For women who want to turn passion into purpose

Throughout history, women have often faced stereotypes that limited their ability to pursue passions, careers, and leadership roles. Societal expectations positioned women primarily within domestic roles, leaving little room for professional aspirations or public leadership.  

Although society has progressed significantly, certain stereotypes continue to exist. Many women continue to encounter assumptions about leadership, capability, and the roles they are expected to play. These stereotypes can quietly shape how women view their own ambitions and passions. 
 
And in many ways, women empowerment and the journey of turning passion into purpose share the same foundation. Both require courage, conviction, and the willingness to believe that your voice matters. Speaking from my own experience, being a woman has taught me to be unapologetically vocal about the things I believe in. That same confidence fuels my passion for sustainability. 

Passion has a way of finding its purpose in the most unexpected moments. Sometimes, what begins as a simple interest or curiosity slowly grows into something deeper, something that shapes the way we think, the way we work, and the impact we hope to create. My journey into sustainability was very much like that. It was not something I deliberately planned for at the beginning of my career. In fact, when I first joined P&A Grant Thornton, I was simply grateful to have reached a goal I had dreamed about as a student. Yet along the way, I found myself stepping into work that would eventually transform how I see responsibility, community, and purpose. 
 
What struck me most was how few people are willing to take on this kind of responsibility, despite how urgent and far-reaching its impact is. That thought stayed with me. If many would choose to look away, then who would step up? That question became my turning point. It inspired me to embrace sustainability not just as a job, but as something I care about and want to champion. 

For many people, sustainability simply means using tumblers, wooden utensils, or eco‑friendly bags. While these habits matter, I’ve learned that sustainability goes so much deeper than that. In my work, I’ve realised that sustainability isn’t just about caring for the environment, true sustainability includes systems that support fairness, transparency, inclusion, and good governance. In many ways, sustainability asks us to rethink how we operate as communities and institutions. It challenges us to ask whether our actions today are building a future that others can thrive in tomorrow. 
 
In my daily responsibilities, my team and I aim to help others understand that sustainability isn’t a temporary trend or aesthetic—it’s a responsibility, a mindset, and a reality we all need to embrace. Whether through our projects, internal initiatives, or everyday influence, we do our best to inspire others to see the bigger picture of what true sustainability means. 

When it comes to shaping more sustainable and responsible organisations, I believe women play a crucial role. As a woman, my perspective naturally shapes the way I approach sustainability and purpose-driven work. And because of that, I approach my work with intentional care, empathy, and compassion. I carry that awareness with me. I make sure that my drive to fulfill my purpose never overshadows kindness or respect toward the people I work with. Sustainability, after all, includes human well-being.  

One of the initiatives that made me truly appreciate the impact of sustainability work was our Sustainability Month “Move‑a‑Thon.” It was designed to promote health and fitness while balancing work, but it grew into something more meaningful—a community where colleagues motivated each other and pushed beyond what they thought they were capable of. It made me realise that when people feel supported, they can achieve so much more than they expect from themselves.  

Another project very close to my heart is our ongoing P&AGASA sa Navotas initiative. Through this program, we’re able to spark curiosity, encourage self‑expression, and support learning among children who may not always have access to these kinds of opportunities. Seeing them gain confidence and discover new interests during our activities reminds me of the real essence of purpose‑driven work. 

Our team also completed the firm’s first sustainability report. This is something our team takes great pride in because it reflects how sustainability is becoming more deeply valued across the firm. Now, we’re currently working on the second report and seeing more volunteers step up and get involved makes the work even more fulfilling. It means the message is spreading, and people are becoming more aware, more engaged, and more determined to create lasting change.  

To me, women empowerment is about encouraging people to speak up, make informed choices, challenge systems, and lift others as they rise. In the same way, transforming a passion into purpose means pushing through doubt, noise, and obstacles because you believe in something bigger than yourself. 

Both are driven by resilience. Both demand intention. And both remind us that change doesn’t happen quietly—it happens when people, especially women, refuse to stay silent. Whether it’s empowering others or advocating sustainability, the goal is the same: to build a better community, a better society, and a better tomorrow. 

When I began my journey as a sustainability advocate, I was grateful to find doors open for me to explore meaningful opportunities. I believe it’s partly because sustainability is something people are already aware of, even if they may not fully understand its depth yet. And it’s also because I’ve been fortunate to work in a firm that genuinely values women in leadership.  

As women, we can empower each other by sharing knowledge, celebrating each other’s wins, and creating safe spaces where ideas can grow. When we lift one another up, we amplify our collective ability to shape a more sustainable future. Let’s be each other’s comfort when things get difficult, and each other’s strength even on ordinary days. Let’s choose to be the safe space we all long for in a world that can sometimes feel unsafe.  

Most importantly, when I say “women,” I mean all women — including our sisters in the LGBTQIA+ community: the gays, the bisexuals, the transgender women, the queers, the she/her and they/them. Every one of them deserves recognition, celebration, and support.  

To women who want to align their passion with purpose: go for it. Take that first step, even if you’re unsure. You’ll never truly know what you’re capable of unless you try. And remember that there will always be someone cheering you on because you belong, your voice matters, and your presence already makes a difference. Keep going. Keep choosing purpose. Keep choosing yourself.  

Happy Women’s Month!

As published in The Manila Times, dated 18 March 2026