Women Leaders in Tech and Business Take Center Stage in Celebration of National Women’s Month

(From left to right) Kim de los Reyes, CEO+Founder of Seek Health AI; Carina Oriel, Head of Rise New York, Rise, created by Barclays; Jox Petiza, Senior Partner, Luxury and Beauty, EssenceMediaCom; Alissa Beltran, Manager, Strategy and Transformation, EY; and Christeen Rico, Founder, Dream Bigger Ventures. (New York PCG Photo)

NEW YORK 18 March 2024—To commemorate the National Women’s Month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with the National Innovation Council of the Philippines and Dream Bigger Ventures, hosted a conversation with Filipina leaders in tech and business on Thursday, 07 March, at the Philippine Center.

Trade Commissioner Benedict Uy, in his opening remarks, welcomed the audience, which consisted of young professionals in the tech, investment, business, and financial services sectors and members of the public. He added that this kind of engagement will be a regular program of the Philippine Consulate to encourage young Filipino-Americans to contribute to a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

Mr. Earl Martin Valencia, co-founder of Plentina and Executive Member of the National Innovation Council of the Philippines (NIC), presented the Philippine Innovation Act, which adopts innovation as a vital component of the country’s development policies to drive inclusive development and promotes growth and national competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). He said, “From fragmented and disharmonized initiatives, an enhanced national innovation system will further boost economic growth. As the innovation ecosystem enabler, the government will drive more innovation outputs by providing more innovation inputs through policy, financing, infrastructure, and culture. This revitalized innovation ecosystem is the key to achieving a smart and innovative Philippines – a productive, resilient, sustainable, and inclusive nation by 2032.”

Among the resource speakers who shared their respective expertise and experiences in navigating tech, business, and investment were Jox Petiza, Senior Partner, Luxury and Beauty, EssenceMediaCom; Carina Oriel, Head of Rise New York, Rise, created by Barclays; Alissa Beltran, Manager, Strategy and Transformation, EY; and Kim de los Reyes, CEO+Founder of Seek Health AI.

The panel discussion was moderated by Christeen Rico, Founder of Dream Bigger Ventures. Edil Cuepo, Founder of Pickle Media, provided exclusive event coverage through social media.

In the closing message of Consul General Senen T. Mangalile, which Trade Commissioner Uy delivered, he said, “The accomplishments of our speakers and participants today are not just personal triumphs; they are victories for the entire Filipino community. They serve as a reminder that when Filipinas are allowed to lead and innovate, they not only rise to the occasion but also raise the bar for excellence.” END

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph