In today’s world, leadership is being redefined by women who lead not only with power, but with purpose. The Icons of Impact are proof that Filipinas can be changemakers in every industry imaginable—from tech to textiles, from law to local culture, from kitchens to classrooms. Here are the trailblazers who remind us that real influence is soul-deep and community-rooted.
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Rhea Rizzo – The Soulful Chef
Chef Rhea Rizzo, the quiet force behind Mrs. Saldo’s, is proof that great things bloom in their own time. Trained in culinary capitals like Bangkok, Ubud, and Napa Valley, her cooking reflects memory, meaning, and mastery. She didn’t start early—she started right.
As she puts it, “You can be all things—and still lead with soul.”
Her food honors her roots, fosters healing, and celebrates the complexity of womanhood. Chef Rhea continues to break barriers in a male-dominated field, all while being a loving mother, wife, and mentor.
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Gen Enriquez-Gerodias – The Conscious Creator
Gen lives where purpose meets progress. As co-founder of Expedise, she works to uplift one million lives by making meaningful employment more accessible. Off the clock, she’s all about sustainability and mindful living.
“Progress isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about moving mindfully,” she shares.
Whether she’s in a business meeting or a ballet studio, Gen leads with heart and intention.
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Dra. Myka Limchoc – The Confidence Restorer
Beauty runs deeper than skin, and Dra. Myka Limchoc lives by that truth. As founder of Limchoc Laser Institute, she treats acne, scars, and chronic skin conditions—but more importantly, she restores self-esteem.
“Beauty begins where healing starts,” she says.
A woman of faith, a mother of three, and a compassionate clinician, she dedicates every first Tuesday of the month to providing free treatments to underserved communities.
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Adrienne Charuel – The Artisan Revivalist
From the ateliers of Paris to the looms of the Philippines, Adrienne Charuel bridges worlds through her label, Maison Métisse. She repositions traditional Filipino crafts as global haute couture.
As Adrienne puts it, “Craft is not just technique—it’s memory, meaning, and movement.”
She’s making sure artisans are seen, heard, and celebrated.
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Daianne Moreno-Mempin – The Creative Catalyst
Daianne is the powerhouse behind Katha Pilipinas, helping Filipino creatives build sustainable careers from their passions. With her background in arts management and corporate leadership, she merges vision with action.
“Creativity is power—when nurtured, it becomes a force for change,” she emphasizes.
Through her mentorship and strategic programs, artists become agents of impact.
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Julienne Soriano Ipapo – The Journey Speaker
Julienne is the inspiring voice behind the top-ranked podcast Journey with Julienne. A mental health advocate and PCOS warrior, she brings clarity, courage, and Christ-centered healing to every conversation.
“Your healing can be someone else’s hope,” she reflects.
Her storytelling bridges the spiritual and emotional, helping her global audience heal and rise.
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Patricia Cusi Ramos – The Learning Lifeline
As CEO of Bahay Turo, Patricia makes quality education more accessible for all Filipino learners. With its grassroots counterpart, Tambay Turo, she connects volunteer tutors with students from marginalized communities.
“When we teach, we reach. Every lesson is a lifeline,” she believes.
Her work is grounded in the belief that education is not a privilege—but a right.
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Miel V. Coronel – The Local Liftmaker
Miel is the creative engine behind Flair Pop-Up, a curated marketplace for local brands. Through strategy and style, she gives small businesses a stage—and a fighting chance to thrive.
“Every stall is a story. Every brand deserves a stage,” she shares.
Her mission? Make sure every Filipino product gets the spotlight it deserves.
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Cat Triviño – The Purpose Builder
Cat wears many hats—mental health advocate, environmentalist, and co-founder of MindNation. Whether she’s diving deep into marine conservation or championing inclusive healthcare, her message is clear:
“Wellness and sustainability must go hand in hand—healing the mind while protecting the Earth.”
She’s healing people and planet, all at once.
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Les Rabinovich – The Spa Steward
Les is the founder of Esencia Day Spas—but to her, spas aren’t luxuries. They’re lifelines. As a mother of three and a wellness entrepreneur, she sees rest as a radical act of restoration.
“Wellness is not a luxury—it’s a livelihood, a lifestyle, and a local legacy,” she says.
Through wellness tourism, she uplifts communities and nurtures the soul.
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Margarita N. Gutierrez – The Civic Flame
Atty. Margarita Gutierrez brings both empathy and action to her role as Undersecretary of the Department of Justice. Through the DOJ Action Center, she champions accessible legal aid—especially for the vulnerable and Persons Deprived of Liberty.
“Justice must move with empathy—or it stands still,” she says, a line that defines her approach to reform. Whether advocating for gender rights or reshaping the modeling industry as President of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines, Margarita proves you can lead in law and in life, unapologetically.
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Mariel Ortiz-Luis Veluz – The Purpose Walker
With her handmade brand Sewn Sandals and the MSME haven Connect by The Park, Mariel walks her talk—literally and figuratively. She believes in community-centered entrepreneurship, faith, and rest.
“Purpose isn’t a destination—it’s the quiet intention behind every step,” Mariel reflects.
Her passion project? Women’s Retreats Philippines, a sacred space for women to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
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Joanne dela Rama – The Restoration Coach
Joanne’s work is rooted in resilience. As a certified Life and Grief Coach, she helps others navigate grief and transformation through movement, mindfulness, and creative expression.
