In line with the celebration of Women’s Month, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos is set to grace Go Negosyo’s Women Entrepreneurship Summit today, Saturday, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

“In the 17 years that we’ve worked closely with MSMEs, we found that women make the most resourceful, creative, and determined entrepreneurs.

That’s why we make it a point, since early in Go Negosyo’s history, to always dedicate one of our events to honoring women entrepreneurs,” said Joey Concepcion, chairperson of Go Negosyo.

Themed “Celebrating Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs,” the Women Entrepreneurship Summit 2023 seeks to highlight the role of women in various fields, including innovation, technology, trade, and business leadership, and recognize women who have excelled in these fields.

Joining the First Lady are US Ambassador Marykay Carlson, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez.

“The event also presents successful business models that women can venture into, and inspires the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders to pursue their dreams, build their businesses, and make a positive impact on society,” Concepcion said.

Part of the engagement is the annual Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurship Awards, which is given to outstanding Filipina entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a meaningful impact in their communities.

More than 200 outstanding women entrepreneurs have received the award since its inception.

Philippine Retailers Association president and Wilcon Depot SEVP Rosemarie Ong chaired this year’s Inspiring Filipina Awards, while ASEAN BAC Philippines and Go Negosyo Senior Adviser Josephine Romero will preside over the awarding ceremonies.

The Women Entrepreneurship Summit 2023 will also be a day of insightful discussion and inspiring stories.

To discuss their journey in the male-dominated world of tech are Angkas founder Angeline Tham, Kumu VP and She Talks Asia co-founder Victoria Herrera, GrowSari CMO Maimai Punzalan, and Kindred Health CEO Jessica de Mesa.

Business-minded beauties Ms. Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz and Ms. Universe Philippines (Agusan del Norte) Jannarie Zarzoso will share their entrepreneurial journeys in their post-pageant lives, while Amina Aranaz-Alunan will talk about being a first-mover in the fashion accessories business.

Jessica Wilson of Sunnies Face will give her insights on what it takes to build a trusted brand, while content creator Nana Silayro will talk about purpose and celebrating individuality. Celebrity mom Melai Cantiveros-Francisco will give a special interview.

Lydia’s Lechon founder Lydia de Roca, Ate Rica’s Bacsilog owner Rica Peñalosa, and mother-daughter tandem Mary Grace Dimacali and Marian Dimacali Calaquian of Mary Grace will recount what it takes to succeed in the food business.

Inspiring Filipina entrepreneurs will participate in a forum on what it takes to succeed as a woman entrepreneur, including Eggluck owner Luck Pedro, House of Musa founder Gleizl Joy Soo, Arkat Lawanen chair Amielyn Limbona, and Something Nice CEO Rosanna Kabiling. To liven things up, celebrity vlogger Macoy Dubs will give a talk in his “Lisa B.” persona about diversity and inclusivity.

Go Negosyo will also conduct free entrepreneurship mentoring sessions simultaneous with the event, while sponsors offering assistance on capital and access to markets will be on hand, including Esquire Financing Inc., which will offer interest-free loans of P50,000 to attendees of the Women Entrepreneurs Summit.