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HMA Laure Beaufils
Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Palau at Embassy of United KingdomLaure Beaufils took up her post as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Palau in August 2021.
From August 2019, Laure was the FCDO Director (Development) for Jordan, Iraq and Palestine. Before that, she was Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of Mission to Lagos from February 2017. She was responsible for leading the British government’s engagement with Nigeria on trade, climate, Serious Organised Crime and cultural issues in particular.
Previously she was the head of the UK Department of International Development in Rwanda and in Burundi from August 2014 to February 2017. In this capacity, she managed a $100 million portfolio of programmes focusing on economic development, governance and social sectors.
Prior to holding this position, she worked in various positions in the UK government. She was the lead strategic adviser working for the British Prime Minister in his role as co-chair of the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on the post-2015 development agenda. She ran the Department for International Development’s Department for Overseas Territories. She led teams working on climate change strategy, adaptation and forestry. She worked for the UK mission to the UN as first secretary responsible for development.
Prior to joining the UK Civil Service, she worked with the UN and civil society organisations. She also worked with the private sector as a financial auditor.
She has lived and worked in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, India, Cambodia, Jordan, France, the UK and the USA.
Monique van Daalen
Chargé d’Affaires at Embassy of the Kingdom of the NetherlandsAmbassador/Chargé d’Affaires,Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Philippines
Ambassador Afghanistan Transfer Project, Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Hague
Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, the WTO,Other International Organisations in Geneva Switzerland
Ambassador,Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Germany
Monique van Daalen holds a Master in Modern Asian History and International Law and a Bachelor
History of Art and Archaeology from the University of Amsterdam.
Ice Seguerra
Director and Media Personality
Pia Arcangel
Journalist and News Anchor at GMA Network
Atty. Regal Oliva
Treasurer at City of MandaueA staunch social activist forwarding the LGBT, women and children Rights movement in her community. She is known to be a very effective multi-tasker. She juggles her time and effort as Treasurer of Mandaue City and the Municipality of Liloan, while leading the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Eastern Visayas Region as Deputy Governor. She also sits as the Executive Vice President of the Philippine Association of Local Treasurers and Assessors, while serving as resource speakers in various events in the Philippines and abroad.
A fighter, a public servant, a fashion-icon, and a great believer of human kind, the quintessential, Regal Oliva
Michael Whyte
General Manager & VP Customer Engagement APAC at American Express PhilippinesWith nearly 30 years of experience at American Express, Mike has led
teams in Customer Service, Business Engineering, Global Business
Travel, and Customer Engagement.
Originally from Ireland, Mike held several international roles before
moving to the Philippines in January 2018 to assume the role of General
Manager for the site.
He is also currently the Vice President for the company’s Customer
Engagement Network in Greater China, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia,
and New Zealand
Suzi Abrera
Television and Events Host at GMA NetworkTelevision and events host for the past 24 years.
One of the original hosts of gma 7’s morning show Unang Hirit
Former host of popular showbiz magazine talk show Mars with Camille Prats
Married to tv host Paolo Abrera and mom to three teenage daughters
MaLu Inofre, CMHR
Chief People Officer at Aboitiz PowerAs the Chief People Officer, MaLu is at the helm of cultivating an agile and resilient workforce
that will drive the transformation of AboitizPower across its businesses in generation,
distribution, retail electricity services and potential new businesses. At AboitizPower, its
people are key in achieving its 2030 ambition of growing its generation portfolio to a 50:50
balance between its renewable energy and thermal capacities.
Under her leadership, the company continues to power the future of current and future team
members with its Talent@Core program. This program aims to attract, optimize and retain
talents, the company’s most valuable resource, in a future ready workplace towards achieving
transformative and disruptive business outcomes.
Because of her stellar track record in driving employee engagement and empowerment, MaLu
is a well-respected and well-loved leader across AboitizPower. She started her career in the
transport business of the Aboitiz Group and has since then held various leadership positions
within and outside of the AboitizPower, the group’s power company.
Before coming back to AboitizPower, MaLu was the Director for Human Resources at
Convergys handling an 18,000-strong workforce across 9,000 sites.
MaLu is among the primary allies of the LGBT+ community in AboitizPower and she firmly
believes that to be able to have an engaged and empowered workforce, one must first feel
safe, included, and valued. That is why top of her agenda at AboitizPower is to be purposive in
driving diversity, inclusion and belongingness.
For MaLu, no one gets left behind. Everyone matters at AboitizPower
Brian Hood
Head of Human Resources, Corporate Centers and Philippines & Interim Head of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for APAC at JP Morgan Chase & Co.Brian Hood is the Head of Human Resources for the Corporate Centers, Philippines and Interim head for DEI in APAC.
With over 17,000 staff in the Philippines across Manila and Cebu, the Corporate Centers provide Operations and Corporate Functions support across all the JPMC lines of business. In addition to supporting the location businesses, the HR function in the Philippines provides services to JPMorgan employees across the globe through Employee Digital & Service Excellence, Employee Relations, Learning, HR Advisory and Talent Acquisition.
In his DEI capacity Brian leads the APAC DEI team and partners with the firmwide DEI COEs to develop and implement strategies to further enhance DEI within the firm.
Prior to joining JPMC, Brian was connected with Citi, based out of Singapore. He specialized in Talent Management and Organizational Development supporting the Operations and Technology function in APAC. Prior to this position he held a regional HRBP role in Asia and Headed Campus Recruitment & Development in EMEA
Brian is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. He holds a Masters in Human Resources Management from Sheffield Business School and completed his undergraduate degree in Business at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Mela Habijan
2020 Miss Trans Global & Convenor, PridePHMiss Mela Habijan is the first-ever Miss Trans Global. Crowned in 2020, she is an active voice of the LGBTQIA+ community. A host, writer, actress, and content creator based in Manila, Philippines, Miss Mela is fond of pop culture, desires to follow the footsteps of Oprah, and dreams of having a family of her own (and hopefully, with Chris Evans as her husband).
