play, by truly treating us like family and letting us loosen up a bit through the music, arts, and culture of the Talaandig Community, where her husband is from. Ms. Mavic is a generous person who loves children and it broke my heart to find out that she was having a hard time conceiving, as I knew she had such motherly instincts. By some miracle, of course she was able to have a baby after some years of trying! She has always inspired me by always being brave and kind, despite the danger her work entails.
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
I got the things I love and mean to me the most: I work for organizations that I believe in and in causes that I am passionate about, I have a loving family who is supportive of what I do, I have three lovely dogs that adore me, I have a wonderful circle of friends, and I am surrounded with wonderful artwork and music. Most of all, I’ve received the gift I have longed for a long time: I had a baby boy recently. I think it is about choosing what you want and then working hard to get it. Having faith that it will be given to you and working hard to make it happen.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it?
I guess it’s dealing with grief over someone close to you. My mom died of cancer years ago after taking care of her for months. Going through the motions of getting things done like cleaning her stuff up, or sorting out her properties and realizing that “despite your loss, the world goes on and so should you” was a very difficult time for me. But you just have to do it. I made it through by taking things one day at a time, offering a prayer (or even crying) every time I think of her. I will always miss her but I know I’ll better.
How do you fight the negativity that comes your way?
I try to take a deep breath then put if off for a while. It helps to talk about it to a friend as it gives me a better perspective on how to deal with it. If it involves immediate action, then I address it when I am feeling better.
How do you keep your balance?
My husband is an artist. I, on the other hand am more of a ‘scientific’ type of person. Thus, talking to him or my artist friends about things gives me a different perspective and keeps me grounded. Since my husband is an artist, we always have artist friends in the house and I am constantly surrounded by ‘beauty’ in terms of song (the sound of a flute or drum) or their artworks. So it’s like a yin and yang sort of thing. When I am at work, I deal with realities on the ground. But when at home, I see different perspective of things and see beauty in it.
What is your mantra?
“Good and truth will always prevail over evil, it is the way!”
“This too, shall pass”
What is your of biggest dream?
I dream of owning and managing a local art gallery in Bukidnon featuring the work of local artists. I’ve been helping them in developing a proposal for the gallery and organizing exhibits.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find their passions?
Know what you want and choose that path. It may be difficult at first, there may be trials, but stay on track. It is ok to fail. Stand up and do it again, you may be surprised to discover other things. Do not compare yourself to others. Believe that you will get there at your own pace.
10. ANYA LIM - @joyanyalim
Anya is the co-founder and “Princess Ant” of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, a social enterprise that hopes to preserve and promote the weaving culture in the Philippines. I had the same passion for that advocacy and will never forget the trust and faith that Anya had put on me. Having been just acquainted, Anya welcomed me into her home in Cebu, trusted me to handle the team with her, and treated me like a sister. Spending lots of time together, she inspired me with ther dedication to her work, her willingness to keep investing on what is best for ANTHILL, and her passion for going for what she wants and doing what she belives in. Anya is the type of person who is naturally creative, innovative, and determined and is a fluttering social butterfly - I learned lots about building relationships and thinking outside the box from her!
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
Personally, being able to live a full life with no regrets. I strive hard to do things with intention and find purpose in everything I do and experience. Careerwise, being able to grow ANTHILL slowly and steadily. I got here by growing through what we go through - failures, challenges, internal and external pressures, limitations, etc. It wasn’t a solitary path after all. I sought help, asked questions, collaborated with the team, gained mentors who made the journey more meaningful. We invested in culture and sense of ownership and ultimately, it was a huge team effort that led us to new heights.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it?
Breaking unhealthy intergenerational patterns in the family and detaching myself from belief systems and life scripts that are not my truth. I overcame it with a lot of self work. It was a conscious and courageous choice to seek support from people and experiences that will strengthen my awareness. I invested and continue to invest in a lot of “me” time. I travelled and spoke to strangers.
What breaks your heart?
When I witness people (especially women and children) feel limited and not live their fullest potential. When people stop dreaming.
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way?
