“Women Inspiring Women” brought together a diverse crowd and over 15 influential women leaders on March 7 at SM Aura’s Samsung Hall.
This event, which was open to the public, was SM Supermalls’ 5th Annual International Women’s Day Summit, gave the public a glimpse into SM’s staunch support to women empowerment.
Moderated by United Nations (UN) Women National Goodwill Ambassador Karen Davila, was moderator of the summit which covered the topics technology, work safety, business, beauty, and e-commerce. Attendees had insightful discussions with the guest speakers.
The roster of speakers included BDO brand ambassador Small Laude, who shared insights on financial literacy for women, leading sexual wellness expert Dr. Rica Cruz, who delved into the creation of the women’s app Unprude, and Forbes 30 Under 30 awardee and BackScoop newsletter founder Amanda Cua, who shared her experience navigating the tech world as a young woman.
Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, chief executive officer of Wildflour Hospitality Group, had timely advice for female entrepreneurs, while SM Group sustainability champion Jessica Bianca Sy highlighted the importance of safe working spaces for women. Jacqe Gutierrez discussed growing beauty brands BLK and Happy Skin, and author Gina Consing-McAdam explored the power of writing and publishing with purpose.
Other speakers were Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chair Ermelita Valdeavilla, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Connected Women co-founder Gina Romero, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman, Canon Europe Ambassador Chiara Negrello, Canva PH marketing and growth lead Maisie Littaua, and Canva Southeast Asia regional lead Yani Hornilla-Donato.
Cibo’s Bledes Fores-Legarda paid tribute to her late sister, the award-winning Chef Margarita Fores, while Manila Bulletin executive director Pinky Colmenares joined the event.
A photo exhibit “Silent Shift — AI to Empower Women in the Philippines Beyond Traditional Limits” by Chiara Negrello, an Italian photojournalist and Canon Europe Ambassador, was also held at the Samsung Hall lobby of SM Aura. This was a collaboration among SM Supermalls, Aboitiz Foundation, Canon, and Connected Women.
The summit underscored SM Supermalls’ dedication to promoting a gender-inclusive future. As its president Steven Tan said in his welcome remarks, “At SM Supermalls, we believe in the power of women to drive change. With 65 percent of our workforce and the majority of our leadership team being women, we support women year-round, not just in March.”
He added, “This year, SM celebrates women by uplifting artists through Sining Filipina, hosting forums with Local Government Units (LGUs), United Nations (UN) Women, and the PCW, and organizing wellness activities like the Women’s Run, with over 8,000 participants, including Filipina chief executive officers (CEOs).”