“From grief to grace—healing begins when we are held,” she says.
Her story is one of turning loss into light for herself—and for many others.
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Dara Roa – The Collab Contessa
Dara David Roa of Studio Bighani knows how to build brands with beauty and heart. Known for her people-powered campaigns, she puts Filipino excellence at the center of every narrative.
“We don’t just market—we magnify what makes us Filipino,” Dara affirms.
More than strategy, it’s about stories that spark pride and community.
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Rocio Inez Santamaria Escaño – The Reality Rewriter
Rocio lives and leads with intention. As a host, co-founder of Continuiti, and VIDA Yoga ambassador, she helps people reshape their lives through habits, fashion, and mindful choices.
“Repetition rewires reality—what we do often becomes who we are,” Rocio explains.
Her work proves that transformation starts with what we choose to repeat every day.
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Carla Perlas – The Mama Maker
Carla is our very own voice for mothers here at theAsianparent. As VP of Communications at The Parentinc, she champions moms by ensuring they have access to trustworthy information, supportive communities, and empathy-led resources.
“When you support a mother, you empower a generation,” she believes.
From content to connection, Carla makes motherhood feel seen, valued, and deeply understood—something we’re proud to witness every day.
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Charisse Aquino-Tugade – The Culture Connector
As Executive Director of the National Book Development Board, Charisse uplifts Filipino literature and Indigenous wisdom through inclusive, innovative projects like The Book Nook.
“Stories connect us. Culture grounds us. Books build us,” she shares.
Through her work, storytelling becomes nation-building.
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Audrey Uy-Couy – The Sweet Life Builder
The magic behind Bizu Patisserie, Audrey crafts more than just desserts—she crafts experiences. Her mission? To bring joy and transformation to 10,000 lives through thoughtful hospitality and meaningful work.
“A beautiful life is built moment by moment—with care, courage, and grace,” Audrey believes.
With every bite and gesture, she builds a sweeter world.
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Atty. Camille Sue Mae L. Ting – The Voice of Justice
As the first female spokesperson of the Supreme Court, Camille makes the law more human and more accessible. Her reforms—from digital hearings to procedural transparency—aim to make justice not only served but felt.
“Justice must not only be served—it must be seen, felt, and understood,” she explains.
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Genevieve Jimenez–Yalung – The Closet Reformer
With My Closet Manager, Genevieve is helping people rethink fashion as a space of purpose. Her brand is about maximizing, repurposing, and valuing every piece.
“Fashion should reflect not just your style—but your values,” she says.
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Tyffanie Short – The Empowerment Architect
As the founder of One Earth Organics and LyfBiz Solutions, Tyffanie Short blends beauty with bold purpose. A single mom and self-made entrepreneur, she mentors women to lead with clarity and grit.
“Empower a woman, and you transform a generation,” she says—and she’s living proof.
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Andie Reloza – The Rhythm Keeper
Mornings aren’t just routines—they’re rituals. That’s how Andie Reloza sees it. As founder of The Intentional Studio and Green Mama PH, she helps women embrace grace-filled mornings.
“Grace begins in the morning—and flows from the habits we keep,” she reminds us.
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Phoebe Fructuoso – The Voice Raiser
Phoebe is the founder of PAVE Philippines and a fierce advocate for gender-based violence survivors. Her voice—and faith—guide others toward healing and justice.
“We break the silence so survivors can rise—and speak their truth in strength,” she says.
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Jo An Darlene Chua – The Wealth Builder
With over 25 years in finance, Jo An leads with empowerment. As founder of Spark Amber Financial Group, she equips Filipinos with tools to achieve financial independence.
“Financial independence isn’t a dream—it’s a discipline anyone can learn,” she believes.
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Connie Macatuno – The Story Weaver
From film to fashion, Connie weaves narratives that uplift the Filipina spirit. With hits like Guilty Pleasure and The Broken Marriage Vow, she redefines representation on-screen and off.
“Every story I tell, every piece I create—it’s all to remind us who we are,” she says with pride.
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Kat Erro – The Purpose Maker
Kat Erro is the creative force behind Katre MNL and Manila Cookieteers. Through handmade goods and advocacy, she champions children’s right to education.
“A well-made life begins with education—and grows through purpose,” she shares.
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Janet Timbol-Muñoz – The Conscious Creator
With Kabaru Collections, Janet brings sustainability and heritage into your everyday wardrobe. She’s turning cultural pride into wearable empowerment.
“Fashion can be beautiful—and still be good to people, culture, and the planet,” she affirms.
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Genevieve Diokno & Elyse Go – The Bridge Builders
As co-founders of Hand and Heart PH, Genevieve and Elyse uplift the Deaf and differently-abled through dignified work and inclusion.
“Inclusion isn’t charity—it’s dignity, opportunity, and shared humanity,” they say.
Conclusion: The Pinay Icons
In every story, we’ve seen that the most powerful kind of leadership doesn’t shout—it uplifts. These Pinay Icons of Impact are changing the game not by chasing power, but by choosing purpose.
They lead with empathy, build with intention, and root their success in service. Whether in business, art, advocacy, or wellness, they show us that being an icon isn’t about being in the spotlight—it’s about using that light to guide others.
This new generation of Filipina leaders is reshaping what it means to lead, live, and leave a legacy.
Here’s to the Pinay Icons—because when a Filipina leads, everyone rises.