I breathe. It’s hard and takes constant practice to protect oneself from bad energy. Everyday, I make it a habit to count my blessings. I also choose to put myself apart from people and circumstances that does not add value to me or drains my energy.
How do you keep your balance?
I purposely carve time out for things that refuel my energy and give me joy - travel, solitude, quality time with friends and family. I am not good at it yet but listening to your body helps keep the balance too. Working on it.
What is your mantra?
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
For Filipinos to embody our weaving culture into their way of life and integrate more weaves into their closet. ANTHILL continuously works to innovate textile applications and make our weaves and weaving relevant to the younger generations.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
The people I work with - my team, our partner communities, our Design Collaborators, mentors, proud weave wearers, ambassadors - everyone in our “colony”. They keep the essence of our work alive and it’s really contagious.
What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it?
I’m a dreamer; my capacity to dream. I keep the child in me alive, continue to wander, imagine, and live life in play.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
Honour your timezone. Sometimes, it’s your passion that finds you. Just keep doing something new everyday until you find something that will make you feel so alive you’ll want more of it.
11. RACHEL HALILI - @rachelhalili
I had heard a lot about Rachel even before I met her - co-founder of Where To Next, designer, Instagrammer, and influencer - and she just completely blew over my expectations of her. We met during a climb at Bakun Trio and I remember having a total blast with our food group, where we named ourselves Bakun 'N Eggs. I slowly got to know Rachel better and was thrilled that on top of her bubbly and fun personality, was a very authentic, kind, and humble person. As a freelance graphic designer since graduating from college, she has inspired me by literally going for what she believes in, building and making a name for herself through hard work and dedication. Her job is so fun - she gets to do what she loves, travels for free, and meets a lot of cool people. Rachel knows her limits but is not afraid to go out of her comfort zone to follow her dreams, and I am so happy she has taken the pludge to try it out here in Sydney! She is the perfect example of the saying "keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground" (Theodore Roosevelt).
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
Co-founding Where To Next is something I’m really proud of. WTN is a community of creatives that focus on adventure and storytelling in the Philippines. As a brand, we create products, curate stories and organize workshops that aim to inspire others to travel with passion and purpose. Over the years, we have sold over 10,000 products and worked with brands such as Samsung, Fujifilm and AirAsia Philippines. We have also contributed to the advocacy of institutions such as Remote Area Medical Philippines & the Yangil Tribe reforestation through a partnership with Make a Difference Travel, Inc. It’s been a fulfilling yet tiring journey, working on this start up with no background in business. It’s a never ending struggle trying to figure out how to make this sustainable. We are still a work in progress and there’s so much room for growth. But it’s comforting to know that we have built a community that has our back. I wouldn’t be here doing this if it weren’t for my friends and family who have supported us since day one. I’m really grateful for them.
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way?
I try to see the world in the eyes of wonder. Nothing can be wonderful if you don’t shift your gaze at the tiny details of beauty. It’s all a matter of perspective. When I start focusing on the details, I get to see things I’ve never seen before. Everything is filled with purpose all of a sudden and I am reminded of how small I am. With that mindset, I tend to forget the negativity that comes my way.
How do you keep your balance?
Finding balance in life has always been a struggle for me as I am a freelance graphic designer and entrepreneur. Each day is different from the other and I almost never follow a routine or schedule. My mom would always tell me to make decisions that will give me the quality of life. It’s hard to maintain a balanced life but I think that once you know what truly matters to you and the things that make life worthwhile, it will be easier to prioritise and manage your time.
What is your mantra?
God will provide. I always find myself in situations wherein everything feels uncertain. Not having a stable job ever since I graduated from college has always felt like an adventure where anything could go wrong and I usually get really anxious. But I do my best anyway and take a deep breath knowing that at the end of the day, God will provide. And He always does!
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
To answer this question, let me share a quote by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love “So here's my weird bit of advice: If you've lost your life's true passion (or if you're struggling desperately to find passion in the first place), don't sweat it. Back off for a while. But don't go idle, either. Just try something different, something you don't care about so much. Why not try following mere curiosity, with its humble, roundabout magic? At the very least, it will keep you pleasantly distracted while life sorts itself out. At the very most, your curiosity may surprise you. Before you even realize what's happening, it may have led you safely all the way home.”