Atty. Virginia B Viray
Gender Law and Policy Program, UP College of Law at University of the Philippines, DilimanAtty. Virginia B. Viray is a senior partner at PJS Law. She heads PJS Law’s Tax Practice Group, and she co-heads its Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions Group. She is a certified public accountant, and a certified anti-money laundering specialist (ACAMS); a professor of Taxation Law and Corporation Law at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law; and a Bar Review lecturer for the UP Law Center Bar Review Institute. Atty. Viray is also a member of the UP College of Law Gender Law and Policy Program (GLPP), and she worked with GLPP to secure IC Opinion No. 2020-02, confirming the right of LGBTQIs to designate their partners as beneficiaries of their life insurance policies. Under GLPP, Atty Viray, together with her partner Atty. Claire Luczon, has conducted several workshops since 2019 on protecting LGBTQI+ families under the current legal framework; and this experience is what she brings to the table in this session.
Wowie Wong
Facilitator and Igniter at PeopleIgniteWowie Wong was once part of the IT industry always within the realm of Sales & Marketing from Retail Distribution to Enterprise Solution Sales. He had worked with Globe Telecom, 3Com, HP and Intel. As part of Sales and Marketing, he dealt with countless presentations meant for almost all kinds of audiences both local and foreign.
He garnered multiple achievements in his 10-year career in Intel Philippines. In 2014, he was recognized as Intel’s Top Achiever Awardee, which is granted among the Top 4% of Intel’s Sales and Marketing Group, worldwide. He was also given the Rock Solid Award – South East Asia’s Highest Award among its Emerging Leaders Program. He is an official Intel Spokesperson, which comprise less than 1% of employees authorized to speak on behalf of the company, worldwide
Three years ago, he made a career change and now live two lives: One of which is underwater. He is an underwater cinematographer and executive producer under a full production company called Studio H2O. He was a co-host of Wreck Hunters along with Ernie Lopez, which was launched last April 2020 through iWant TFC and Metro Channel. Wreck Hunters is a five-part series film about breathtaking wrecks of the Philippines.
When he is above water, he facilitates programs with People Ignite. He is known as the “ICE Man”, serving as lead facilitator and trainer for People Ignite’s presentation skills program Clear as ICE. He is also a Certified Lego® Serious Play Facilitator and a Certified Celemi instructor for Apples and OrangesTM, and Decision BaseTM.
Rea Celine Villa
MAP, LPT, Rpsy, Senior Psychologist at Mind YouRea Celine Villa is the Senior Psychologist of Mind You. She is responsible for designing and creating Mental Health programs, internal processes and policies for the company and its clients. She is also responsible for managing the overall operations strategies and processes to carry out the company’s mission statement on top of managing and advising Mind You’s pool of licensed psychologists.
Clinical psychologist practice includes being the chief psychologist in Pasig City General Hospital where she handles the most sensitive cases related to trauma, abuse, anxiety, and depression under the Women and Children Protection Unit (WCPU). She is also a Board of Directors of Positibong Pasigueno where she directs mental health issues with people living with HIV.
Rea is also the co-author of the first-ever Filipino Youth Depression Scale which serves as an initial self-assessment tool that measures individual depression tendencies"
Bryan Balco
National Project Manager at International Labor OrganizationBryan M. Balco is currently the national project manager of the ILO-EU Trade for Decent Work Project in the Philippines, which aims to promote improved social dialogue, better application of international standards, especially on freedom of association and the right to collectively bargain, more effective COVID-related labour responses, in the context of the Philippines as an EU GSP+ beneficiary country.
He is a recipient of the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship program and graduated with a Master of Development Studies from The University of Melbourne, one of the top 30 universities in the world. His master’s thesis focused on the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ workers’ rights as part of the Philippines’ new and rights and sustainable development-based approach to international trade arrangements and agreements and global solidarity with Global South countries and marginalized and oppressed peoples and sectors in order to build a fairer, more just and more inclusive global economy.
Brian Barretto
Lead Volunteer at Flourish by LoveYourselfBrian Barretto is currently the SOGIE Specialist for the Ateneo Gender Hub, the gender-safe and gender-responsive arm of the Ateneo de Manila University.
He is an active volunteer for LoveYourself, Inc., helping to raise HIV awareness, treatment, and stigma-reduction. He is also the Lead Volunteer for Flourish by LoveYourself, focusing on raising awareness on mental health and well-being.
He is also a Drag Artist.
Jay Jariolne Batoon
Inner Wellness Consultant and Pastoral Counselor at Reintegration for Care & Wholeness Foundations, IncHe is a facilitator and Inner Wellness Consultant for RCWFI (Reintegration for Care & Wholeness Foundations, Inc.), a group of carers that provides self-transformation workshops, coaching, and counseling services. He holds a degree in Philosophy and has taken a Professional Diploma in Family Ministry, in the field of Pastoral Counseling at the Center for Family Ministries at the Ateneo de Manila University. He studied Applied Jungian Psychology and Archetypal Studies and is a member of The Carl Jung Circle Center. Jay has taken intensive 8-week training in Mindful Self Compassion Program developed by Kristin Neff, Ph.D., and Christopher Germer, Ph.D.,
Jay is also trained in Ear Acupuncture and currently serves as a Formator of Trinitas Integrative Healing Ministry. As a Zen practitioner, he embraces the practice as his most valuable tool for lifelong learning about life and the Self. His work and involvements vary in the fields of arts, culture, spirituality, heritage, healing, and wellness from different disciplines, and digital media.
Cristine Breva
Learning Solutions Adviser at Shell Shared ServicesBrevs has been an HR practitioner for over 10 years. She specializes on partnering with stakeholders to create and deliver various meaningful and tailor-fit HR interventions. She has vast experience in being an HR Business Partner, a Communications Adviser and now currently a Learning Solutions Advisor. Besides her day job, she is passionate about Diversity and Inclusion, specifically LGBT. She established the LGBT Network in Shell Business Operations-Manila. Outside of her work in Shell, she is also part of the Workplace Pride organization that aims to improve the lives of LGBT+ people in workplaces worldwide.
Pekxee Chloe Cabigon
Inang Reyna at PUP KasarianlanShe is a 22-year-old finance major who balances her time between advocating gender equality and consuming pop culture. She has always been a top achiever in her class and an active participant in extra-curricular activities since grade school. Through the various fields that she joined, she discovered her love for analyzing Mathematical problems, leading large groups of people, and organizing documents and events. She currently serves as PUP Kasarianlan's Reyna Externa due to her creativity, communication skills, strong personality, and dedication to forward the community's advocacies.
