This will be the last week of a month-long celebration of empowering women, so let me offer my column today to my lady readers. Last Wednesday, five powerful women – the honorable Mary Jane Ortega of La Union, global changemaker Shawntel Nieto, LGBT Board Member Amrei Dizon, choreographer Georcel Dapat-Sy, Vlogger Michelle Aventajado, and Best Buddies ambassador Nicey Ignacio gave inspiration and inclusion to the women in Manila by sharing their life’s mission-vision in the WOW (Women of the World) Soiree held at The Plaza at Arya Residences in BGC. The successful event was organized by a group of women who are alumni of the WOW Coaching program. I was able to interview Isa Agbayani-Buencamino, one of the founders of the Wow Coaching Program.

Gossip Girl: First and foremost, what is WOW, and what is your mission and vision for women?

Isa Agabayani-Buencamino: WOW, or Women of the World, is an all-women global development program and a community for women who want to make an impact and proactively shape the next stage of their careers and lives. We are a growing community of like-minded, relatable, and inspiring women who want to make an impact while determined to live according to our values and purpose. Hundreds of women from 26 countries have participated in the WOW Programmes and Events. Before holding this WOW Soiree in BGC, Manila, we held WOW Soirees in Stockholm (October 2023), New York (June 2023) and Singapore (March 2023). We are thrilled to announce that our upcoming WOW Soiree is scheduled to take place in the heart of London, UK, on June 7, 2024. WOW Soirees are face-to-face events held in locations all over the world. We invite women to gather, listen to inspiring speakers, and network in a vibrant, welcoming, and supportive environment. It is a meeting place for women who support gender equity across different roles and sectors to share ideas and build connections. We are honored to welcome esteemed guest speaker Loida Lewis, a distinguished Business Woman, Philanthropist, and esteemed Global Leader from the Philippines, whose insights promise to inspire and empower attendees. In October 2024, we are excited to announce our inaugural WOW (Women of the World) Retreat set amidst the serene beauty of Bali, Indonesia. This retreat offers a sanctuary for women to rejuvenate, reflect on their accomplishments, strategize for the remainder of 2024, and envision their paths beyond.

Gossip Girl: As one of the founders of WOW, what pushed you to advocate for empowering women?

Isa: WOW was established in 2020 as a response to the issue of under-representation of women in leadership positions in all sectors worldwide. It aims to empower women, regardless of academic or professional background, race, religion, and age, to live their best life, be proud of the woman she is, and achieve whatever goals she sets for themselves. Our online coaching seminars and live soiree focus on bringing clarity of direction and boosting confidence to set stretch goals, achieve them, and sustain personal change. In our global network of WOW alumni, we support each other through masterclasses, face-to-face events, and collaborations. We aim to transform the world through balanced leadership, to create a world where every woman has the power and confidence to pursue her dreams, live her best life, and positively impact her community. We believe that when women are empowered and connected, everyone is uplifted, and the world becomes better. We are a ‘She For She’ alliance that focuses on pro-actively developing our fellow women to do better professionally and personally. It’s very much a sisterhood league at its core.

Gossip Girl: How can our women readers join this community and use your online coaching programs?

Isa: They can email us at [email protected] or check our website at http://wowcoaching.org

Gossip Girl: Should they decide to join your online coaching program and community, what can they expect?

Isa: To summarize, let me give you five points on what you can get from our coaching programs and joining our community:

1. Education and Skills Development: We provide access to quality education and opportunities for skill-building to enable women to enhance their knowledge, capabilities, and confidence, empowering them to pursue their aspirations.

2. Economic Empowerment: We promote economic opportunities, including entrepreneurship, equal pay, and leadership positions. We empower women financially, enabling them to support themselves, their families, and their communities while fostering economic growth and gender equality.

3. Health and Well-being: We provide information so you may have access to healthcare services, reproductive rights, and promotions for physical and mental well-being. We empower women to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, enabling them to thrive personally and professionally.

4. Representation and Participation: We advocate for women's representation and participation in decision-making processes across all sectors, including politics, business, and community leadership. We foster inclusivity, diversity, and equitable opportunities, amplifying women's voices and perspectives.

5. Through our supportive networks and mentorship like WOW (Women of the World) Coaching: We establish a “sisterhood” of supportive networks, mentorship programs, and platforms for women to connect, collaborate, and uplift each other. We foster solidarity, resilience, and professional growth, empowering women to overcome barriers, navigate challenges, and achieve their full potential.