Over 300,000 businesses in the Philippines are owned by women, according to 2023 data from the Department of Trade and Industry. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate their strength of character and share tales of three AWEsome and empowered women who lead life-changing enterprises.
After graduating with a degree in tourism, Senith Araez joined a travel agency in her native Palawan where she discovered a knack for hospitality service and a passion for curating travel experiences for visitors to her beloved island. That is why after a brief stint as a call center agent in Metro Manila, home called to her. Upon her return, she rejoined the tourism industry, this time with an internationally renowned resort, where working with a larger set of clients broadened her expertise.
Despite her accomplishments in Palawan, Senith wanted to provide her family with a brighter future. So again, she packed her bags with her hopes, dreams, and unwavering passion for the hospitality sector and headed to South Africa. For more than 10 years, she worked on her craft while battling homesickness and isolation after being subjected to “double standards in the workplace.”
“The struggle for recognition and acceptance was palpable, and I often found myself grappling with feelings of isolation. However, rather than succumbing to self-pity, I made a conscious decision to turn adversity into opportunity,” she said. She enrolled in classes and sought mentorship from more experienced colleagues. With her natural talent for service management, and the world-famous Filipino hospitality, Senith rose through the ranks. Resilience and tenacity became the keys to her success, and she was entrusted with managing the food safety system of the company. While she climbed the corporate ladder, she drew up a greater goal: coming home and starting her own travel agency.
Whistler Travel and Tours has since become the fruit of her labor and her dream come true—one that she shares generously with her community, especially single mothers and female breadwinners. She offers mentorship and guides her staff to become mentors themselves.
“Having walked in their shoes, I intimately understand the challenges they face and the strength it takes to overcome them. Recognizing the resilience and untapped potential within these women, I made it a mission to provide them with greater opportunities … I am immensely proud to see these women stepping into their power with courage and confidence. They’re not just bringing food to their families’ tables; they’re doing so with pride, knowing that their contributions are valued and respected,” she said.
Last year, she received the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Outstanding Achievement Award from the United States government for her exemplary leadership in business and contributions to the empowerment of women in her community.
*excerpt from the official website of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