Jeff Cagandahan
Co-Founder of Intersex PhilippinesJeff Cagandahan is the first Filipino intersex who was allowed by the Supreme Court of the Philippines to change name and sex marker. He co-founded Intersex Philippines, the only intersex-led organization in the Philippines with the vision of creating a safe space for intersex people. Currently, he is also the co-chair of Intersex Asia, an autonomous regional network of intersex-led organizations and individuals from Asian countries
Ed Carias
Senior Consultant DE&I APAC at Northern TrustEd is a registered nurse by profession, a talent management professional, and a DE&I
practitioner who has 16 years collective experience in individual, team and organizational
transformation.
In 2018, Ed joined Northern Trust as Senior Learning and Development Consultant
facilitating soft skills, behavioral, and management & leadership programs while
collaborating with HR and business leaders across Asia Pacific to identify and meet specific
learning requirements. As part of his role, he created a global program to develop diverse
talents and build a pool of “ready-now” leaders. He also developed a manager effectiveness
curriculum for the region incorporating unconscious bias, psychological safety, and inclusive
leadership.
In 2020, Ed chaired NT Pride Manila, an employee resource group (ERG) that aims at
advancing the LGBTQI+ inclusion agenda of the firm. In that same year, he began
facilitating SOGIE 101 for its employees. His extensive work in LGBTQI+ inclusion together
with the other members of NT Pride Manila earned a Chairman’s Award for Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion—the highest global recognition at Northern Trust.
Driven by passion and a desire to make meaningful impact, Ed explored a career in
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) within the firm. He moved to a Senior DE&I Consultant
role in 2021, where he is responsible for the ongoing development and implementation of
the DE&I strategy in the APAC region (excluding India).
Ed earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Mindanao State University,
Philippines. He also holds a Diploma in Training Development and Management at De La
Salle- College of Saint Benilde and completed the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the
Workplace program at University of South Florida- Muma College of Business.
Siegfried Andre A. Castillo
Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at JP Morgan Chase & Co.Andre Castillo is currently the Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) for JPMorgan Chase & Co, Philippines. In this newly created role, Andre works closely with senior business leaders and other key stakeholders to drive the DE&I agenda across the Manila and Cebu hubs.
He was previously with Northern Trust as Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Senior Consultant for the Asia Pacific region where he led the design and implementation of the region’s DE&I strategy. In this capacity, he was responsible for supporting the business to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and inclusive workforce with a strong focus on gender, persons with disabilities, and LGBT+. As a certified Mental Health First Aider, he also led the region’s mental health agenda aimed at building mental health literacy among employees to create a psychologically safe environment at work.
Before joining Northern Trust, Andre was the Philippines Diversity and Inclusion Leader for a leading global IT and professional services company supporting a workforce of more than 50,000 employees. Prior to this he held a variety of roles within Human Resources including HR reporting and analytics, global mobility, HR transformation, recruitment and talent strategy.
Andre graduated as a proud scholar from De La Salle University – Manila with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. During those years, he was an elected student body leader sparking his interest in addressing social issues and driving meaningful change. He enjoys travelling and values holistic wellbeing and fitness.
Djoanna Cortina
Lead Researcher/Gender Consultant, UP Center for Gender and Women Studies at University of the Philippines, DilimanJoie Cortina (she/her/siya) is a gender consultant with the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies. Her research interests are in gender, sexuality, and development; and alternative feminist approaches to ending gender-based violence. She is formerly a gender specialist with an international humanitarian organization. She is co-author of the Gender Profile for the European Union in the Philippines, an instructive document that guides the EU’s investments in Gender until the year 2026. She is completing her graduate degree in Women and Development Studies at the UP College of Social Work and Community Development.
Ma. Cristina ‘Ging’ Cristobal
Project Coordinator for Asia & the Pacific at Outright Action InternationalAs project coordinator for Asia and the Pacific, present projects in the Philippines include working on implementing the protocol to address domestic violence and family violence experienced by LGBTIQ persons in Quezon City, Muntinlupa City, and other cities nationwide, engagement with the police and law enforcement agencies particularly on the review and amendments to the operational processes
and management of police precinct, and inclusion of SOGIE into the curriculum of the Philippine National Police Academy, and working for the enactment of the SOGIE and the comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the Philippines.
Anna Cubacub
Punong Babaylan , UP Babaylan at University of Philippines, DilimanAnna Cubacub is a human rights advocate and a third year BA Political Science student at UP Diliman. She is the current Punong Babaylan of UP Babaylan—the longest-running LGBTQI student organization in Asia.
Anna has been actively raising awareness regarding the issues and struggles of the LGBTQI community by giving Gender Sensitivity Trainings, lobbying for guidelines and policies that protect people of diverse SOGIESC at the university and national level, and participating in speaking engagements and interviews organized by media outlets, companies, and other organizations.
She has led projects and campaigns that promote LGBTQI rights through organizing community events for the queer community within and outside of the university. She co-headed last year’s UP Pride 2021 in its historic first as the first-ever systemwide Pride event of the University of the Philippines System. She also co-headed Here for Queers, the International Day Against Transphobia, Homophobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) 2020 event of UP Babaylan, and Icons for Icons, its corresponding fundraiser.
She is also one of the founding members and the current Creatives head of TASHA Movement, an anti-sexual harassment organization led by alumnae of St. Theresa’s College QC.
Roy Dahildahil
Co- Founder of Mental Health PHRoy Dahildahil is a One Young World (OYW) 2021 Ambassador. He completed his master’s degree in science in Health Informatics and his bachelor’s degree in Public Health in the University of the Philippines. He started his public health career as a researcher with interest on neglected tropical diseases and digital technologies. In 2016, he co-founded #MentalHealthPH, a non-government organization that aims at promoting and protecting mental health in the Philippines through social media and digital technology.
He is a theatre enthusiast and believes in the power of storytelling in making changes in the community.
