For ages, Kens have molded the world to be a Mojo Dojo Casa House, dominating all fields, leaving Barbies with almost nothing. However, Barbies have started to stand up, take their rightful space, and play the fields that the Kens have been playing in for a few decades now.
In the realm of academic excellence, Southwestern University PHINMA continues to emerge as one of the top performing institutions in the region. With its ever-growing community and remarkable board exam performances over the years, one can truly wonder: “Who are the people leading this esteemed university?”
Spoiler alert: SWU PHINMA is led by women.
This Barbie is making people’s lives better.
From the helm of the institution sits the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Cheryl Jane Chan, whose unwavering dedication to make other people’s lives better mirrors the perseverance of generations of women who have paved the way.
“PHINMA is really true to its mission in making lives better, and one of its segments is education, which I think really plays an important role in improving poverty in our country,” she said.
When asked about her biggest achievement in life, she humbly said that it is to be a part of PHINMA Education which has over 140,000 students under its cloud.
“I make a difference in these 140,000 lives. That’s an accomplishment for me,” she added.
From working in different places as an accountant, University comptroller, and now SWU’s COO, she symbolizes the evolution of a leader who ceaselessly seeks new avenues to contribute positively to society. Her aspirations chapter in the institution’s greater story — a story that recognizes that leadership, in its truest form, is about making a lasting impact on the lives of many.
This Barbie is a beacon of transformation.
Beyond the classrooms and corridors of the university lies the heart of student services, where a woman at the forefront shapes the provision of care and support. Meet Josephine Cartalla, affectionately known to nearly every SWUdent as “Maam Jho,” a real-life embodiment of the modern-day Barbie.
As the school’s Director of Student Services and Development, she doesn’t just oversee student operations; she crafts an environment where care and support flourish. With eight years of dedicated service to the Cobras community, she stands as a beacon of guidance, ensuring that each student’s journey is academically enriching and emotionally fulfilling.
“I believe every student deserves not only quality education, but also a nurturing and thriving campus experience”, she expressed.
She also stated that she finds her job most fulfilling when she sees the needs of the students being met and witnesses their happiness and productivity. Her influence extends far beyond the mundane corridors of the university. She isn’t merely a part of the system; she’s a driving force behind its progress.
This Barbie is an emblem of empowerment.
Venturing into the vibrant realm of student governance, Communications student Marhea Andrhea Alberastine sits as the President of SWU’s Supreme Student Government.
“In my term, we have observed how the majority of the governors representing the college departments are women. I met them and saw the exceptional skills and potential of these women leaders,” she stated.
As a woman leader, she reflects on the misconception that empathy equates to weakness. Yet, she stands firmly in her belief that empathy is a cornerstone of effective leadership.
Alberastine redefines student leadership, proving that youth and gender need not be limitations. She embodies the spirit of Greta Gerwig’s reimagined Barbie, embracing the multifaceted nature of her identity while reshaping the narrative of student representation.
This Barbie is fearless.
Navigating to the heart of the school’s publication, this next Barbie is a model of truth and justice.
Rochyne Daphne Kate Sapio, a sixth-year Optometry student, is the current Editor in Chief of The Quill — SWU’s official student publication. Her leadership isn’t just about words on paper; it’s about amplifying voices that challenge, provoke, and enlighten.
“The publication has always been true to our goal of being the voice of the voiceless so we make sure that every concern is heard,” she said.
She also shared that one of the biggest hurdles of being a woman leader is “getting people, especially men, to follow orders from you without being called bossy.”
Sapio stands tall as a beacon of courage, proving that leadership is not restricted by gender but is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and conviction.
In a world where traditional notions of leadership have often been cast in rigid molds, this medical university stands as a living proof to the power of women leadership. This institution’s women leaders do not only break stigmas; they prove that the pursuit of excellence and service transcends societal expectations.
As of July 2023, SWU PHINMA boasts 343 women out of 595 academic and non-academic personnel, proving that leadership knows no gender bounds. In SWU PHINMA, it’s clear: girls truly run the world.
