At a recent forum hosted by Manila Electric Company (Meralco), two Filipina trailblazers took center stage, not just for what they have achieved, but for how they continue to inspire others to rise.

The event, aptly titled “Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Women Breaking Barriers,” was less about accolades and more about journeys: real, often difficult paths shaped by persistence, purpose, and the refusal to be boxed in by expectations.

Among those who shared their stories was Olympic boxing legend Nesthy Petecio, whose rise to global recognition began with a deeply personal challenge at home. She recalled how her father once discouraged her from stepping into the ring, believing boxing was “a man’s sport.” But Petecio chose a different narrative; one defined by grit and belief.

Her journey is not just about medals, but about breaking a mindset. In every punch thrown and every victory earned, she has carved space for women in arenas once closed to them.

In a different field but with the same sense of purpose, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Mandy Romero spoke of leadership shaped by empathy. Her work with marginalized girls and youth continues to influence how she approaches governance, ensuring that those often unheard are brought into the conversation.

For Romero, leadership is not about position, but about service. It is about lifting others, especially those at the margins, and making sure progress is shared.

The forum also underscored how institutions can play a role in nurturing this kind of empowerment.

Meralco Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond Ravelo highlighted the company’s commitment through its diversity and inclusion initiative: “Through #Mbrace, we are wholeheartedly committed to building a workplace where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is lived every day.”

“At its core, #Mbrace is about our people — not simply all of us, but each of us. It is about ensuring that every employee, regardless of gender, background, or role, is seen, heard, respected, and valued,” Ravelo said.

Guided by Meralco Chief Audit Executive Melanie Oteyza, the conversation felt less like a formal panel and more like a shared space of reflection.

Another executive, Chief Information Security Officer Marilene Tayag, echoed a simple but powerful idea: that progress happens faster when women lift each other up.

Held as part of Women’s Month and Meralco’s 123rd Foundation Week, the forum was a celebration and a reminder: that empowerment is not a single moment or milestone; it is a continuous act of courage, lived daily in choices big and small.

And sometimes, it begins with a single decision: to step forward, even when the world says step back.