No One Left Behind: TeamAsia breaks the bias and promotes gender equality

by Madge Resurreccion / March 31, 2022

This March’s International Women’s Month celebration inspired more people to discuss important issues on inclusivity and equality, especially in the workplace. Woman-led and woman-owned organization TeamAsia has made it their mission to continuously break the bias and give everyone equal opportunities to hone their skills and step up in their career.

Since it was founded 30 years ago, TeamAsia believes everyone needs equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the organization and leaders should veer away from any form of bias, so everything remains fair among employees–treatment, benefits, pay, and career growth.

Senior Public Relations Manager Nicolle Garrido explained how TeamAsia values equal opportunities, “When it comes to handling campaigns or even pitches, everyone in the team is given equal opportunity to lead projects that not only pique their interests but also challenge their expertise. Hence, we all have more room to learn and grow.”

TeamAsia hears every voice in the company, with Account Planner Joyce Alonzo noting that the agency always encourages them to speak up and gives everyone a safe space to interact, contribute, and solve challenges as a team.

Senior Copywriter Andrei Carada added, “TeamAsia is a place where there are both loud voices and small voices, but these voices have an equal opportunity to be heard. We have a culture that tells us that it’s not about shouting above each other but leaning in and listening to discover powerful ideas and insights.”

TeamAsia President Monette Iturralde-Hamlin and Managing Director Bea Lim have always advocated for women empowerment and gender equality, and as advocates, they have led initiatives to ensure no one is left behind. Senior Human Resources Officer Beverly Aguilar can attest to this, recalling how the company joined the UN Women Empowerment Principles campaign to guide the employees in promoting gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace.

“We get paid not based on our gender but based on our expertise. We are given opportunities not because we are male or female, but because there is room for growth, and they believe in one’s capabilities to excel. As a women-led organization, equality is manifested in every corner of the agency. From workshops and learning sessions to celebrating different occasions every month through Pop Up, even the former and current team members, we’re a diverse and empowered bunch,” Associate Editor Elton Gagni said. 

A testament to this commitment is showcased through the agency’s projects. In 2020, TeamAsia launched MommaCon, a virtual conference that provided a safe space for mothers to discuss intimate and taboo issues on motherhood.

In 2021, the company joined the UN Women Empowerment Principles to continuously maintain gender equality in the workplace. It upholds the international labor and human rights standards and recognizes that business has the stake and responsibility for gender equality and women empowerment.

While there’s still a long way to go to ensure everyone gets equal opportunities wherever they may be, TeamAsia remains committed to using their platform to empower every woman and let all kinds of voices be heard.

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