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Celebrating International Women’s Month: Women at work at SM

 

LAST January, SM Investments Corporation was one of 380 companies across 11 sectors included in the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). This was the second-time SM was cited in the said index, which measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies, and pro-women brand.

And it’s not surprising. As of December 2019, women comprised 63% of the SM workforce, occupying 59% of senior management positions and 65% of middle management. More recently, SM became an official signatory to the UN Women’s Women Empowerment Principles (WEP), which further enhance a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

In celebration of International Women’s Month this March, we are featuring six amazing women across different SM companies. Working quietly behind the scenes, their roles in the organization are diverse, as are their challenges and experiences on a day-to-day basis.  Here, they share with us what keeps them inspired; as well as their management styles, their tips for other women at work, and their thoughts on women empowerment.

MARIA AGNES C. PACIS  

Vice President and GM – SMX Convention Centers

SM Hotels and Conventions

 “Perseverance Pays. Hard work must be accompanied by “heart work” for you to succeed. Like any professional organization, you’re only as good as the team you lead.”

Agnes has been with SMX Hotels and Conventions for six years after spending a good two decades working in international hotel chains like Shangri-La, Sheraton, and Hyatt located in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Fiji, Australia and Myanmar. As the Vice President and GM of SMX Convention Centers, she handles all 6 existing properties of SMX nationwide overseeing the operations and profitability of all SMX Convention Centers.

 I apply the principle of the 5 Love Languages at work by understanding what “language” a member of the team will understand best and adjust my leadership style accordingly.”

“The natural ability of a woman to nurture and emotionally connect to her team members has surely helped in building the kind of team we have now.”

SHIRLEY C. ONG

Executive Vice President

SM Leisure Resort Residences

“I learn so many things from the bosses and the people I work with. They let me see things from a different point of view, look at the bigger picture, think outside the box, do things differently, and find opportunities in every crisis.”

Shirley, who has been with SM for 12 years, manages the overall operations of four tourism oriented premier leisure developments – Costa del Hamilo, Highlands Prime, Intercontinental Development Corporation, and Belle Corporation Real Estate Unit.

“As a woman, I can show my softer side, and lead with motherly care. I can be strong and gentle at the same time.”

DIANA R. DIONISIO

Vice President – China Projects

SM Prime

 “Nothing is constant in this world.  What is important is to quickly learn from it, adapt, and innovate.”

A pioneer in SM’s China projects, Diana joined the company 21 years ago. Today, as Vice President, she is responsible for managing its Finance and Treasury functions, and also supervises other departments such as Business Development, IT, Systems, and Legal. SM currently has seven operating malls in China, and two more under construction.

“With my department spanning two countries, cultural and legal differences are inevitable.  As such, I have to explain and convince both sides to adapt and work around those differences.”

FELANIE L. LIM

Vice President, Merchandising

The SM Store

“I personally love to shop, so during our buying sessions, I’m technically shopping for our target market making the latest shoes and bags designs available for them to choose from. It is something I enjoy.”

As Vice President of Merchandising, Felanie and her team facilitate the Shoes and Bags department’s regular buying process – forecasting inventory, reading the demands and trends, and fulfilling them when appropriate. She has been with the company for 23 years, and feels honored and privileged to be part of the team working on the category that started it all for SM – shoes.

“Being in the shoes team also allowed me to work with Mr. Henry Sy, Sr. and I always looked forward to our mentoring session every Saturday in his Makati office.  Tatang taught me to value my work and think of it as my own.  “Success is not just good luck,” he would share with us. “It’s a combination of hard work, good credit standing, the right opportunity, readiness, and timing.”

GERALDINE L. SIA

COO, Fast Retailing (UNIQLO)

SM Retail

“I have learned that gender should not hold you back from making the world a better place. If you have something to contribute to society, then you should share it with everyone.”

As the only female Chief Operating Officer globally in Uniqlo, Geraldine says she is privileged to be part of two iconic companies – SM, and its joint venture partner, top international brand Uniqlo. She has been with SM’s retail group for more than 22 years, starting out with Baby Co, then with Watsons, and now with Uniqlo, which she co-manages with the Expat COO on Sales, Operations, and Marketing.

“I also believe that women can develop a more well-rounded workforce. When it comes to accomplishing goals, women’s traits like empathy, intuition, and optimism bring out the best in our employees.”

“Do a bit more than what is expected of you. Take on things you’ve never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”

GRACE EVANGELINE M. STA. ANA

Executive Vice President

SMDC

 “Beyond the privilege of being part of this dynamic organization, I find meaningful work in addressing one of life’s basic needs – building homes and communities.”

Grace has been with SMDC for the past 11 years, starting out as a project director in 2010. Her work entails the development of integrated communities, particularly residential hubs. Focusing on providing a better lifestyle for Filipino families, her team has led the launch of over 40 residential projects, translating to more than 100,000 residential units in Metro Manila and the provincial areas.

“I also like to teach my team new things or techniques in analyzing things. In the process of teaching them, I in turn also learn from them.”

 

 

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