March 14, 2025 – The Rizal Technological University (RTU) Gender Studies and Development Office (GSDO) held a transformational seminar titled #GREATWomen Project: The Industry Changemakers on March 14, 2025, at the Blue Room, R&D Building, RTU Mandaluyong Main Campus. This event was organized in support of the Philippine Commission on Women, in celebration of National Women’s Month.
The seminar, hosted by Instr. Christian Paul T. Mendoza, kicked off with an energizing icebreaker that encouraged participants to engage with one another through music and movement. Setting the tone for an inspiring session, GSDO Director, Instr. Shereen Yanna Cadileña, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s potential and advocating for gender equality. She stressed that when women are given platforms to showcase their skills, they thrive, succeed, and drive meaningful change.
The first speaker, Mr. Aljec “Aj” Q. Candelasa, Assistant Vice President of Vista Land Elite, delivered a compelling talk on sales strategies and the importance of resilience in business. He discussed key principles such as empathetic listening, building personal connections, and leveraging referral networks to strengthen client relationships. His communication strategies included inclusive language, relatable storytelling, and active engagement. To boost confidence, he emphasized preparation, positive self-talk, and open body language. He also delved into digital sales strategies, covering social media engagement, email marketing, and virtual meetings. Acknowledging the challenges in sales, he shared strategies for reframing rejection, practicing self-care, and developing support networks. He concluded by highlighting the significance of authenticity, transparent communication, and continuous learning in sustaining long-term sales success.
The second speaker, Mr. Aljon Q. Candelasa, explored the mindset of a highly effective seller. He emphasized the importance of understanding one’s purpose, maintaining clear intent, focusing on controllable factors, and listening more than speaking. He introduced the H.E.A.R.T. technique, a strategic approach to client engagement: Have a pool of relevant questions, Empathize with the client’s concerns, Assist the client in staying on topic, Remember key pain points, and Thank the client for sharing. Additionally, he encouraged participants to adopt a growth mindset, commit fully to their goals, and ignore negativity. He concluded by discussing common reasons for failure in sales and how to overcome them through perseverance and self-improvement.
The third speaker, Ms. Ma. Katrina Luzano, founder of Kreativedge Digital Marketing Services, shared her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of mindset and perseverance. She reinforced key takeaways from previous speakers, drawing from her own experiences in business. Ms. Luzano underscored that entrepreneurial success does not happen overnight. Instead, it requires dedication, resilience, and patience to navigate challenges and achieve long-term growth. Her story served as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that perseverance is essential in overcoming setbacks and making meaningful progress.
The final speaker, Ms. Ianne Russell Florendo, Process and Project Manager and owner of Udenna Environmental Services and Fleuren Dried Flower, shared insights into waste management operations and project handling. She highlighted her experience in completing 21 industry-related projects and introduced her structured approach: Plan It (develop a solid plan), Boss It (execute effectively), and Slay It (adhere to timelines and anticipate challenges with backup plans). She emphasized that project management is constantly evolving and stressed the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and upskilling—especially for women—to stay competitive in the industry.
Rizal Technological University (RTU) continues to champion women’s empowerment and leadership by actively supporting initiatives such as the #GREATWomen Project seminar. Through GSDO’s efforts, RTU reaffirms its commitment to providing opportunities for women to thrive in various industries. By fostering education, skill development, and mentorship programs, the university ensures that women are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to excel in their chosen fields and make significant contributions to society.
