The University of Baguio (UB) steadfastly believes that when women uplift each other, it creates ripples of positive change that echo far into the future. This belief is embodied by WOMENTOR, an annual gathering that brings together students and alumni for a transformative experience of mentorship and empowerment. This year’s event, titled Trailblazers: Celebrating Women’s Leadership, served as an opportunity for aspiring women leaders to connect with university graduates who have found success in their fields and have redefined what it means to lead.
The event kicked off with a rousing inspirational message from Dr. Helen Alalag, the dean of the School of Nursing. Her address highlighted the pivotal role that women have played in history, acknowledging the struggles that women have faced for centuries and underscoring the unwavering strength that has allowed the women of past and present generations to overcome barriers to success.
Following her message, the event moved into the Mind Education Session, with the president of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) Reverend Abraham Nam giving an insightful talk that touched on the resilience of women and their capacity to be excellent leaders and change-makers. This year’s WOMENTOR was a collaborative effort with the IYF, a global organization that has dedicated itself to promoting youth empowerment and leadership. Reverend Nam’s segment reinforced the importance of nurturing a persevering and courageous mindset despite the challenges that the world may pose.
After the Reverend Nam’s segment, the program moved into the mentorship program, where students were divided into groups of ten and assigned one of the UB alumna as their mentor. This intimate session explored the personal journeys of each mentor on the road to success, recounting the challenges they faced and how they overcame them and exploring moments that have shaped their path to being women leaders. This session allowed students to engage in meaningful discussions with their mentors, giving them valuable insights into the journey to become successful leaders in their fields. These conversations allowed for meaningful dialogue between the mentors and their mentees, encouraging the students to embrace their dreams and navigate life with confidence and resilience.
Overall, more than seven hundred (700) participants attended this year’s WOMENTOR, and nearly fifty (50) UB alumni served as mentors for the students. This year’s event was a rousing success, achieving the shared goal of inspiring the next generation of leadership through the WOMENTORSHIP program.
As the event concluded, the participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence, ready to face the world and step up as impactful leaders who can advocate for positive change. This year’s WOMENTOR served as a powerful reminder that when women empower each other, they can create a lasting impact on their communities.
WOMENTOR is more than just an annual gathering; it is a tangible step towards the university’s attainment of Sustainable Development Goal No. 5: Gender Equality. This program promotes community inclusivity and fosters meaningful connections between students and women leaders. Through programs like WOMENTOR, the University of Baguio continues to champion a future where women have the power to lead, inspire, and positively change the world around them.