12. CYNTHIA BILLONES - @cygreensfarm
Tita Cynthia is like a second mother to me. As Cy's mom, she always makes it a point to check up on me and makes sure that I take care of myself. Just by looking at her son, I can already see the good values, care, warmth, and unconditional love that was put into raising him! Tita has inspired me by showing the support and responsibility she assumes for anyone and anything under her care, and by that I mean even plants are so fond of her! She was able to grow a thriving vegetable garden in her own backyard, proof that a mother's love can grow so far.
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
In my life, I consider raising my family to the best of my ability as my primary vocation in life. I have no regrets being a full-time wife — providing generous and loving support for my husband and selfless devotion for my son who is striving to have a purposeful life and successful career for himself. Having raised him to become a fine young man equipped with noble values is indeed my greatest achievement. My family is my lifework.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it?
The hardest thing I ever did in my life was foregoing my career in the corporate world to dedicate more time to raising our family. In retrospect, I realise that it’s just a matter of priorities. I was able to immerse myself in the things that I have always wanted to do for my personal and financial fulfilment without sacrificing quality time for my family. Being a full-time wife and mother and a part-time businesswoman on the side is everything I have always wanted to be!
What breaks your heart?
I am always disturbed by the sight of a child forced into hard work just to earn a living. I am afraid that at such a young age, they might view the world in a pessimistic way and would certainly affect their values later in life. However, when they are compelled to do so due to unfortunate life circumstances, I believe they should be guided accordingly by adults who should instill in them the value of work and the great opportunities that the world has to offer for people who honestly struggle in life. I guess that’s the mother in me talking!
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way?
I try as hard as possible to stop focusing on the negativities of life and try ignoring them. But this is easier said than done. We all have our share of life’s debacles and problems. The old cliche that viewing them as opportunities and not as problems works sometimes. But then again, there are also times when acceptance is one way of coming to terms with these problems. During these times, I just put my unwavering trust in the Lord.
What is your mantra?
My mantra in life is to do good always, practice gratitude, learn to serve and make at least 3 people happy a day even in small little way.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
I get my source of inspiration from humble people who work hard even in adverse situations and still manage to smile and be grateful for their lives. I see peace, contentment and meaning in their simple lives. Isn’t this our true purpose in life?
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
My greatest dream is to live to see my son achieve success in his career, fulfil his purpose in life, be a loving husband to his wife, a supportive father to his children and a man for others. Treating me to a wonderful dinner date wouldn’t be bad as well!
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
My advice for women is to figure out what they love the most, focus on it and never stop 'til they obtain it. But in doing so, keep in mind that fulfilling one’s passion in life would be worthless when done purely for selfish reasons. I believe that you find meaning and satisfaction in your passion only when you realise that it is done not only for yourself but for others as well.
13. KRITZIA SANTOS
Kritzia is like Mother Teresa resurrected! I had never met a person that I can honestly describe to be like a saint until I met her. Kritzia is so inspiring as you really see and hear her live out what she believes in, and does everything she can to help everyone around her. She has dedicated her life to empowering and educating underprividleged children in urban communities through her charity Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid, with the help of her master's degree as an Australia Awards Alumni. Her closeness to God is incredible and I truly see her as a good role model for being a person for others, for following her passion, and for doing everything she does with love.
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way?
To always appreciate the good, to see the good in everything. If we practice this, you will realize that even if life has its fair share of challenges, if you see the good in things, there is always something to learn, improve and get better from. So it is learning to see the negative positively, and something we can grow from.
How do you keep your balance?
To always see things from the other side of the story or the situation, “behind every person is a story” I always take time to silence, to reflect, to pray – I get my balance from God and He shows me the way many times. To always have quality time with people I love, my family, friends, mission, taking the time to relax and have self care – taking the time out weekly to just be, and do something you love to do, so you always feel rejuvenated. Eating happily also helps a lot :)
What is your mantra?
