On March 12, 2025, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI), in collaboration with Connected Women and the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA), successfully hosted the 3rd Women Lead Conference at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel. The event brought together over 200 influential women leaders, marking a powerful celebration of International Women’s Month 2025 and reinforcing the significance of women’s empowerment, leadership, and business growth in the Philippines.
The conference opened with inspiring remarks from Sergio Boero, President of ICCPI, and Lorens Ziller, Executive Director of ICCPI, setting the stage for a day of impactful discussions and networking opportunities aimed at fostering change and innovation among women in business.
Empowering Women Through Leadership and Entrepreneurship
With over 35 accomplished women speakers, the Women Lead Conference 2025 was a landmark event that highlighted the social, economic, and political contributions of women in the Philippines. The conference provided a platform for strategic partnerships, leadership development, and transformative conversations that continue to shape the future of women in commerce.
Women Leadership Panel: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
A major highlight of the event was the Women Leadership Panel, moderated by Andria Terese Nicolas, Vice President and CMO of Tag Media Group, publisher of Rising Tigers, InCharge, and TopNewsAsia. The panel featured esteemed women leaders who are making a significant impact in their industries:
- Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Editor-in-Chief of MEGA
- Nikki D. Tang, CEO of DMark Beauty
- Ruth Yu-Owen, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines
- Ice Calderon, President of Bizzgator
The discussion centered on the evolving role of women in leadership, the challenges they face in the corporate world, and the opportunities they are creating for future generations.
Women in Entrepreneurship Panel: Driving Innovation and Business Success
The Women in Entrepreneurship Panel, moderated by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Co-Founder and President of Tag Media Group, was another key session that provided valuable insights into the journeys of successful women entrepreneurs. The panel featured:
- Jonah Sison-Ramos, CEO of Dear Face Beauty and New Moon
- Miles Ballestar, Co-founder, Owner & CEO of iONTEK Power Solutions Corporation
- Dr. Christine Daguno-Canoy, President and CEO of Neocolors Productions and Advertising Inc.
- Atty. Amanda Carpo, Co-founder & Chief Legal Counsel of KMC Solutions
The discussion focused on the strategies women entrepreneurs use to overcome business challenges, the importance of resilience and adaptability, and the future of female-led enterprises in the Philippines.
Unifying Efforts for a Brighter Future
The success of the Women Lead Conference 2025 was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Gabrielle Hahn-Lopez, Director of Public and Media Relations at ICCPI & GMA Sparkle Artist, who meticulously organized the event. Adding grace and energy to the occasion, Liza Diño served as the emcee, ensuring an engaging and seamless experience for all attendees.
Beyond celebrating women’s achievements in leadership and entrepreneurship, the conference served as a call to action for gender equality and the advancement of women in business. With the continued support of ICCPI, Tag Media Group, and other key partners, the event solidified its role as a pioneering initiative for women’s leadership in the Philippines.
As the movement for women’s empowerment continues to grow, events like these play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and progressive business landscape. With women at the forefront of innovation and leadership, the future of commerce in the Philippines is set to be more dynamic, diverse, and impactful than ever.
