Karen Davila with SheSTEMS scholars, FCC mentors, and Her Legacy Team at Jobstreet BGC. Metro Manila, Philippines — April 26 - 27, 2025
With a rallying cry to "Stay the course, pursue the dream," the SheSTEMS Scholars — ten outstanding young women pursuing STEM degrees — came together for a weekend of inspiration, learning, and leadership at the FCC x Her Legacy Weekend last April 26–27 2025.
The program, organized by the Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) and the Her Legacy Foundation, marked the beginning of a months-long mentorship program pairing each scholar with a seasoned industry leader.
Held across Metro Manila, the weekend was packed with transformative sessions, headlined by some of the country’s most influential female executives and mentors. At the FCC Opening Ceremony and Fireside Chat held at Jobstreet’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, scholars engaged with distinguished FCC mentors. Here, Karen Davila, founder of Her Legacy Foundation, delivered a powerful message:
"Stay the course, pursue the dream.
Be the engineer, be the chemist, be the scientist
— that's what we need."
She encouraged the scholars to stay committed to their vision, emphasizing that their presence in STEM fields is not only necessary, but vital to the future.
CEO Dannah Majarocon with SheSTEMS scholars at Jobstreet by seek office BGC
During the Fireside chat, Dannah Majarocon, the youngest member of the Filipina CEO Circle
and CEO of JobStreet by SEEK Philippines at just 33 years old, encouraged the scholars to
invest in themselves:
"Passion gives you the opportunity to build the skills you need.
Never stop learning."
The weekend also featured a pivotal Finance and Investing 101 session, led by Rizza Crescencio, Finance & Accounting Director at Procter & Gamble which was held at UP Diliman. Scholars were introduced to essential financial principles — budgeting, saving, and investing — critical tools for building sustainable success. Joining the SheSTEMS scholars were participants from the Aboitiz Foundation, following the newly launched partnership between the Aboitiz Foundation and the Her Legacy Project to extend financial literacy, mentorship, and empowerment opportunities to even more aspiring women in STEM
SheSTEMS and Aboitiz Scholars with P&G Finance and Accounting Director Rizza Crescencio
As part of the FCC x SheSTEMS Mentorship Program (April–June 2025), each scholar was carefully matched with a leading Filipina CEO or executive mentor. Partners include leaders from Aboitiz InfraCapital, Mondelez International, Roche Philippines, SC Johnson & Son, Inc., ING Bank, Connected Women, Legato Health Technologies, The Generics Pharmacy, and CEO Advisors, Inc. Among the inspiring pairings:
● Joeimarie Carmela Bueno (BS Biology, interest: Planetary Health) — mentored by Maan Hontiveros, CEO of CEO Advisors, Inc.
● Gwyneth Precious Kiunisala (BS Food Technology, interest: Nutrition) — mentored by Aleli Arcilla, Mondelez International.
● Kryzell Carmona (BS Geology, interest: Climate Change) — mentored by Cosette Canilao, Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc.
● Kate Macabalos (BS Statistics, interest: Astrophysics and Data Mining) — mentored by Zondy Garcia, ING Bank.
● Krystal Joy Swin (BS Geodetic Engineering, interest: Remote Sensing) — mentored by Agnes Gervacio, Connected Women.
● Sophia Rhys Bañados (BS Biology, interest: Neuroscience) — mentored by Yet Abarca, Generika Group of Companies.
● Elaiza De Luna (BS Agriculture, interest: Agribusiness) — mentored by May Abarquez, The Generics Pharmacy.
● Claire Jaradal (BS Statistics, interest: Data Analysis) — mentored by Noya Terrado, Legato Health Technologies.
● Gwyneth Ross Bukuhan (BS Chemical Engineering, interest: Beauty, Health, and Wellness) — mentored by Marissa de Ungria, SC Johnson & Son, Inc.
● Raiza Junio (BS Biology, interest: Research in Patient Care) — mentored by Diana Edralin, Roche (Philippines), Inc.
These partnerships promise to provide real-world insight, personal guidance, and professional networks critical to helping these future STEM leaders thrive and shape the industries of tomorrow. Through the FCC x Her Legacy collaboration, the SheSTEMS program continues to prove that Filipinas belong in every room where innovation, leadership, and change are happening. As these young women embark on their journeys, they do so armed not just with dreams — but with skills, community, and purpose.
About the SheSTEMS Program:
Launched under the Her Legacy Foundation, the SheSTEMS Program is dedicated to empowering young Filipina women in STEM fields by providing scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development programs.
For more information, please contact:
Rosario Suplido
Program Coordinator, Her Legacy Foundation
rosario.herlegacy@gmail.com
