SM Supermalls’ 6th International Women’s Summit honors women’s excellence and ingenuity

Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by SM Supermalls and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.

SM Supermalls celebrated women’s empowerment and brilliance during its 6th International Women’s Summit: “The Future is Hers. Create. Lead. Thrive.” at Samsung Hall, SM Aura.

In celebration of the 115th International Women’s Day, the annual summit featured compelling conversations and engaging activities highlighting women’s growing influence across creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship, underscoring SM Supermalls’ commitment to recognizing women’s role in strengthening communities.

In her opening remarks, Jica Sy, SM Prime Holdings vice president and head of design, innovation, and strategy, honored the women who came before us and encouraged the younger generation to continue lending their voices to building a more inclusive society. She also reflected on her struggles with perfectionism and the fear that the world would fall apart if she made a mistake, sharing how advice from an aunt helped her realize the importance of doing her best in every endeavor and making the best decision when the moment calls for it.

“We often think the future belongs to those who are ready, but it truly belongs to those who are willing to begin, even when we’re unsure or afraid of getting it wrong. Today is not just a celebration of the progress we’ve made, but a reminder of what we are building, what we stand for, and who we are becoming. The future will move whether we like it or not, but the real question is: will we women simply move with it, or will we define that movement?”

Speakers from various backgrounds and disciplines graced the stage at SM Aura for the annual summit. These included MindNation co-founder Cat Triviño, host and podcaster Joyce Pring-Triviño, actress and mental health advocate Gabbi Garcia, content creator Belle Rodolfo, Connected Women co-founder Gina Romero, TikTok Philippines’ Eleanor Aguas, SoFA Design Institute co-founder Amina Aranaz, GRWM Cosmetics co-founder Mae Layug-Madriñan, and The Editor’s Market Philippines co-owner Erica Dee-Poe.

Through thoughtful panel discussions, each speaker shared insights on how women are shaping the future of creativity, technology, mental well-being, and business through purpose-driven initiatives that uplift communities.

Triviño, Pring-Triviño, and Garcia emphasized the importance of setting and defining boundaries online, noting that safeguarding one’s mental health is critical to long-term growth. 

Meanwhile, Rodolfo, Romero, and Aguas discussed how women are continuously leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen their personal brands and inspire communities. They encouraged women to view artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies not as threats, but as tools that amplify creativity and originality.

In the final panel discussion, Aranaz, Madriñan, and Poe shared their experiences as women entrepreneurs in growing their respective businesses, overcoming mental setbacks, and building inclusive workspaces.

They reflected on how women’s emotional sensitivity was once perceived as a weakness. Today, however, there is growing recognition of the value of leading organizations with empathy. When leaders lead with heart, entrepreneurship evolves from being purely transactional to deeply relational.

“At SM Supermalls, our message is simple: All For You. It’s about service and creating spaces and opportunities where others can thrive. And that is especially important for women,” said SM Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing and leasing Hanna Carinna Sy.

“When women support each other, when we step forward even while we’re still figuring things out, that’s when real change happens. So let’s keep showing up, lifting each other, and moving forward with courage together. Because when women rise, we don’t rise alone.”

SM Supermalls’ International Women’s Summit reasserted your most-loved mall’s commitment to creating spaces and holding events where women’s voices are valued and celebrated.

Thoughtfully curated All For You, the summit spotlighted women leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs — and their continued commitment to breaking barriers and making a positive impact on society. — Rappler.com