“Do small things with great love” Mother Teresa said it the best way, when we do everything with love, even the little things, mean something, and our efforts never go to waste because we know we had pure intentions in what we did.
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
It might be simple, but it's living everyday sharing God’s love, making people know that someone cares. In my mission, it is building dreams through education, empowerment, and learning from the youth. My biggest dream is that one day we won't see kids on the streets.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
Seeing Jesus through people – so each person is a source of inspiration. The children, the youth, the community themselves is my greatest source of inspiration. But I draw a lot of my strength from the example of Mother Teresa, she makes you see things, that love is very simple… and that is what we are called to do every single day, and in every encounter we have. Love in the little things, love Jesus through loving others.
What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it?
I think it is simplicity and seeing the good in everything and wanting to share this good from others. Also knowing, that everything that I have is from God. Everything starts from there :) I strengthen it by always being open to learn from others, never giving up, and always believing in hope. That there is always a brighter tomorrow to look forward to and a today that we can embrace and live fully.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
To be patient and love yourself first and foremost. We are all called to love. But that love should first start from within. How you see yourself, how you love yourself is a first step that teaches us on how to love others. And from there, you can start following your passions. The second would be to always have your WHY… or start to find your why… We all have the why’s – make that be what moves you keep on going even when things might get tough. Find something that you love to do… something that excites you… something that will get you excited to wake up for another day to work, to fight, to share, to love. Taking risks is also about learning to take risks with people and to keep on trying even when the path ahead might be too big for you.
14. ANDEL REYES - @andelwithcare
Andel is one of the funniest people in the world!! Literally everything she says is so funny, and I admire her for taking life so lightly - of course in a good way. I am constantly delighted with her kindness, generosity, and care for her friends. She wouldn’t think twice to help someone out. Because Andel is so nice and thoughtful, life is always on her side, and she is constantly showered with a lot of blessings. Despite her achievements in life - she was one of the 10 outstanding students of the Philippines in 2011, graduated cum laude at college, and is now an Australia Awards scholar at Sydney University - Andel remains humble as she does not forget who she is and always shares her successes and joys with her family, friends, and other people around her.
What is your mantra? I always believe in the saying “Bloom where you are planted.” Whether you are an artist, accountant, lawyer, doctor or even a teacher, never compare yourself to other people. You have a special place in your chosen career. You can always be the best version of yourself.
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way? First, I believe that taking a bath can remove my negativity. Whenever I take a bath and feel refreshed, I usually clear my head of myworries. Also, another thing that I do is watch funny videos like the ones produced by the Batangenyo named Dyosa Pockoh. I help myself by finding reasons to laugh through those videos.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration? I actually have two. First is my mom. She sacrificed her career to be able to focus on being a fulltime housewife. It was a very tough and selfless decision for her I think. She successfully guides us, her four children to finish our studies. My dad is the second one. He has two jobs to provide us with comfortable life.
15. HOPE TANCINCO
No other name would have been so apt for this amazing person that does nothing but bring people hope! Ms. Hope is literally the hope for a lot of individuals that have dreams of studying at Macquarie University, as the regional director for Macquarie International. When I was still deciding what school I wanted to go to, I remember Ms. Hope being such a huge factor for my choice. After speaking with her during our course counseling session, I just knew that my decision was right. Upon receiving a conditional offer from the admissions team months later, it was Ms. Hope that supported my application and assisted in ensuring I finally got accepted. These were just 2 instances out of many where I was asking God for a sign, and Ms. Hope comes along! She is such a genuine, kind, and caring woman that treats every student like her own. Ms. Hope inspires me by living true to her name, as a ray of hope for others.
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
I helped my parents send my siblings to university and watched them establish their careers professionally. Through hard work, sacrifice, and faith in God
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it?
Overcoming 7 years of domestic violence in my previous relationship. I never thought I could escape from it. How I overcame it? My mother's advice to stay strong and keep the faith, and the God-sent support network I had from my work colleagues What breaks your heart?
a) Not being around when both my parents took their last breath; and b) the poor people of our society. If only I had a magic wand to make the world a better place to live in where equality amongst men exists. How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way?
