When Women Dare To Do Tech Differently

In Information Services Group (ISG), women are helping define what it means to build and lead in a world shaped by technology. Their stories show that there is no single “right” path into IT—only the courage to go when the way isn’t clear, and the willingness to dare to do things differently in how we learn, lead, and show up for others. 

Leslie Lim on pursuing IT even when the path doesn’t look perfect  

Leslie’s story is for anyone who has ever loved tech, stumbled along the way, and wondered if that means they don’t belong here. Her journey shows that you can dare to define your own way into IT, even when the “traditional” path doesn’t work out as planned. 

As a 90s kid, we enjoyed experiencing the fast-paced evolution of gadgets — from tapes, to CDs, to DVDs, to iPod, and so on. They made me feel “Techie”, so I always thought it would be cool to be working in the IT industry someday.

When it was time to go to college, I applied to UP. And in UP, they ask what are your 3 choices for your course. My choices were: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Broadcast Communication. Guess what? I failed the Computer courses! I only passed my 3rd choice. In the middle of it, an “IT 101” opened as a subject, so I took it — and this time, I almost failed!

After college, I started working in the Telco industry as a CSR. When things felt like a routine, I took up Masters in Technology Management, where we were taught: you don’t need to be in IT in order to manage technology.

In today’s very modern world, whether you are in fashion or in farming, you will inevitably acquire and maintain some technology.

So if your daughter, your niece, or your younger sister feels that “IT isn’t for her” but really loves it, I would tell her not to be afraid because she will be in “IT” — it’s just a matter of time. She just has to prepare herself for “IT”, and “IT” will come. :)

Simi Claveria on taking up space in tech and letting passion lead you  

Where Leslie talks about finding your way in, Simi speaks to what happens next: choosing to take up space. Her story reflects the courage to go into rooms that may feel intimidating and the decision to do it differently by letting passion, not perfection, lead.

Women, in any field, are meant to take up space. If you love IT, that alone is reason enough to pursue it. I didn’t originally plan to go into IT myself, yet I found my way here and discovered a sense of purpose and joy in the work.

Sometimes the path chooses you just as much as you choose it. Fear is natural, especially when stepping into spaces that may feel unfamiliar or intimidating but passion is a powerful compass. Start small. Build your skills steadily.

Speak up, even when your voice shakes. Be open to learning, to growth, and to the many directions IT can take you because it truly can take you places you never imagined.

And as you learn to navigate different personalities and challenges, you’ll realize that you don’t just belong in this industry, you are capable of shaping it.

Rhea Lucas on empathy, vulnerability, and human-centered leadership as a superpower  

Rhea brings a different angle to courage in tech: leading with empathy and vulnerability in a space that often prioritizes speed and output. Her story dares to redefine what strong leadership looks like in IT, centering on the culture and care we build within teams. 

Women are every bit as technically capable as our male counterparts; we architect systems, write elegant code, and solve problems with the same intellectual rigor and precision as anyone in the IT field.

Our quiet and extraordinary differentiator is the culture we build within our teams. As women, we carry a remarkable capacity for empathy, emotional availability, and the courage to lead vulnerably — and in a field powered by people, that is everything. Empathy helps us see what data can't: the burnout behind a missed deadline, the hesitation beneath a silent teammate. Emotional availability creates the psychological safety that makes teams speak up early, take bold creative risks, and show up even when it's hard. And vulnerability — the willingness to say "I don't have all the answers, let's figure this out together" — is the fastest route to trust and real innovation.

So to every young woman eyeing this field: bring your whole self. Your technical mind is sharp enough, your ideas are bold enough, and your humanity isn't something to apologize for — it's your greatest leadership advantage.

Ana Panganiban on anchoring growth in courage, faith, and values  

Where Rhea highlights how we lead others, Ana turns inward—showing that daring to do it differently in tech can also mean measuring success by alignment with your purpose and values. Her journey reveals how courage can be quiet, steady, and deeply rooted in faith and intention. 

Over nearly two decades in tech, each new role required the courage—and joy—to learn, adapt, and step into the unknown. Along the way, there were victories, seasons of waiting, and countless opportunities to grow. My journey as a child of God, a wife, a mother of three, 

and a woman in tech has been shaped by change and uncertainty, guided by humility, 

faith, patience, and the unwavering support of my family, mentors, and collaborators.

Through it all, I discovered that returning to my purpose gives me direction whenever 

the path feels uncertain.

These experiences continue to humble me and remind me that growth begins when I choose courage over comfort, remain open to learning, and keep moving forward with gratitude. I’ve learned that professional accomplishments are most meaningful when they align with personal values.

True influence is not measured by titles or achievements, but by the people I uplift through the consistency of my words, the integrity of my actions, and the compassion I bring every day.

Fear and criticism may exist, and work can challenge our health or family time, but I choose not to let them define my decisions. Growth happens when courage leads, guided by heart, intention, empathy, and faith. Technology will evolve, strategies will shift, and organizations will transform. By embracing new possibilities like AI while holding on to timeless values—empathy, deep listening, and good intention—I can create progress that is both meaningful and human. For me, CHANGE is more than innovation; it is transforming value and lives, including my own.

And as the scripture says "Let all the things you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

Joie Cunanan on “doing things scared” and leading with courage grounded in integrity  

Joie’s story brings us back to the moments of uncertainty we all encounter—new roles, big decisions, high-stakes conversations—and shows how courage to go often looks like moving forward even when you don’t feel ready. Her way of leading dares to normalize learning in public and making bravery contagious.

As a woman navigating the tech landscape, my personal superpower is courage grounded in integrity — the ability to lead even when I don’t feel completely ready. I live by the mantra “doing things scared.”  IT has not always felt easy for me; while I chose this field and learned to love it, there are moments when I quietly wonder if it loves me back.

In a space filled with brilliant minds who thrive on deep technical expertise, it can be intimidating. But I’ve learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s showing up despite it.

Whether stepping into challenging discussions, driving complex initiatives, or making decisions that impact my team, I move forward anyway. I ask questions, listen deeply, and commit to learning what I need because I believe everything is figure-out-able and growth is always possible. 

This mindset strengthens not just me, but my team — when I choose courage, I create space for others to do the same; when I admit I’m still learning, I make learning safe for everyone.

I anchor all of this in integrity, because in technology, reliability isn’t just about systems and solutions — it’s about trust. I strive to be transparent, accountable, and fair, building stability even in fast-moving environments. I may not always be the most technical person in the room, but I bring resilience, clarity, and a steady presence, creating an environment where people feel supported and the work remains strong even in uncertainty — and to me, that is a superpower.

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Together, Leslie, Simi, Rhea, Ana, and Joie show us what courage means—each of them is reshaping what it means to be a woman in tech at Globe.

They remind us that every woman, regardless of title, has the power to influence how we build, collaborate, and innovate. And when more of us choose courage, challenge old expectations, and dare to do things differently, we don’t just move our own careers forward—we transform the culture around us and go forward together.

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