The De La Salle University (DLSU) Society of Proactive Role Models Inspiring Total Development (SPRINT) returned in March with EmpowHER 2026, a yearly flagship celebration of Women’s Month under the College of Computer Studies. With the theme “Her Future Reinvented,” the initiative placed a spotlight on women in the technology industry with the goal of reimagining possibilities, challenging existing barriers, and shaping a future where women continue to lead and thrive in the field.

As part of EmpowHER 2026, SPRINT hosted its main event, “Beyond the Cover” last March 11, 2026 at the Brother Andrew Gonzales Hall of DLSU, featuring an insightful panel discussion between women from tech-related fields who shared their experiences working in environments often considered male-dominated.

Hosted by Kimberly Pua and Mary Therese Necio of Archers Network, the official online television network organization of DLSU, the event kicked off with some opening remarks delivered by Kristin Palacio, the project head for externals. “As barriers continue to be broken and opportunities continue to expand, more women are stepping forward to lead, innovate, and shape the future of technology,” she said.

The panel featured China Ortiz, a DLSU CCS student who served as the 39th president of the La Salle Computer Society; Ayami Lui, the head of GCash Performance Marketing Strategy and Data team and former DLSU CCS College president; Kassandra Alexei So, a Game Development major at DLSU focused on creating data-driven, and playable solutions; and Almira Coleen Montero, a support specialist at Power Mac dedicated to helping educators and learners become proficient with Apple technology.

The event drew an audience of over 80 students and centered on the panelists’ personal journeys through the technology industry, the challenges they faced navigating male-dominated spaces, and the issues that women continue to face today. The speakers also shared advice for young, aspiring female leaders seeking to enter the field.

Ortiz encouraged the audience to “fall in love with the process” as she reflected on the difficulties she had navigating her internship at Procter & Gamble. Meanwhile, Montero urged students to “do it scared,” highlighting the importance of pursuing one's passion despite uncertainties.

The event underscored that gender is not a disadvantage in the technology industry. Rather it is passion, determination, and resilience that drives one towards success, reinforcing the importance of creating spaces where women are empowered to grow.

EmpowHER 2026 concluded with its culminating event “Culminight,” which was held online on March 18, 2026. Despite the shift in modality, the event drew over 50 attendees.

The event recognized women from the De La Salle University College of Computer Studies who excelled in academics, extracurricular involvement, and made positive, meaningful contributions to the community.

Four awardees were chosen that night including Avery Chu, the vice president for Activities of SPRINT, who received the Lovelace Award for Academics; Alexa Canaria, a former dancer for the La Salle Dance Company, who was given the Lamarr Award for Extracurriculars; and Jules Valenciano, the vice chair of the DLSU Association for Computing Machinery and former Batch Legislator for CATCH2T28, who received the Spärck-Jones Award for Impact to the Community.

Last but certainly not the least, Trish Aguarin, the chief of staff of the Computer Studies Government, was recognized with both the Spärck-Jones Award for Impact to the Community and the Hopper Award for Overall Excellence.

Overall, EmpowHER 2026 served as a reminder to DLSU students about the importance of uplifting the women around us, as well as creating spaces where they may feel empowered. Through its series of events, the female-centered initiative emphasized the value of representation, resilience, and community in encouraging more women to pursue and thrive in the ever-expanding field of technology.