19 March 2025, Guam - In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Philippine Consulate General in Agana, Guam, conducted a Gender and Development (GAD) Seminar and Training, entitled “Empowered Filipino-American Women’s Voices: Leadership, Navigating Career Paths and Finding Balance” which was held on 15 March 2025 at the Rihga Royal Laguna Guam Resort Hotel in Guam.

The event featured a seminar highlighting the experiences of the empowered Filipino-American women on Guam, namely: Hon. Shelly Calvo, Senator and Majority Whip of the 38th Guam Legislature; Ms. Jeselyn Tan Yu, President and CEO of Goodwind Development Corporation which manages Micronesia Mall; Ms. Nenita Baldovino, the owner of Rambie’s Restaurant and Island Family Pharmacy and a Filipino Community Leader; Ms. Beth Cena, a CPA-Lawyer and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, Global Campus; and Dr. Marshaley Baquiano, a psychologist and Professor at the University of Guam.

The seminar was attended by high school students and advisors John F. Kennedy High School, St. John’s School, Academy of Our Lady of Guam and the personnel and dependents of the Consulate.

In her opening remarks, Consul General Rosario P. Lemque emphasized the three key purposes of this special event, stating: “First, we aim to highlight the remarkable achievements of Filipino-American women in Guam—women who have made a lasting impact in their respective fields. Second, we hope to inspire our high school students as they navigate important decisions about their future careers, offering them valuable perspectives from those who have paved the way. Finally, we seek to provide insights on maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life by offering practical strategies for managing stress, setting priorities, and cultivating overall well-being in today’s demanding work environment.

Guam Senator and Majority Whip Shelly Calvo was the first esteemed resource speaker. She highlighted the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges in life. She concluded with a call to action, saying: “Step forward with confidence, lead with integrity, pursue your dreams with passion, and most importantly lift others as you rise. You are the next generation of leaders, innovators and change makers. Embrace your power, use your voice. No matter where life takes you, you are never alone in your journey as together we are unstoppable.”

Ms. Nenita Baldovino, the second resource speaker, also shared her life story and the humble beginnings and difficulties she went through in life before she reached the pinnacle of her success. She said, “I realized that my journey is…about resilience, it's about making sacrifices. It's about knowing what you want and working hard…to get there.”

Next, Ms. Beth Cena engaged the audience by sharing her experiences in academia, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, networking, and giving back to the community. She also offered valuable advice to the attendees, especially the high school students, on navigating their academic and professional journeys, saying: “Believe in your potential, stay curious and never stop learning. Stay true to who you are, and always believe that you are capable of achieving greatness.”

To conclude the first half of the event, Ms. Jeselyn Tan Yu reflected on the ups and downs of family and married life. Despite her affluent background, she took on the responsibility of personally caring for her three young children while she and her husband were starting their life in Guam. Even up to now with her responsibilities as the President and CEO of Goodwind Development Corporation, family has always been on top of her life priorities.

For the second half of the event, Dr. Baquiano provided the attendees with practical tips on achieving work-life balance: (1) setting boundaries to establish a clear workplace and schedule; (2) collaborating with a team; (3) avoiding overcommitment; (4) discovering personal strategies, such as having a flexible schedule; (5) prioritize health by maintaining a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep; (6) make time for hobbies and relaxation; (7) engage in volunteer work or other meaningful commitments; and (8) stay connected with family and friends.

The Seminar successfully fulfilled its objectives. The young attendees gained valuable insights in pursuing their dreams and facing life’s challenges with courage, inspired by the stories shared by the resource speakers. In addition, the attendees, including Consulate personnel, learned useful strategies in maintaining a healthy work-life balance that they can apply in their daily lives. END