Andy David
Associate – Regional Data Analyst DE&I at JP Morgan Chase & Co.Andy has an intensive early career experience in Human Resources as an Innovation Leader (Management Trainee) for a Fortune Global 500 Company. As an HR Innovation Leader, they had lead projects across multiple HR functions particularly in Service Delivery, Talent Supply Chain, Shared Services, Talent Strategy, and Total Rewards.
With their passion for data analytics and advocacy for equal rights, Andy is currently a Regional Data Analyst for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Prior joining the workforce, they have juggled being a student and an active volunteer in AIESEC which is a Global NGO. In almost 4 years with AIESEC, they had created and lead programs that are aligned to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia
Executive Director of Commission on Human RightsAtty. De Guia is a graduate of the University of the Philippines - Baguio having obtained a degree in Bachelor of Social Sciences, Double Major in Psychology and Political Science, and finished her law studies at the University of the Cordilleras. She served as Regional Director in Southern Tagalog and MIMAROPA while a college and law professor. She became the Commission on Human Rights Executive Director, she likewise served as its Spokesperson. Concurrently, she is the head of the Strategic Communications Division and the Citizens’ Help and Action Division. Of late she is the CHRP’s caretaker pending the appointment of a new Chairperson and Commissioners.
Peter De Guzman
Senior Vice President and Operations Director for the India and Philippines of Wells Fargo PhilippinesPeter de Guzman is Senior Vice President and Operations Director for the India and Philippines teams supporting Enterprise Customer Excellence. In this role, he leads the Enterprise Complaints Management Office and the Customer Remediation Center of Excellence teams across India and the Philippines.
Peter has more than 20 years’ experience in leading customer service, sales, and escalations teams. He joined Wells Fargo Philippines in 2013 where he set up the CSBB Contact Center Consumer Service team. In 2017, his responsibilities expanded to cover Global Remittance Services, Social Care and the erstwhile Online Customer Service Team. In late 2020, Peter accepted his current role of leading the ongoing expansion of the Enterprise Customer Excellence teams.
Peter joined Wells Fargo from a Los Angeles-based financial services startup where he was the Philippine Country Leader and concurrent Head of Customer Service and Sales from 2010 to 2013. Prior to that, Peter started his career on the phones in 2001 at one of the pioneer 3rd party business process outsourcers in the Philippines. At that organization, Peter rose through the ranks to eventually handle several key client relationships worth a significant percentage of total company revenue.
Peter is a graduate of De La Salle University and earned his Executive MBA from the Asian Institute of Management, both in Manila.
Maxine Deluna
Service Delivery Manager at Cognizant Technology Solutions Inc.-Eat Bulaga's Super Sireyna Semi Finalists in 2013 and awarded as Miss Telegenic
-Miss Gay Pinyasan Festival Queen 2018
-Miss Gay Bicolandia 2018
-currently working as Service Delivery Manager in Cognizant Philippines
-Six Sigma Greenbelt Certified
-a member of ALTA (Alyansa ng Lipunang Tanggap Ako)
-a transgender advocate
Attached herewith is my photo.
Pam Donato
HR VP for Philippines & China and DEI Executive Sponsor at SitelPam is the Vice President of Human Resources for Sitel Philippines and China
She has over 30 years of progressive work experience in the areas of Organizational Development and Human Resources, Pam has been in the BPO space for over 10 years, both in the captive and third-party environments. Prior to the BPO, she was with various industries such as BFSI, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing.
She is an offer of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) HR Council from 2019 to the Present and is the Committee Lead for industry Leaders Development.
Pam is a proud Mom and PTA President of the Senior High School
Janlee Dungca
Managing Directress at Castro CommunicationsJanlee Dungca is the Managing Directress of Castro Communications, a gender-progressive, LGBTQIA+ owned and led Public Relations firm that handles local and international lifestyle brands. As a proud transgender woman, she is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and HIV-AIDS awareness, volunteering as an HIV counselor and the PR Lead of LoveYourself Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the said advocacies.
Weena Ekid
Chair and Board of Trustee at PFIPWeena is a Vice President for Corporate & Investment Bank at JPMorgan Chase & Co. – Philippines Corporate Center, with 17 yrs of experience in the Business Process Outsource Industry.
Also, a Co-Chair of the global Gender Expansive Council, a community of practice under the Office of the LGBT+ Affairs at JPMC.
Named to the OUTStanding 2020 & 2021 Top 100 LGBT+ Future Leaders Role Model by INVolve supported by Yahoo Finance, An Out & Proud Transgender Man with Primary Advocacy is LGBT+ Workplace inclusion, a speaker on various DE&I and LGBT+ engagements.
Currently serving as Chair of The Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) is a collaborative, voluntary and non-profit community of practice composed of dedicated representatives from LGBT+ employee resource groups and/or human resource/diversity teams of private firms in the Philippines. One of the leading voices and champions of LGBT+ workplace inclusion, providing safe spaces and inclusive opportunities for LGBT+ professionals among private organizations in the Philippines.
Currently resides in Taguig City, Philippines with his wife & 2 furkids.
Louise Esporlas
Vice Chairperson at Queer Safe SpacesLouise is the Vice Chairperson of Queer Safe Spaces, a youth-led non-profit organization committed to educating, empowering, and supporting the Filipino LGBTQIA+. She is also the co-lead of the Organization’s EMPOWER Program, aimed at helping queer micro-entrepreneurs.
She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University. She is currently taking Master of Technology Management at UP Diliman’s Technology Management Center.
Louise works at a government agency, where she was a member of the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System’s Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Subcommittee. She spearheaded various seminars and lectures for employees and underwent training sessions conducted by trainers accredited by the Philippine Commission on Women during her time as a subcommittee member.
Chris Eugenio
Board of Trustees at Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry PrideChristopher "Chris" Eugenio is a proven operations strategist with more than 20 years of experience and a solid track record of success in building and managing leadership and functional teams for multinational organizations. He is also a volunteer coach and mentor, motivational speaker and Google-certified "I am Remarkable" facilitator.
Chris has spent 15 years at Baker McKenzie Global Services, where he managed site operations (administration, BCP, CSR, D&I) while overseeing global service delivery lines (including document support center, business development and marketing, meetings and events, new business intake) in Manila, Tampa, Belfast and Buenos Aires. Presently, Chris manages BHP Global Business Services' culture portfolio which includes internal communications, employee engagement, organizational change management and capability development.