Through affirmation that 'This too shall pass; that everything will be fine in His time'
How do you keep your balance?
In every opportunity I have, I do my very best to be surrounded by family and friends, and travel as far away as possible.
What is your mantra?
Hope springs eternal.
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
To have the best and most positive influence on people, to be able to make a difference to anyone in my most humble of ways, and to be wealthy, super wealthy so I can share my blessings to those in need Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My immediate family (husband, son), sister and brothers. What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it?
Patience. How do I strengthen it? By continuously reminding me that each individual is unique.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
Carve your niche in this world, be passionate in what you do, take risks, accept failures, rise again, enjoy life and do good.
16. BONNARATH VIRAK
Nara was my very first friend here in Australia and I’m so glad to know someone as kind and humble as she is. She always talks about how embarrassed she is with her accent, how she is having a hard time in class, and how she misses her son a lot, and being able to voice those things out for me, takes a lot of courage. Nara is from Cambodia, which she says is a lot different from Australia, wherein the language and culture barrier is a challenge for her moving here. Little does she know that we are all so lucky to be in her presence! Having the same age as her, I am so impressed at how Nara has co-founded the Lady Saving Group, a social enterprise that aims to empower young women by providing access to financial resources and entrepreneurship training sessions. Also, her maturity as a mother and leader is something she should be very proud of. More than anything, it’s Nara’s innocence, humility, honesty, and passion for helping her community that constantly inspires me.
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there?
Personally, I’m most proud to be a good daughter to my family and a responsible citizen in my country, where everything and especially women’s status is still in the development process. Mom always says she is proud to have me. Since I was a child, I’ve never made my parents worry about my studies, my job or my future. In the past, my family was really poor and my mom was not sure if she could support me to go to university or not. However, I got a full scholarship for the Bachelors Degree and when I was in grade 12, got granted for an exchange program in Paris and Senegal - my first experience abroad. I came back with a small amount of saving money which was just enough to buy an old motorbike and a simple mobile phone to go to university in the city. I also worked part-time in order to support my daily expenses. Then, both studies and career have continuously developed, enabling me to support my younger brother’s studies and improve my family’s living condition (until now). This year, I made my mom’s dream come true: to have a trip abroad by airplane, and I promise to bring her to travel around the world.
What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it? What is my symbolic animal?
Being a good leader is the hardest and the most scaring job in my life. I remember, the first day of my university, a professor immediately assigned me to be a class monitor. I had no idea how he viewed me and how he came up with this decision in a rush. I was seriously worried, because I was more of an introvert who was more productive at doing things alone or independently and enjoyed spending time in a quiet place. I thought, “I was not cool enough, I was not smart enough, and I was not brave enough to be a leader”, and most importantly, I did not want to take much responsibilities and face many challenges especially as a freshman. As I expected, I was not a good class monitor. Some of my friends did not like my personality. They kept comparing me with another person who was smarter, more friendly, more helpful and so on. I felt extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed and isolated myself from the others. I was sitting by the lake side, asking myself a lot of questions. “Do I deserve this position? What am I holding it for? What would the professor think if I tell him that I quit.” Coincidentally, I saw a group of black ants. It looked like they were extremely busy. But I was attracted by one ant amongst them that was lifting something which was around 3-4 times bigger and heavier than itself. It did not move smoothly, it almost fell down sometimes, and it did, but the ant tried to carry it back and kept moving. I kept watching it hold that thing until the anthill. That moment immediately brought me to shame. I asked myself, “the ant can lift such a big thing. Why can’t I, a human, do my job as class monitor?” Unlike the ant, I was giving up halfway through. I think I could not avoid this role: I need to lead my family or a small team at workplace in the future. This experience may give me some lessons learned and unexpected chances. The ant inspired me to stand up and leave my comfort zone, and I was dedicated to continue that role with an even stronger commitment.
How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way? What is your mantra?
