Filipina Disruptors: The Women Who Dared to Be First
Women across different industries continue to break barriers, redefine norms, and inspire future generations. From business and science to the arts and aviation, these Filipina trailblazers have made a significant impact not just in the Philippines, but globally. Let’s celebrate their achievements and learn from their incredible journeys.
1. Meean Dy – First Female President and CEO of Ayala Land, Inc.
Meean Dy is making history as the first female President and CEO of Ayala Land, Inc., one of the Philippines’ leading real estate developers. Under her leadership, major urban developments like Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Nuvali, Vertis, and Arca South have flourished. With a master’s in economics from the London School of Economics and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Dy is reshaping the real estate landscape and proving that women can lead in traditionally male-dominated industries.
2. Zara Carbonell – First Filipina to Win Miss Tourism Worldwide
Zara Carbonell is more than just a beauty queen—she is an entrepreneur, author, and sports enthusiast. In 2018, she became the first Filipina to win the Miss Tourism Worldwide title. She is also the author of Lost You, Found Me and currently serves as the vice president of the Manila Flag Football League. Carbonell continues to use her platform to empower and inspire others, proving that beauty and intellect go hand in hand.
3. Angelita Castro Kelly – NASA’s First Female Mission Operations Manager
Angelita Castro Kelly was a true pioneer in the field of space science, making history as NASA’s first female Mission Operations Manager (MOM). She played a crucial role in overseeing the Earth Observing System missions, contributing to our understanding of the planet. With a master’s degree in physics from the University of Maryland, she blazed a trail for women in STEM and proved that the sky is never the limit.
4. Lea Salonga – First Asian Actress to Win a Tony Award
Lea Salonga is a global icon, known for her powerful voice and groundbreaking performances. She made history as the first Asian actress to play Éponine in Les Misérables on Broadway and won a Tony Award for her role in Miss Saigon. Additionally, she lent her voice to Disney’s beloved princesses Mulan and Jasmine, earning her the prestigious title of Disney Legend. Salonga continues to inspire with her talent and advocacy for representation in the entertainment industry.
5. Encarnación Alzona – First Filipina to Earn a Ph.D.
Encarnación Alzona was a formidable force in history, education, and women’s rights. As the first Filipina to earn a Ph.D., she was a key player in the suffrage movement, helping establish the Philippine Association of University Women in 1928. Recognized as a National Scientist of the Philippines in 1985, her legacy lives on through her contributions to Philippine history and education.
6. Maria Ressa – First Filipina Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Maria Ressa is a journalist, Nobel Prize laureate, and co-founder of Rappler, a digital media company that champions press freedom. She made history as the first Filipina to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her fearless fight against disinformation and for press freedom. A former CNN investigative reporter, Ressa was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019. She continues to inspire journalists and truth-seekers worldwide.
7. Aimee Carandang – First Filipina Commercial Airline Pilot
Aimee Carandang made history as the first female commercial pilot in the Philippines and Asia in 1989. She later became the country’s first female airline captain, breaking gender barriers in aviation. Her trailblazing career has inspired countless women to pursue their dreams in an industry where female pilots remain a minority.
8. Fe Del Mundo – First Woman Admitted to Harvard Medical School
Fe Del Mundo revolutionized pediatric medicine in the Philippines. She was the first woman ever admitted to Harvard Medical School, and she went on to found the country’s first pediatric hospital. She was also the first female president of the Philippine Pediatric Society. In 1980, she was named National Scientist of the Philippines, and she became the first Asian to be voted president of the Medical Women’s International Association. Her contributions to healthcare continue to benefit Filipino children to this day.
These extraordinary women have defied expectations, broken barriers, and created lasting legacies. Daring to be the first takes courage, determination, and vision—qualities that also matter when planning for the future. Just as these Filipinas took bold steps to secure their legacies, we too can take charge of our futures by making smart financial decisions. Investing in insurance plans ensures that we are prepared for life’s uncertainties, empowering us to take risks and pursue our dreams with confidence. Who are the women in your life that inspire you? Share their stories in the comments below!
References
Ayala Land Inc. (2023). About Ayala Land. https://www.ayalaland.com.ph
NASA. (n.d.). Angelita Castro Kelly: A pioneer in mission operations. https://www.nasa.gov
Rappler. (2021). Maria Ressa wins the Nobel Peace Prize. https://www.rappler.com
Harvard Medical School. (n.d.). Fe Del Mundo: Breaking barriers in medicine. https://www.hms.harvard.edu
Broadway World. (2022). Lea Salonga’s Tony-winning legacy. https://www.broadwayworld.com
Philippine News Agency. (2019). Aimee Carandang: Pioneering Filipina pilot. https://www.pna.gov.ph