Chris has taken active roles in leading business and industry associations: as former board member and advisor at the Global In-House Center Council of the Philippines, former member of the Talent Advisory Council of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines and, currently, as trustee at the Philippine Financial & Inter-Industry Pride and one of the lead convenors of Pride PH.
Ian Fegalan
Co-Lead Leadership Pillar at PFIPIan is a Training Delivery and Learning and Development Professional for almost ten years. His passion for education and awareness has been instrumental in his contribution to the causes and advocacies of the LGBT community. He leads the curriculum development and learning experience design for his company’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts in their Manila office. He’s one of the founding members of his company’s LGBT resource group where he leads the Talent and Development pillar. He envisions this pillar to raise awareness, understanding and foster strong relationships among allies and promote inclusion in the workplace.
He is currently part of the leadership team of the Philippine Financial and Inter-industry pride where he co-leads the Leadership Pillar.
He is also currently taking his Master of Distance Education degree at the UP Open University. With his learnings from the courses he takes, he always explores how it can be adapted to his line of work and advocacies.
In his spare time, he loves reading books about Police and Detective Mysteries. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe.
Maria Stella Flores
Partnerships, Advocacy, Policy and Communications Manager at Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc.11 years in service in Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
Started as a Senior Project Officer for Field Operations in Movement Against Malaria Program, a Global Fund Project from 2011 to 2015.
Led the PSFI’s Philippine Business Sector Response in HIV and AIDS Program (PBSR) from 2015 to 2020 by engaging the private sector in crafting their HIV in the Workplace Program and HIV in the Workplace Policy. The PBSR Program of PSFI garnered Anvil and Quill Awards for bringing HIV information, testing and other HIV services to the workplace, schools and communities and forging solid relationship with the LGUs and business and private sector.
Currently a Partnerships, Advocacy, Policy and Communications Manager for the Philippines Response in Optimizing Testing, Empowering Communities, Treatment and Sustainability (PROTECTS) a PSFI Project funded by Global Fund. Through these programs, PSFI commits in ensuring that HIV services will be accessed by our key populations.
DG
Dr. Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan
Founder and Executive Director of Love Yourself
Elizabeth "Ging" Hoyumpa
Director, Global Servicing Learning Network of American Express PhilippinesGing is currently a Director for the Global Servicing Learning Network of American Express. Prior to her current role, she was the Strategy and Business Planning Manager where she led successful operations and business-related projects and colleague engagement programs for the market.
She instituted a Pride+ Manila chapter in American Express in 2021, which she continuous to lead up to today. In her first two years with the Pride+ Manila chapter in Manila, she was able to use Company survey data to baseline the LGBT+ experiences, identify focus areas, and implement strategies to improve the LGBT+ employees’ experiences. She also organized learning sessions for the country executives and people leaders on Unconscious Bias, Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Express, and Allyship. With the rest of Pride+ Manila members, she extended the company’s LGBT+ activities to neighboring markets in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia and assisted in creating allyship networks and a safe space in these markets.
In 2021, she was then invited to American Express’ Global Pride Committee. She was also recognized as an OUTstanding Role Model for 2021 in Yahoo! Finance’s LGBT+ Future Leaders Role Model List.
Candice Iyog
Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience at Cebu PacificCandice A. Iyog has been leading the marketing and distribution team of the Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE: CEB), since 2008. In order to ensure the airline continues to evolve and operate as a customer-first organization, Candice shifted her focus and transitioned to vice-president for marketing and customer experience in August 2019.
She has been instrumental in Cebu Pacific’s digital evolution, from being the first airline in the Philippines to introduce e-ticketing in 2003 (when she served as marketing director), to establishing Cebu Pacific’s social media platforms back in 2009, to introducing online self-service channels to cater to over 20 million passengers yearly.
Candice was also the driving force in consolidating all customer care touchpoints within one team. In 2017, Cebu Pacific launched the first-ever 24/7 customer command center, by a low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia.
Aside from marketing and customer care, her team includes corporate communications, digital customer experience, analytics, and ancillary revenues.
She continues to drive digital transformation initiatives within the airline, as it serves as the pioneering business unit within the JG Summit conglomerate, one of the largest in the country.
Prior to joining the airline, she served as the General Manager of Jobstreet.com Philippines, Inc. from 1999 until 2003. Her leadership brought the company to a No. 1 position in the Online Recruitment Solutions Industry.
In 1997, she was the Marketing Manager for Nabisco Philippines, Inc. She spearheaded the company’s research for Philippine Biscuit Market Segmentation and successfully launched regionally sourced Nabisco Global brands, significantly growing segment value shares and profits.
Her experience also encompasses Brand Management, as she was appointed Brand Manager for various food products of Universal Robina Corporation (URC) from 1994 to 1997. URC is the Philippines’ leading branded convenience food and beverage company, and one of the companies under the JG Summit conglomerate.
A Mansmith and Fielders Young Market Masters Awardee, she graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University (1994) with a degree in Business Management.
Ico Rodulfo Johnson
Ico Rodulfo Johnson is the President and CEO of Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, Inc., one of the leading HIV organizations in the Philippines. He was a member of the Philippine National AIDS Council and has partnered with government, civil society organizations and the private sector to address the HIV epidemic in the country. He developed the Duyan Program, the only organized program in the country that addresses the needs of children with HIV and their affected families. He also developed the Comprehensive Corporate HIV Program to ensure corporate organizations have sustainable programs to break HIV stigma and discrimination and help save lives.
A graduate of B.S. Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy from the University of the Philippines, Manila, he was able to craft innovative HIV programs for awareness, prevention, testing, treatment, care and support to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.
John Ismael Medina, MA, RPm, LPT, RPsy, CSAP
Faculty at University of Santo TomasMr. Medina is a registered psychometrician and psychologist, and a licensed professional teacher. He is a graduate of Master of Arts major in Clinical Psychology from the University of Santo Tomas (cum laude) and was given a grade of benemeritus for his master’s thesis entitled, PAGPAPAYABONG PROGRAM: Its Development and Effects on the Psychological Resilience, Well-being and Personal Coping of Selected Filipino Youth. He had conducted several seminars and workshops on Mental Health, Psychological First Aid, and Well-being.