‘Never Give Up’ is a message I keep memorizing in my mind. Additionally, I stay open-minded and listen to all critiques and constructive feedback. Some people might misunderstand our actions or intentions, but I have always kept telling myself that as long as I do it with good intentions, it will become a positive outcome one day. In our life journey, other people have freedom to hate or critique us, but we have the obligation to love, believe, value ourselves, and appreciate everything we have done positively no matter how big or impactful it is. Learn to celebrate small things. There is no right or wrong, superior or inferior color, gender, nationality or personality trait. Everyone can be a leader no matter what kind of personality you have.
What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
My biggest dream is simply to have a happy life and I want my children to live better and happier. My team members and I were inspired by the “Quality of Life” theory saying— everyone can enjoy their long lives as long as they have good quality of health, knowledge, relationship, financial freedom and rights protection. In order to achieve this dream, I need to lead my life based on these components. By continuing to work with my community group. By initiating more and more solutions through the LSG’s program that tend to contribute to a better quality of life for the people.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
Everything and every moment in my daily life are sources of inspiration, for example the black ant that I mentioned above. I like to learn from positive experiences and the strength of people and things around me. However, my greatest source of inspiration is sharing and listening to people’s stories of change regularly because it is the main way to keep me motivated with my goal.
What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it?
I think self-motivation and positive thinking are my superpowers. I always motivate myself with every single achievement I have done and consider all the problems and challenges I have encountered as my opportunities to grow.
What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions?
Firstly, I strongly value and believe in education as the most important solution to life’s challenges, and to promote better quality of life. I do encourage all women try to pursue good education. Other than that, participating in real life experiences such as volunteering, participating in community projects, or working as a team, will help in discovering our interests and passions. Then, “dare to dream big by starting from a small thing, and try your best to do it” is my message to the younger generation. Even if we only achieve 50% of our dreams, it is 50% of a big dream, which may already be a full big dream for others. Finally, never give up. We can take a break, but should not give up easily.
17. DEBBIE HASKI - LEVENTHAL - @debbiehaski on Twitter
Debbie is our professor and director for the Master in Social Entrepreneurship program, as well as Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility. I remember when I first met Debbie, I was kind of intimidated with her prim and proper appearance. Little did I know how warm, genuine, compassionate, and interesting she is! As an advocate of animal rights and anti-slavery, Debbie has grown a small backyard farm with goats and chickens, allowing her to have legit traceable and free range eggs. As a spirited mentor, she engages her students by bringing us all together as “social leaders” to create change. To me personally, she has done more than inspire, as she has set the example for being a conscious consumer, a responsible leader, an agent of change, and having a strong connection with our WHY. It is not very often nowadays to see professsors (and professionals) caring about the environment, animals, underprivileged communities, the clothes that they wear, the things that they buy, and overall purpose over profit. No matter how busy she is as a CSR rockstar, Debbie never fails to share the beauty of her work and the wisdom she has gained with others around her. She has become a good friend and mentor all of us, wanting only the best and showering us with her enthusiasm and her hugs! Wth her hardwork and passion, I'm sure Debbie will make a huge contribution to the future of socially responsible corporations, sustainable social enterprises, and overall a better planet to live in!
