They say that success is often a combination of luck and hard work. One of the luckiest things that ever happened to me was meeting Sherisa Nuesa (known to those close to her as Baby) in my late teens and having her as a role model and informal mentor. Since she was also a former college scholar, who rose through the corporate ranks (eventually bagging the ING FINEX CFO of the Year Award), her journey was a source of inspiration for me. Through our many conversations, I gained a lot of insight about what it’s like to be a female leader in a male-dominated field and how to stay grounded in one’s values while managing workplace dynamics.

When I graduated from university, Tita Baby volunteered to share my CV with some of her contacts and I got invited to an exploratory interview at two big companies. Though I ultimately chose not to pursue them, as I had already committed to a year of volunteer missionary work, her kind gesture left a lasting impact. Knowing that an accomplished leader like Tita Baby believed in and vouched for my potential, strengthened my self-confidence.

Another defining moment in my career was when I was chosen to be part of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers. Apart from international leadership training opportunities, the program connected me with broadcast journalist Karen Davila, whose mentorship was invaluable. Karen not only imparted professional and personal wisdom to me and the other Shapers, she advocated for us constantly, connecting us with other people who might be able to help us. At the time, Mano Amiga, the nonprofit school I lead, was just staying in a temporary Habitat for Humanity model home. We needed to transfer to a new location or else we would be forced to close down. Karen visited our school and featured us in one of her shows so she could help us raise funds and awareness for our cause.