He is affiliated with the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), a junior volunteer and co-case manager at the UST GS Psychotrauma Clinic. He works as a consultant psychologist at the Argao Center for Psychological Services, and Perpetual Help Medical Center. He is also the Communications officer of the Religions for Peace Philippines Youth Committee and the Deputy Secretary General of the Asia and the Pacific Interfaith Youth Network.
Currently, Mr. Medina is a faculty member at the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas where he is also taking his Doctor of Philosophy major in Clinical Psychology degree. Just recently, Mr. Medina was granted the title, Certified Specialist in Assessment Psychology (CSAP) by the PAP.
Vincent Lazarus Mendoza
Co-lead, Programming Pillar at PFIPVincent Lazarus N. Mendoza (he/him/his)
• Co-lead, Programming Pillar of the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) Leadership Team
• Tax Senior Manager at Ernst & Young Global Delivery Services (EY GDS)
• Officer of Unity Network Philippines, EY’s LGBT+ and Allies Employee Resource Group (ERG)
• American International Group Shared Services (AIGSS) from 2013 to 2020; President of Bahagari, AIGSS’ LGBT+ and Allies ERG
• Procter and Gamble from 2009 to 2013
• Deutsche Knowledge Services from 2007 to 2009
• KPMG Philippines from 2005 to 2007
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who graduated with a degree of BS Accountancy from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Philippines
Ivic Mueco
Managing Director of Managing Director, Optum Global SolutionsIvic is responsible for overseeing Optum Global Solutions in the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Colombia from a strategy, execution/delivery, governance, and oversight perspective. She provides leadership in these Optum locations by fostering a high-performance and agile work environment.
Ivic brings a proven track record and comprehensive experience leading business process outsourcing operations to her role. Prior to joining Optum Global Solutions, she was President of Convergys for the Asia-Pacific region and was responsible for management of 40 operating sites with 67,000 team members across the Philippines, India, Malaysia and China.
Ivic was named one of the 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the World (Builders Category) in 2014 and is a founding member of the Philippines Business Coalition for Women Empowerment. She is a visionary and seasoned executive of the Philippines’ IT – BPM Industry.
SM
Sandeep Mulajkar
Executive Vice President & Country Head at Wells Fargo Philippines
Bernadette Neri
Professor, Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, CAL at University of the PhilippinesGuro si Bernadette “Det” Villanueva Neri sa Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas
Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman. Kumakatha siya ng mga maikling kuwentong pambata, mga
sanaysay, dula, at maikling kuwentong lesbiyana na binansagan niyang “naratibô” o naratibo ng
mga tibô. Anim na beses na siyang nagwagi sa Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for
Literature, naging finalist sa Madrigal Gonzales First Book Award at National Children’s Book
Awards. Ginawaran din ng Metro Manila Commission ng Professorial Chair Award ang kaniyang
pag-aaral hinggil sa lokal na kasaysayan ng bayan ng Gabaldon, at isa rin siya sa mga nagtamo
ng UP Artist Award.
Si Det ang awtor ng Ang Ikaklit sa Aming Hardin, aklat-pambatang may ilustrasyon na
tumatalakay sa karanasan ng isang batang may dalawang nanay, at Ang Misteryo ng Patongpatong na Damit ni Hulyan, aklat-pambata na tungkol naman sa onlayn na seksuwal na
eksploytasyon sa mga bata dito sa Pilipinas.
Maaari siyang ugnayan sa kaniyang Instagram na @detner
Martin John Oliva
Podcaster at 2 Broke GaysMartin and Japhet are the hosts of the hilarious podcast called “2 Broke Gays”, wherein they discuss anything under the sun -- from pop culture, sex, politics and up to the different LGBTQ+ struggles that they experience growing up and in their present daily lives -- no structure, no cuts, simply raw conversations.
Martin, also known as “Gaytective” on YouTube, is a beauty vlogger who narrates terrifying details of Philippine true crime stories while applying make-up. Meanwhile, Japhet is the creator of “Quickie PH”, a podcast filled with queer erotic stories, and is under Podcast Network Asia.
Together, they dream of becoming the best versions of themselves while advocating safe queer spaces online.
Kakay Pamaran
Instructor of New Testament Studies at Union Theological SeminaryBb. Kakay Pamaran serves as the Executive Assistant to the President and the Director for Communications at Union. She teaches courses in New Testament Studies and Educational Psychology and is Convenor of the Seminary’s Center for Gender and Sexuality.
She serves as Lecturer and Resource Speaker for the National Council of Churches in the Philippines in its Summer Internship Program, its HIV AIDS Education Program, and its Gender Justice Seminars. She also serves as Resource Person for various programs of the Council for World Mission (CWM), the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC). She is part of the Curriculum Writing Team of the CWM’s Theological Education for an Economy of Life (TEEL) offering.
She has a BS Psychology degree from Silliman University, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Theology in New Testament Criticism and Historical Jesus Research from Union Theological Seminary, Philippines.
Kakay was a former Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church Quezon City and is a member and former co-Chair of the Board of the South Africa-based organization, GIN-SSOGIE (Global Interfaith Network for people of all Sexualities, Sexual Orientations, Gender Identity and Expressions).
Nika Peji
Side B PhilippinesNika is a teacher and freelance writer.
She is currently a member of Side B Philippines and has been actively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and bisexual visibility for many years online. She also has experience with speaking about SOGIE and HIV/AIDS Awareness in local barangays and communities.
Jess Porras
Escalations Manager at Wells FargoJess Porras (Escalations Manager)has over 17 years of Business Process Outsourcing(BPO) and Global In-house Center(GIC) experience inclusive of 13 years leadership role in financial customer service, complaint management, quality assurance, quality control programs and data privacy management. An advocate of LGBTQ+ Community promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. A certified facilitator of SOGIE - SC 101. Certification received from the Philippine Financial Inter-industry of Pride (PFIP). Current President of Pride Connection - ERN of Wells Fargo.
