Women make an impact across industries throughout the year, but March puts a special spotlight on celebrating and recognizing their achievements. Women's growing influence and leadership continue to shape the planning and experience of communities and spaces.

In celebration of Women’s Month, Manila Bulletin Property & Living asked leaders to reflect on the shift toward greater representation of women and their advice to others rising from the ranks.

The real estate and construction industries may have been historically male-dominated, but what is shifting today is not just representation—it is the definition of leadership.

I stepped into full leadership during one of the most challenging seasons of my life—navigating personal loss, health battles, and the responsibility of carrying forward a family legacy all at once. That period taught me something foundational: we cannot control circumstances, but we can control our response.

In high-pressure industries, that mindset becomes a powerful advantage.

To rising women executives, my advice is to cultivate mental mastery. Develop the discipline to regulate emotion, respond instead of reacting, and make decisions based on clarity rather than fear. Composure under pressure earns respect.

Do not feel compelled to imitate traditional leadership styles. Authority does not require aggression. Strength does not require hardness. Emotional intelligence, preparation, discernment, and conviction are strategic assets.

There may be moments when you are the only woman at the table. Prepare deeply. Speak deliberately. Stand firmly in your values.

Anchor your ambition in purpose. When your work is meaningful, confidence becomes steady and unshakeable.

The next generation of women leaders will not just participate in the industry—they will redefine it.

Women make up a bigger percentage in the real estate industry as agents and sales executives.

In recent years, there is a growing number of women, not just in buying residences, but as principal executives, CEOs, and decision makers, whether single or married.

As a principal architect/designer/builder and now going into building and selling, I think being a woman is advantageous since I put my heart at the forefront to ensure the salability of every design. The spatial experience and design should always evoke an emotion to like, to love, and eventually to build or 'buy.' Alongside these are being detailed-oriented, communicative, and organized.

These are effective and powerful combos ensuring a steady stream of projects and developments in the real estate industry.

It is essential to clearly understand your “why.” A strong sense of purpose serves as an anchor when making decisions, particularly when balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments. Knowing your “why” helps you remain focused, prioritize effectively, and manage both the visible and invisible demands we carry as women leaders. It allows you to make intentional daily choices based on what matters most in each moment—whether at work or at home.

In my 20 years of practice within a traditionally male-dominated industry, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating leadership as a woman. Women leaders today are called to be both firm and empathetic, progressive yet respectful of the foundations laid before us. Lead by example, we demonstrate that success is attainable and, in doing so, inspire others to believe that if we can achieve it, they can as well.

Equally important is self-awareness—understanding your strengths and areas for growth. When you embrace both, you create space to break beyond conventional expectations, and allow creativity and authenticity to shape your leadership style. True empowerment comes from curiosity, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships in both professional and personal spheres.

Growth requires stepping beyond your comfort zone and adapting to a fast-paced, evolving world while remaining grounded in who you are. Finally, effective leadership also means knowing when to delegate, when to step back and mentor, and when to take decisive control. Striking this balance enables women to thrive in the many roles they are called to fulfill—without losing sight of their purpose or identity.

From being historically male-dominated, the real estate industry is steadily evolving, with more women stepping into leadership roles. As a leader and mentor, my advice to rising women executives in real estate is simple:

Keep showing up. Showing up creates opportunities—often the ones you never anticipated. Each meeting, conversation, and challenge can open doors to new possibilities. Consistency builds visibility, credibility, and momentum.

Keep learning. No matter your age or experience, there is always something new to learn from the people around you. Every experience—whether positive or difficult—carries a lesson that will serve you at the right time. Never be afraid to ask questions. People are often willing to share their knowledge if you are willing to listen and grow.

Keep going. Success is never achieved overnight. There will be moments when giving up feels easier than pushing forward. What defines you is not how many times you fall, but how many times you rise—stronger and wiser each time. Resilience is what ultimately makes the journey worthwhile.

Advice for rising women in real estate

The real estate industry is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from a historically male-dominated landscape toward a future defined by diverse leadership. For rising women executives, navigating this transition requires a blend of mental fortitude, relentless work ethic, and strategic team building.

1. The courage to speak

In environments where you may be the only woman in the room, it is easy to feel intimidated. However, your perspective is a competitive advantage. If you have an insight you believe to be true or a correction that is vital to the project, be brave and speak your mind. Do not wait for permission to be heard; your expertise is your seat at the table.

2. Acknowledge the effort gap

It is a hard truth that women often have to exert more effort than their male counterparts to achieve the same level of recognition. Rather than letting this reality become a source of frustration, accept it as a functional fact. By consistently out-preparing and out-performing the field, you build a reputation for excellence that becomes impossible to ignore.

3. Cultivate a complementary power circle

Success in executive leadership is rarely a solo endeavor. Focus on two key pillars:

Find a quality mentor: Seek a guide who offers honest feedback and understands the unique hurdles of the industry.

Build a diverse team: Surround yourself with professionals whose strengths complement your own. A leader’s true power lies in her ability to assemble a team that covers her blind spots and amplifies the collective output.

By pairing a fearless voice with a high-performance team, you don’t just reach the top—you redefine what it means to lead.

Across the world, it is encouraging to see more women stepping into the real estate and development sector. This reflects how the industry is evolving beyond traditions that once overlooked women’s strengths. Women leaders bring fresh perspectives and a strong sense of purpose to development, design, and leadership, approaching projects not only with a focus on structures and profit, but also with thoughtful consideration for the people, communities, and environments we shape.

This philosophy guides our work at Livingsprings Communities. We strive to set the benchmark for sustainable, green, and conscientious design and practices. For the past 15 years, we have worked to connect people with nature and create calm, distinctive living experiences in every community we build.

Equally valuable are the patience, attention to detail, and sense of balance that many women bring to the field. These strengths support thoughtful planning, careful refinement of ideas, and excellence at every stage of development. Women leaders also often model healthier workplace cultures by encouraging rest, self-care, and positivity, recognizing that when teams feel supported and balanced, they produce their most meaningful and inspired work.

To every young woman who dreams of building, designing, or leading: dream boldly. Seek guidance through prayer, trust your path, and take that leap of faith. Do not allow others to define your limits or place you in a box. You were never meant to fit inside one. Do your best and let that be enough, and when you grow tired, allow yourself to rest, knowing that tomorrow always brings new hope and new opportunities.