To cultivate an inclusive and sustainable future, Filipina entrepreneurs and professionals empowered the next generation of female leaders to break barriers in their respective disciplines in a Women Changemakers panel discussion.

This initiative, held in commemoration of Women’s Month, aimed to uplift aspiring talents towards their growth and success by fostering creativity and innovation within their specialized areas.

Organized by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Center for Intellectual Property Management (CIPM), the talk gathered industry practitioners to share insightful tips for the young hopefuls.

Business owners Doreen Odvina Malbas of Doreen Odvina Custom Shoes and Angeli Almeda of Anj Almeda Events encouraged participants to be open-minded, courageous, and resilient in facing adversities that may come their way.

To protect products and enterprises, Kangkong King Co-Owner Anne Gaw proposed a strategic emphasis on the technical aspects, such as the acquisition of legal documents that will effectively fortify the trademark and brand against potential threats.

This remark was likewise echoed by Benilde Production Design Program Chairperson and scenographer Ellawyn Cruz, who urged the audience to remain authentic to themselves to be able to deliver a unique and impactful presence in their creations.

Yangyang Mobile Co-Founder Danni Ann Taylan and Secret 6 Manila Business Relations Manager Jozette Anne Tuquib likewise underscored the importance of building a positive and harmonious working environment by sharing their love and passion for their craft with their colleagues.

To nurture a genuine societal change in the progressive scene of arts, music, and fashion, Chini Studio Creative Director Meridith Lichangco, singer-songwriter Sheena Lee Palad, and Repamana Co-Founder Allesandra Michaela Gutierrez advocated to create equal opportunities for the marginalized sectors.

In the field of international relations, Atty. Ashyanna Alexine Adia Amira-Labi Bangcola highlighted the Philippines is a frontrunner in promoting gender equality. With this in mind, she stressed the importance of personal narratives and experiences in inspiring the youth.

The speakers, who are all alumnae of Benilde, likewise motivated the audience to embrace their journeys and have an unwavering belief in their capabilities to achieve their goals and aspirations in life.

The forum was moderated by Benilde Communication and Literature Department mentor Maria Jocelyn Garcia-Jawid.