What achievement are you most proud of? How did you get there? The Master of Social Entrepreneurship. Starting a full program from scratch and seeing it changing students who then go to create impact is what I am most proud of. I have an amazing group of students in whom I fully believe. I am also pretty proud of my book on CSR that is coming out these days with SAGE and I hope it will help promote responsible management. What is the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life? How did you overcome it? Of course there are many challenges in my work but I always see them as an opportunity to grow. Moving to Australia wasn't easy, but it was one of the best things I have ever done. When I am afraid to do things, I overcome them by thinking that it might set an example for other young women to lead change. What breaks your heart? So many things, but most of all - animal cruelty. When I see these beautiful creatures being treated so badly by the industry so people can have cheap meat, dairy and eggs, it honestly breaks my heart and brings me to tears. We need to practice more compassion to all living creatures. How do you fight off the negativity that comes your way? I try to surround myself with positive people. I have lost a few friends in the past because they were too negative. I practice positive thinking and emotions, fake it until you make it. Of course, I have my difficult days, but I go and hug my kids and animals and feel heaps better :-) How do you keep your balance? Balance? What's that? Kidding. With a lot of hard work. I was working too hard and being too stressed until three years ago. Moving to a rural area and having a mini farm helps. Yoga helps. Focusing on my family and on what is good in my life every single day helps. But honestly, I love what I do and my work is my passion and a very important part of my life, so it is hard to seperate sometimes. What is your mantra? - What would you if you weren't afraid? - It always seems impossible until it is done. - Be grateful for all the little things in life. You never know when you might lose what you take for granted. What is your biggest dream? What steps are you taking to achieve that dream? To help lead a purpose-driven university. I have a very strong vision of a university that uses all its resources, power and knowledge to create a strong social impact. One day it will happen. Who is your greatest source of inspiration? Many people, social leaders, social entrepreneurs. But at the moment I am really inspired by Manal al Sharif, a strong woman who dared to drive in Saudi Arabia and changed the world. What is your superpower and how do you strengthen it? Gratefulness. It brings everything into perspective. I wake up grateful that I can breathe again and fall asleep grateful that my pillow is so comfortable. I am even grateful when I turn on the tap and get clean water, which is something 900m people still don't have. Gratefulness makes me powerful. What advice would you give to women that are struggling to find or follow their passions? Do what the men would do. Don't be afraid to ask. When you do it - you are doing a huge favour to all the women around you.
18. RONNI KHAN - @ozharvest
Ronni Khan is the amazing woman behind the food rescue charity I deeply admire - Ozharvest! Ronni founded OzHarvest in 2004, driven by a passion to make a difference and stop good food going to waste; she started with one van in Sydney. After changing the law to make it safe for companies to donate surplus food, she has grown OzHarvest to be Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, opened the first rescued food supermarket and is now taking the unique food rescue model global. (Ozharvest) During the brief moment that I spoke with Ronni about my dream to do something similar in the Philippines, she assured me by saying that there is always something that can be done and that there is always a way to make goodness happen. I am trying to learn as much as I can from Ozharvest and of course Ronni, to try and help with the hunger situation in my country. She is living proof that a model for rescuing food is feasible, and that anything is possible if we just start and turn our thoughts into action!
19. VANESSA COLEMAN
Vanessa was one of our team's coaches at the MIT Innovation & Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in February 2018. To be honest, when I first heard of Vanessa, I thought she was the typical MIT Sloan MBA graduate, founder and CEO of a tech company, that was too smart and out of my league! With Vanessa's lecture, however, she was able to share the struggles that she went through when growing her company FINsix. Through her journey, she shared that although she was successful in raising capital and acquiring customers, the investors didn't really trust in her and wanted her to step down as CEO. This was due to the fact that she was a woman, and that word was going around in Boston that she wasn't confident and assertive enough. Working hard for her "baby" and growing it for eight years, it was a very tough decision for Vanessa to step down and let go. It was equally hard for her to see the company fail when she left, but she had no control over it and could only witness all her hardwork crumbling down. She has inspired me by simply choosing to let go of all her hard work when it was the time, and by having the courage to talk about that difficult time in her life for the benefit of future entrepreneurs. As a coach, I saw Vanessa's dedication in supporting students to be successful in their ventures. Although we only spent a few days together, I felt her respect and support for each one of us, and admired her for bouncing back -- carrying along her bouncing baby-to-be with her throughout the camp!
Sorry for the long post, but I hope these wonderful ladies were able to inspire you as well through their amazing words! I would like to say thank you again to these women for taking the time off their busy schedules to send over their responses, it means a lot to me! Happy International Women's Day! :)
**EDIT: please see this link for the speeches of 4 very inspiring women that spoke during our Big Friday of Social Entrepreneurship event at MGSM. They are Manal al-Sharif, Rebecca Scott, Liz Volpe, and Katerina Kimmorley :) Below is a sneak peek of how the day went. Enjoy!
This post's INSPIRATION is on: women empowerment, developing yourself, and changing the world!
Comments