The Center for Intellectual Property Management (CIPM) organized the 4th Benilde Women Trailblazer Forum on March 13 at the Hub for Innovation and Inclusion (HiFi) featuring a panel discussion with the theme "Ready, Set, Lead: Benilde Women Shaping Sports and Innovation."

The event, held for Women's Month and World Intellectual Property Day, opened with remarks from moderator Ar. Asela D. Domingo, Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academics at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, who introduced the first industry expert, Ms. Akiko Thomson-Guevara, Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) assessor and swim school operator.

The first panel discussion featured a lineup of Benildean alumni and professionals, including decorated Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalist Ms. Agatha Chrystenzen Wong, faculty member of the Benilde Theater Arts Program, Ms. Jocelyn Lao, and Ms. Diana Lorenzo, entrepreneur and co-founder of Unit 605 Coffee.

During the discussion, panelists shared insights on self-discovery, emphasizing how passion and courage help break barriers in sports, business, and the arts. Lao and Lorenzo highlighted the importance of knowing oneself, while Wong encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones for growth. Thomson-Guevara concluded the discussion with a reminder not to let fear hold anyone back, saying that “fear should never be the reason why you don’t do anything.”

Building on these themes, the second panel discussion included industry expert Mr. Marco Abello of ANTA Philippines. Joining him were athletes IDr. Madeline San Jose, a Benilde Interior Design faculty member and alumna, and Benildean alumnae and SEA Games medalists Ms. Bien Zoleta and Ms. Kathleen Nadine Tan.

The panelists explored the synergy between brand community, academics, and athletic resilience. Abello highlighted ANTA Philippines' holistic partnership with Benilde, while San Jose and Tan focused on priority management and proactive communication in balancing sports and professional life. Zoleta and Tan concluded with a message on grit, discussing their experiences with injury and underrepresentation and emphasizing that success is achieved by "finding your own people" and maintaining mental strength to shape one's career.

In an exclusive interview with The Benildean, Zoleta emphasized the importance of representation for young girls. “It gives you purpose, it gives you meaning, it gives you something to fight for,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, Wong expressed her appreciation for contributing to the evolving sports landscape alongside athletes like Alex Eala and Carlos Yulo. She addressed the cultural challenge of female athletes being celebrated more for their looks than their achievements, emphasizing, “It’s important to teach younger generations that it’s not just about the outside—you also have to carry yourself with grace and kindness.”

Through the discussions, the forum demonstrated how Benildean women are shaping industries, breaking stereotypes, and creating spaces where innovation and sports intersect. Their stories remind the next generation that leadership is not just about success, but about courage, integrity, and the willingness to lead differently.

Articles by Eurice Coyoca

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