By Rhianna Ramos

On Monday, March 2, the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Council officially launched “SiSTEM,” a week-long Women’s Month initiative and fundraiser, through the first session of “STEMinomenon,” held on the second floor of the Formation and Learning Center (FLC).

“SiSTEM” aims to promote gender equality and women empowerment by combining educational discussions with community-based fundraising activities.

“STEMinomenon” serves as a speaker talk series featuring women professionals and advocates in STEM, designed to provide students with insights into leadership, innovation, health, and social responsibility through personal narratives and expert discussions.

The program was held after class from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the first speaker, Dr. Winlove Mojica, delivering a talk entitled “A Window to the Internal Organs: The Eighth Function of the Skin.” 

He discussed dermatology as a field and explained how the skin functions as an indicator of internal health, environmental conditions, and mental well-being.

Dr. Mojica highlighted how certain skin conditions may signal underlying illnesses, stressing the importance of hygiene and preventive care.

The next speaker, Ms. Anya Maria Avila, focused her discussion on her personal journey, stating, “You can lead with softness. You can be gentle when you lead.” 

She also reflected on her non-linear career path and the gender biases she encountered in professional spaces, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and care in leadership.

She recounted that many of her peers initially shared similar career aspirations, noting that she first worked in the banking sector, where she built strong professional relationships and was mentored by three women who supported her growth.

Ms. Avila described how widespread boundary violations, injustices, and the rise in violence against women during the pandemic prompted her to question: “Is this the place I want to be in?”

This realization then led her to pursue ways of intersecting finance with meaningful and impactful work, eventually earning a master’s degree in Women and Development from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.

Moreover, she stated, “My career isn’t a traditional career. I had an authentic voice in me. I had a need and an interest to serve other people,” further highlighting that her academic and professional journey involved a continuous process of unlearning biases and confronting harmful perceptions about women.

Alongside “STEMinomenon,” “SiSTEM” will also feature the Women in STEM Booth Fair — a fundraising activity that supports women-led local businesses, with proceeds directed toward female-centered advocacies.

The booths are set to open on Tuesday, March 3,  as part of the council’s efforts to translate advocacy into concrete community support.

The week-long initiative will continue until Friday, March 6, as the second session of “STEMinomenon” is set to take place at the ASHS Cafeteria at the same after-class schedule, featuring another round of speaker talks.