Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company

Maria Zarah C. Hernandez

Growing up in the 70s, entering the workforce in the 80s, and establishing a career in the next 30 years, I am fortunate to have had several strong female role models of empowered women, both at home, in our extended family, and at work.

First among my role models is my Mom. She is my SuperMom. She raised me always expressing her belief in me – that I can always accomplish what I set out to do. She would also always quote my Lola (grandmother) saying, “Life is what you make it.”

I also had very accomplished aunts, sisters, and cousins of my Mom, who always complimented me, praised my talent, and announced my achievements and accomplishments during family gatherings however simple they could be – even the way I called out numbers family’s annual BINGO games exclaiming,

 ”Ang galing-galing!” (You’re so good at this!) These praises, approvals, and expressions of appreciation fueled my idea of who I can become and, of course, created the person I am today.

At school and at work, later on, I was very fortunate to have had teachers and co-workers who were equally appreciative of my “talent” and they certainly were influential in my life. I worked as an elementary and high school teacher, early in my professional life. Being surrounded by co-teachers, I learned about the realities of their lives – being young breadwinners in their family and extended families, many were women who were first in their families to graduate from college, and how they now hold the responsibility to help ensure the completion of their siblings’ college education. With awe and deep respect for their tenacity, resilience, and conviction, I saw how smart, resilient, responsible, disciplined, loyal women with profoundfilial love could bring a family and, a community, out of poverty -- of course, not instantaneously but with certainty. Many, if not all, of my co-teachers, are now celebrated by their families as their SHEroes.

Life, though, had other plans for me and led me to the financial services industry. 27 years ago, I was given the chance by a lady boss, Ms. Vivian Lee Tiu, then Head for Human Resources of the former Equitable Banking Corporation, to join their training unit. From there, I have been blessed to have been mentored by several female bosses – now all retired leaders from top firms and banks in the local Philippine financial services landscape. Each was unique in her leadership and mentorship styles. Were they all demanding? They definitely were. They expected no less than timeliness, quality, excellence, and discipline but, more importantly, a deep understanding of the human condition and how its components or other factors could influence or impact the lives and work of my teammate, my boss, my colleague, and my peers.

Because of these women, I realized some women empowerment characteristics that helped make their lives, and of those around them, progressive and inclusive:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit. They demonstrated eagerness to startmeaningful initiatives, and projects given the opportunity provided by the company, by the employers. They worked with what they were given.

• Resilience. Despite facing various challenges, the corporate women bosses were relentless in creating, establishing, and sustaining HR programs with a limited corporate budget. If it were not enough, they would find an opening, a chance to appeal their business case. They, or we, were not always winning, but it’s neither a reason to stop believing in the programs nor to discontinue seeking out the leadership’s ear and support. We might get a “no” but it may actually be “not now.”

• Community Engagement. Women have strong social networks. Empowered women leverage their networks -- social circles, professional clubs, etc. to enable or facilitate support and resources from their families, friends, peers, and colleagues. These networks help build and sustain collaborative initiatives for mutual benefit.

• Resourcefulness. Of course, this engagement comes with innovative ways to utilize whatever available resources are within reach.

• Learning and Education. Empowered women are willing to learn and acquire new skills – to effectively manage our personal affairs and professional endeavors. Mindful of the opportunities empowerment provides, such would be shared with their peers and co-workers, regardless of rank, age, or gender.

• Commitment to Family. All these characteristics begin and end with the family and one’s purpose for living. Empowered women prioritize the well-being of their families and their loved ones – even their teammates, making them highly motivated to succeed in their endeavors. All these to provide better opportunities for our loved ones.

These characteristics, among others, contribute to the success of women’s empowerment, fostering professional development in the workplace and, of course, socio-economic development in their families/communities.

As a leader, I am always reminded to be a channel for others’ development and empowerment -- by providing others, whatever their gender, age, or rank, the opportunities and resources needed to fully participate in our work and society. However, while there have been great wins in women’s empowerment, the journey still continues. Our families, communities, and society would benefit from the diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions leading to a more equitable and inclusive environment. We are the agents of change in our communities, advocating for the well-being of all, regardless of gender.