Rosario Angeli Quijano-Fabic
DE&I Lead for APAC at Factset
Hiroki Revereza
Senior Manager, Organization Development at SitelHe has extensive experience in Organization Development and Strategic Business partnerships with well-known organizations. Before Sitel, he was a Country Lead HR Business Partner responsible for leading important executive conversations driving business growth. He was an Organization Development Lead from Accenture responsible for the delivery of strategic people programs. He also performed strategic business partnerships focusing on innovation in organizations such as LBC, Aboitiz, and Century Pacific Group.
Hiroki is also passionate with sustainability initiatives, diversity, equality and inclusion, persons with disabilities, and corporate social responsibility.
Hiroki graduated from the University of the Philippines with a bachelor’s degree in Philippine Studies, major in Film and Audio-Visual Communication, major in Creative Writing.
Jeiz Robles
Marketplace Diversity Leader at IBMRanked #16 by Involve's Global LGBT+ Future Leaders for 2020, Jeiz is an Asian, cisgender, bisexual, neurodivergent woman who champions societal inclusion. She does this by actively influencing LGBT+ inclusion strategies, policies and programs through work with Employee Resource Groups, Business Leaders and Civil Society Organizations. As Marketplace Diversity Leader, she leverages on IBM's experience on global diversity & talent management to build and strengthen customer relationships and identify new business opportunities for IBM within the Asia. Outside her role in IBM, she is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Philippine Financial & Inter-industry Pride and is the Cofounder and Lead Convenor for The National Inclusion Council of the Philippines.
Dennis Roda
Learning and Development Program Manager at JP Morgan Chase & Co.Dennis is an experienced learning and development professional with more than 20 years' worth of experience in the management, delivery, and evaluation of learning programs both in the academe and in corporate environments.
He started his career as a high school and college teacher for six years in 1999, and he made the jump to the Business Process Outsourcing industry in 2004. He has been delivering and managing training programs in multiple industry verticals, and is currently a learning and development program manager for JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Dennis is a passionate advocate of LGBT+ Workplace inclusion, and currently the co-chair of the Philippine chapter of his firm’s LGBT+ business resource group. He is also an active member of the SOGIE faculty of the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) – the leading voice for LGBT+ workplace inclusion in the country
Rev. Cristopher Joseph San Jose
Ordained and Licensed Clergy at Open Table MCC - Metropolitan Community ChurchReverend Joseph San Jose is an ordained and licensed clergy of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), the first Christian Church founded for and by LGBTQI+ people in 1968, a year before Stonewall. He is the pastor of the local church, Open Table MCC located in Mandaluyong City. He finished his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary - Summa Cum Laude. He also holds a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Santo Thomas. Before entering seminary and becoming a Pastor he worked for Thomson Reuters and ETrade Financial. He is currently living in San Pedro, Laguna with his partner of almost 8 years, Lawrence.
Fire Sia
Co-Founder of Side B PhilippinesFire is an experienced trainer, facilitator, debater, and public speaker.
He has experience across various hosting platforms both face to face and online.
Currently, he is known in the DEI and LGBT+ Advocacy Sphere where he:
• Advocates for LGBT+ rights, and DEI in corporate spaces
• Educates as a resource person on DEI, SOGIESC, and LGBT+ issues through talks, webinars, presentations, panel discussions, and training sessions
Jun Mark Sison
Vice President Consumer Lending India & Philippines at Wells Fargo PhilippinesMark Sison leads several areas in Consumer Lending in WF Philippines, which includesWells Fargo Auto, Personal Loans & Retails Services (PLRS) and Deposit and Credit Bureau Management Office (DCBMO)
Mark is an Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). A graduate of bachelors degree in Commerce major in Legal Management, has a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) and has earned units with his Doctorate degree in Educational Administration all from Far Eastern University in the Philippines. Spanning 18 years of financial and customer support background and experience heavily involved in Operations, Migrations and Training (Collections and Leadership Development).
Prior to Wells Fargo, Mark was with JP Morgan Chase and Co. for almost 8 years as an Assistant Vice President supporting different businesses/processes within servicing in Mortgage Banking. In this role, he manages the day-to-day operations activities and meeting SLA targets of the different processes he is supporting. Before moving to mortage banking, he served as one of the functional leads for the Customers Support Division (CSD), which is the collections deparment for Chase Cards Services. In 2014, he was instrumental in putting a team together composed of tehcnology and operations leader that formed the Ops-Tech Collaboration iniative, which led him and the team bagging the Asia Pacific CEO Award in 2014 for Partnership.
During his time at HSBC Electronic Data Processing (Philippines), Inc., he served in several leadership and intiative roles that supported department and company wide projects such as site leadership training and site attrition improvement projects to name a few. As an operations manager, he had an opportunity to build the credit card collections onboarding training agenda for the Philippines. He was also instrumental in putting together an SME and Leadership career path program for the department.
Mark enjoys watching movies and an avid fan of Back to the Future, Star Wars and Superman. He is married to a Pastry Chef (Faye) and is a father to Kylie (daugther).
Mitch Sotelo
Director Of Business Operations of CBRE, Advocacy Pillar Lead, PFIPAs a Head of CBRE Business Support Services, she is responsible for the Leadership and Management of CBRE’s Global Shared service Center. She is a disruptor, experienced innovator and a leader on operational and digital transformation.
She’s an out and proud lesbian. The Sponsor of the DE&I council of CBRE Business Support Services driving inclusion across the business in collaboration with different EBRGS, she is also the Advocacy Pillar lead of Philippine Financial Inter Industry Pride, a proud L-youth mentor and an advocate of Women in Technology. She closely works with CBRE Regional DE&I council on an Abilities Project – creating more opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
She is a passionate advocate for an inclusive culture where everyone can feel authentic at work, as both diverse perspectives and inclusiveness are critical for driving innovation.
She brings over 19 years of experience on Operational Excellence, digital transformation, business value solutions & technology.
Lenny Stuart
Agile Coach at ANZ Global Services and Operations (MNL) IncLenny Stuart (he/him/his) is one of the co-leads of the PFIP Leadership Pillar. He is a Human Resources professional with experience in Transformation, Learning & Development, and Communications. He is currently an Agile Coach supporting the Ways of Working journey of ANZ.
