By: Women’s Fitness Asia
In a world that is constantly evolving, where women are redefining their roles and breaking barriers, She Talks Asia stands as a beacon of empowerment, support, and inspiration. This movement is dedicated to celebrating the modern woman, providing a platform where voices are heard, stories are shared, and change is ignited.
Their Story: A Movement Born from a Need
She Talks Asia began with the Every Girl Can conference in March 2017. At the time, there was no official name for the group, nor a structured plan in place, but what was evident was a deep-rooted need for a space where women could come together to inspire, uplift, and challenge the status quo. As feminism saw a renewed global surge, the movement recognized that beyond the noise of empowerment, deeper conversations needed to take place—conversations that would unravel complexities and pave the way for true equality.
Inspired by the self-love movement and the increasing global dialogue on gender-based assault and discrimination, She Talks Asia set out to create a community where every woman could find her voice, embrace her strength, and define success on her own terms.
What They Do: Community, Experience, and Impact
She Talks Asia operates through three key pillars: Community, Experience, and Impact Agency. These pillars serve as the foundation for creating events, products, and experiences that foster authentic connections, genuine discussions, and equal representation.
From showcasing role models and writing articles to organizing events, recording podcasts, and developing impactful projects, She Talks Asia collaborates with corporate partners to push the boundaries of gender equality. Every initiative is designed to empower women to step into their strength, challenge societal norms, and redefine what it means to be a modern woman.
Redefining the Modern Queen
On March 15, She Talks Asia hosted a transformative conversation highlighting inspiring women leaders. Among them was Marla Garin-Alvarez, Vice President and Head of the Sustainability Office at BDO Unibank, Inc. In her role, she leads the execution of BDO’s sustainability framework and strategies, overseeing policy development, program evaluation, and the publication of the annual BDO Sustainability Report. She works closely with various business units and subsidiaries to ensure alignment with global standards and best practices in sustainability reporting.
In a separate segment, Justine Cordero-Em, CEO of HyveSports PH and Founder of Women’s Fitness Asia, took the stage. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment through fitness and leadership, she shared powerful insights drawn from her own journey. Together, these women inspired attendees with thought-provoking perspectives on leadership, financial independence, and holistic well-being.
Marla Garin-Alvarez, Vice President and Head of Sustainability Office at BDO Unibank
Key Takeaways from Justine Cordero-Em:
Justine Cordero-Em beautifully articulates that there is no singular definition of being a queen. “You can be a queen at your own pace. You can be a queen at home, a queen in your career—women can be a queen in whatever they do.”
Justine Cordero -Em, Founder of Women’s Fitness Asia
Stepping In Without Fear – Fitness is not just about physical strength but also mental resilience. Women are inherently strong and capable of overcoming challenges, making resilience an integral part of their journey.
The Power of Passion and a Strong Support System – Passion fuels perseverance, but even the most driven individuals experience burnout. Surrounding oneself with the right people—those who uplift, support, and inspire—is crucial in navigating life’s ups and downs.
Embracing Intuition as a Strength – Women possess an incredible gift of intuition, allowing them to shift between emotional and logical thinking. Rather than viewing emotions as a weakness, embracing them as a source of power can lead to better decision-making and deeper connections.
The Future of She Talks Asia
She Talks Asia continues to be a catalyst for change, creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and valued. Through its unwavering commitment to advocacy, dialogue, and representation, the movement is shaping a future where women are not just included but are leading the conversation.
As we celebrate the essence of modern womanhood, let’s remember that every woman’s journey is her own—whether she leads a company, raises a family, builds a community, or breaks barriers in her field. She is strong, she is capable, and she is a queen.
