Jaehwa Bernardo

Article (news)

‘Leading Ladies’ marks Women’s Month with 2nd She Shines Summit

Josh Mercado

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772424751521image0 (1).jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="The women behind Leading Ladies. Handout"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The women behind Leading Ladies. <em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>In today&#x27;s changing corporate scene, women are not just participating in the economy, but also shaping it. </p><p>However, the road of starting and developing a business is typically fraught with unforeseen constraints such as leadership demands, reinvention, strategic risk-taking, and the obligation of maintaining growth.</p><p>Leading Ladies, a community that helps women excel in business, was founded in reaction to this fact. As the group evolved, it organized the She Shines Summit, a gathering of advocates to help more women on their path to being the next success story. </p><p>The second She Shines Summit will take place on March 28 at the Gallio Events Hall in Aseana City, Paranaque.</p><p>“Leading Ladies was born from a shared vision,” said founder Cat Ilacad, who established the platform alongside co-founders Rache Stern and Rica Peralejo Bonifacio. </p><p>“We come from different industries, but we’ve all experienced the same truth; building something meaningful as a woman is powerful, but it can also feel isolating.”</p><p>Ilacad explained: “We kept asking ourselves, ‘what if there was a room where women didn’t have to compete, but could collaborate? What if ambition wasn’t intimidating, but celebrated?’ The She Shines Summit was created from that conversation. It’s the kind of space we wished existed when we were navigating our own growth journeys, as a room where women are seen, supported, mentored, and strategically empowered.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>From vision to execution</strong></div><p>“The concept of She Shines Summit is rooted in three pillars: Visibility. Voice. Value,” Ilacad explained. </p><p>“We designed the Summit to go beyond inspiration. It’s not just about motivational talks, it’s about equipping women with real strategies, real connections, and real opportunities.”</p><p>The program combines genuine behind-the-scenes chats with practical business insights, leadership debates, a live pitch platform, and storytelling by founders who have created enduring brands.</p><p>This year&#x27;s She Shines Summit showcases a carefully picked lineup of women who are actively creating and leading in their fields.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772424776700image1 (1).jpeg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>The speakers include Koleen Chua Yap, co-founder of Aegyo Cakes; Ryna Brito-Garcia, CEO of Sunlight Air; Alexa Jocom, founder and CEO of Halia; Ashley Colet, content creator and founder of Ash Luxe Nails; Cleo Loque, founder of Hiraya.Pilipina; Maika Cruz-de Jesus, founder of Experiences by Maika Cruz; Ria Perez, co-founder of Joyeria Jewelry; Kristine Tobillo, founder of The Brow Studio; and Jonah Sison-Ramos from Dear Face Beauty. </p><p>Angeline Tham, founder of Angkas, will speak on leading with clarity and conviction, and the special advantage that women bring to business leadership.</p><p>The topics will span scaling sustainably, operational leadership, product development, financial confidence, brand building, community-driven entrepreneurship, and personal branding.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Catalyst for growth</strong></div><p>The event&#x27;s defining feature is The Spark Tank, a live pitch section for rising female entrepreneurs. It allows chosen entrepreneurs to propose their businesses to industry leaders and influencers who are willing to provide public support.</p><p>Ilacad shared: “We recognize that not all start-ups can afford visibility. Not everyone can pay for a celebrity post or a content creator collaboration. Sometimes, what a founder needs most is not funding, but belief.”</p><p>Ilacad continued, “We want every woman to leave the She Shines Summit with three things. These are clarity about what she’s building and why, the confidence to take bold next steps, and connection in knowing she is not alone.” </p><p>Seats for the 2nd She Shines Summit are available via www.leadingladies.ph or Instagram @ladiesletslead.</p>

<p>In today's changing corporate scene, women are not just participating in the economy, but also shaping it. </p>

In today's changing corporate scene, women are not just participating in the economy, but also shaping it.