Earl Tan
Co-Lead for the Standards Pillar at PFIPHe/Him/His
Earl is an HR professional with 18 years’ worth of experience in the areas of talent acquisition, data modeling and analytics, process automation, culture & engagement, and diversity, equity & inclusion.
He is currently the PRIDE Manila Chapter Lead at Chevron Holdings Inc., championing LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace community.
He is part of the Leadership Team at the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) as Co-Lead of the Standards Pillar which enables member firms to progress their LGBT+ workplace inclusion journeys through research, development, and sharing of best-in-class workplace inclusion benchmarks, operational standards, and industry practices.
He currently volunteers in Love Yourself’s Flourish program which focuses on mental health wellness.
JT
John Laurence Teologo
Research, Information, and Communications Officer at Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Excelsa Tongson
Deputy Director for Training, Outreach, and Extension , UP Center for Women's and Gender Studies of University of the Philippines- New Generation of LGBT+ professionals in the Philippine Workforce
- LGBT+ Ecosystem : A Call To Action
Dr. Excelsa C. Tongson is a faculty member of the Department of Family Life and Child Development at the College of Home Economics, University of the Philippines in Dilliman. She was College Secretary of CHE and Project Development Associate of the Office of the University Registrar. She is currently the Deputy Director for Training, Outreach, and Extension Program Unit of the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, the President of Women and Gender Studies of the Philippines (WSAP), and Chairperson of the Philippine Social Science Council
She has engaged widely with children, women, and LGBT groups in rural and urban areas for over 20 years. Dr. Tongson holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the Philippine Normal University (Cum Laude), a master's degree in Family Life and Child Development, and a doctoral degree in Social Development from the University of the Philippines. Her research interests include Gender Responsive Early Childhood Care and Development, women and gender studies, specifically unpaid care of women in the sandwich generation. She has published in various academic journals, presented in local and international conferences, and conducted training and consultancies for local and international organizations such as Save the Children, UNICEF, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, and the International Labour Organization.
Chor Tuazon
Senior Human Resources Consultant at Wells Fargo PhilippinesMa. Corina “Chor” Tuazon works as a Senior Human Resources Consultant for Wells Fargo since 2018. An alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas, she carries with her 13 years of experience of Strategic Human Resources and Business Partnering. She started her career in HR as a recruiter for Etelecare, VXI and moved into Accenture by 2010. She worked for Campus Recruitment as well as Proactive Executive Sourcing and eventually became an HR People Advisor until 2014. Prior joining Wells Fargo, she worked as an HR Deputy Manager for WNS Global Services. Across her career she was able to provide support to various industries including Financial, Technology, BPO and Shipping and Logistics. She’s a proud ally and enjoys freediving during her free time.
John Japhet Tubeo
Podcaster at 2 Broke GaysMartin and Japhet are the hosts of the hilarious podcast called “2 Broke Gays”, wherein they discuss anything under the sun -- from pop culture, sex, politics and up to the different LGBTQ+ struggles that they experience growing up and in their present daily lives -- no structure, no cuts, simply raw conversations.
Martin, also known as “Gaytective” on YouTube, is a beauty vlogger who narrates terrifying details of Philippine true crime stories while applying make-up. Meanwhile, Japhet is the creator of “Quickie PH”, a podcast filled with queer erotic stories, and is under Podcast Network Asia.
Together, they dream of becoming the best versions of themselves while advocating safe queer spaces online.
Vina Vicente
Co-founder & Chief Learning Officer of B&V People Business CoVina is an author, learning experience designer, facilitator, stakeholder engagement specialist, communications and public affairs strategist, certified English grammar instructor, and a blues singer. Vina has worked in expert and leadership roles in various industries, including print media, government, non- government / advocacy, education, and, most recently, energy and shared services. In her 20 years in the workforce, Vina has cultivated a skill in connecting with various roles in an organization, ranging from senior executives to junior professionals, helping them determine choices that are sensible for them and exercise accountability for the decisions that they make.
Giney Villar
Creator/Host of NarraTibs the PodcastGiney Villar read the statement of the first feminist-lesbian group that marched in the 1993 International Women’s Day March in Manila.
In 1994, she co-authored the first out lesbian book in the Philippines, “Woman to Woman: Essays, Poetry and Fiction”.
In 1995, she was the first Coordinator of the Womyn Supporting Womyn Centre, a lesbian rights NGO, and in 1996, served as Co-Convenor of the First National Lesbian Rights Conference and the 1998 4th Asian Lesbian Network Conference.
Internationally, in 1997 she was elected Co-Chair of the Women’s Committee of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), in Köln Germany andfrom the late 90s to the 2000s served as International Advisory Board member, of the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice (formerly known as Astraea Lesbian Rights Foundation), NY.
She has also been part of various pioneering LGBTQIA+ initiatives such as formations, conferences, marches, and legislative actions.
These days she hosts NarraTibs, a podcast highlighting lesbians and women loving women in their own words. Her blog, Sliverword on Wordpress explores LGBTQIA+ matters among other things.
Giney is also active on FB, Twitter, and Instagram.
Mx. Jaecee S. Yong
Bulsu Bahaghari, Bulacan State UniversityMr. Jaecee Yong is an incoming fourth year BS Psychology student at Bulacan State University. He is a consistent academic awardee since his freshman year and an active student leader for three consecutive years in his university. His activeness in student politics in college started in 2019 when he ran as a board member for psychology followed by when he assumed the position as the Vice-President External of BulSU Bahaghari and Business Manager of SAYK (Samahan ng Mga Mag-aaral tungo sa Sikolohikal na Kamalayan) ORG in 2020. Currently, he is serving his second term as the Governor in the Student Council of his college, CSSP.
In his leadership journey, he upholds the belief that he is from the people and will serve for the people. At most, he advocates for gender equality, SOGIE awareness and Mental Health in most of his projects, speakership and affiliations. As a gender advocate, he believes that equality can only be achieved once everyone recognizes that there is a problem that oppresses the people that leads to inequality. Lastly, as a mental health advocate, he upholds that mental health services should be free and widely accessible for everyone as he view the program of psychology as a free and freeing opportunity to see the current status quo of the people.