10 Filipina finalists named at the Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia

by Elton Gagni / June 16, 2021

The Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia is known as the only movement of its kind to recognize and nurture young female talents across the region. Now in its fourth year, it recently announced 61 shortlisted finalists including 10 Filipinas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the significant reliance on women at home and in the essential services. Therefore, it is only fitting to honor and recognize these women’s leadership and nurture, develop and support female talent.

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This year’s line-up is phenomenal, with candidates from all over the region and from truly diverse sectors. From business dynamos and entrepreneurs to athletes and academics, the women shortlisted work tirelessly to empower others, forge new paths and positively impact their colleagues, communities, and the world at large.

“We are absolutely blown away by the calibre of the shortlist for The Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia 2021. The talent of our nominees is astounding, and we need to celebrate every one of these women for the role they play in shaping the countries they are from in the region,” said Pinky Lilani CBE DL, Founder, Women of the Future (WOF) Programme.

“From those making medical breakthroughs and digital innovations to women who are Olympians and fighting to end human trafficking these are the change-makers and visionaries pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

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Chair of the judging panel, and CEO and Director of DBS Group, Piyush Gupta said, “The depth and breadth of local talent showcased in this years’ shortlist is beyond heartening, particularly given the disproportionate challenges that women have experienced during the pandemic.  The shortlist clearly evidences the growing pool of young women waiting to be recognized, and who can benefit from the Women of the Future community.  It is incredibly important to provide these inspiring trailblazers with a platform to encourage the next generation of talent in Southeast Asia, to believe that they too can excel and achieve their dreams.”

Shortlisted candidates of each category will gain access to many different opportunities, including the Women of the Future (WOF) network – a global and collaborative network of women who support and inspire each other to further professional and personal success.

Among the shortlisted finalists are 10 outstanding Filipinas in various categories:

Community Spirits & Public Service: Ruby Gallernero and Maria Gloria Tomen

Entrepreneur: Abetina Valenzuela, Founder and CEO of Equilife Medical

Media & Communications: Benjienen Toledo, Digital Marketing Manager of Ohmyhome

Mentor: Ireen Catane, CEO of NTT Ltd. Philippines, Mikaela Luisa Teves, Executive Director for Spark Philippines, and Carmela Vilela-Toreja

Professions: Maria Pilar Lorenzo

Social Entrepreneur: Louise Emmanuelle d.G. Mabulo, Founder of The Cacao Project

Sports: Jen Macapagal, President and Founder of Race2Share, and Nicole Tiamzon, Founder and Director of Spike and Serve Philippines, Inc.

The winners of the Women of the Future Southeast Asia Awards 2021 will be announced on 6 October, 2021 at the awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel Singapore.

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