At TGT Global, empowerment isn’t just something we talk about – it’s part of who we are. In fact, 60% of our management team are women, and it’s something we proudly celebrate.
These empowered women in business stand as living proof that leadership grows through purpose, clarity, and heart. In celebration of Women’s Month, we share their stories of growth, resilience, and empowerment that continue to shape TGT’s culture today.
Journeys of growth and determination
Every woman’s path to leadership starts with courage and consistency.
For Julie Lavapiez, Lead Senior Operations Manager, growth means “taking on responsibility and owning your role.” She adds, “I didn’t always have all the answers, but I showed up, followed through, and stayed accountable. Over time, that consistency-built trust.”
TGT’s Senior HR Manager, Mae Anne Tebangin, also began her journey humbly. “I started as a Recruitment Scheduler on a project-based contract,” she recalls. “Over the years, I moved across different areas of HR… Each role gave me a deeper understanding of how people, culture, and business outcomes are connected.”
Ira Marie Bayona, Accounting Lead, reflects the same courage in her story. “I was given opportunities to step beyond my scope and take on responsibilities I once thought were beyond my capabilities,” she says. “Growth often begins with the courage to take on challenges that feel bigger than us.”
Leading with heart and purpose
Leadership at TGT is about intent, empathy, and accountability, the values our women leaders bring to life daily.
Julie approaches leadership with clarity and accountability. She believes that “Leadership means setting expectations, making decisions, and standing by them, even when those decisions are difficult.” Her style is marked by being direct, fair, and present, always supporting her team while keeping them accountable.
Meanwhile, Anne brings empathy into the mix, ensuring her teams have trust, direction, and space to perform at their best. “Leadership is about creating clarity, trust, empathy, and direction, especially during uncertainty,” she explains. “It’s not just about managing people, it’s about enabling them to do their best work.”
For Ira, it’s about creating safe and authentic spaces. “Leadership means creating a space where people can be authentic and feel safe to grow,” she says. “When emotions are acknowledged and guided positively, they can become a strength that helps people move forward and achieve more.”
Shaping the future of the industry
Across roles and departments, these empowered women in business are shaping their industries with balance, empathy, and resilience.
Julie shares that women leaders “focus on results but also pay close attention to people, processes, and long-term impact.” This balanced approach brings stability, consistency, and follow-through to fast-moving industries.
Anne agrees that women bring a holistic view to leadership. “As organizations increasingly focus on employee experience and culture, qualities such as collaboration, empathy, and long-term thinking are becoming key strengths,” she says.
Ira adds, “Women are redefining success by showing that strength and compassion can coexist, creating workplaces where both people and businesses can grow.”
Redefining leadership in today’s world
Leadership is changing, and women are leading that change.
Julie believes that “leadership doesn’t have to be aggressive to be effective.” She adds, “You can be firm, direct, and still respectful.” For her, leadership today is less about authority and more about intention and consistency.
Anne notes that “women are helping redefine leadership as something more collaborative and emotionally intelligent.” This shift, she says, is key to building trust and engagement.
Together, these empowered women in business show that leadership rooted in empathy and balance leads to stronger teams and lasting results.
Empowering the next generation
Each of these women in leadership carries lessons for those who wish to follow in their path.
Julie encourages aspiring leaders, “Don’t wait until you feel ready. Speak up, take ownership, and lead through action. Be clear, intentional, and confident in your leadership.”
Anne adds, “Own your voice and your perspective. Focus on building competence and credibility, confidence grows naturally when you know your craft.”
Ira’s message is simple yet powerful, “Believe in your capability, even before others fully see it.”
These voices reflect the shared truth that leadership is about stepping forward with purpose.
EmpowHERment in motion
TGT’s culture thrives on empowerment in action. We don’t just celebrate a few standout leaders; we celebrate all the amazing women who make our teams thrive. From leading projects to keeping operations running smoothly, every woman here plays a part in shaping our culture and driving our success.
This Women’s Month, we’re celebrating them through a series of activities that nurture both body and mind, wellness sessions, thoughtful tokens, upgraded Friday treats, and inspiring talks with notable speakers and panels.
These initiatives are a celebration and reflection of our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where women feel seen, supported, and valued.
At TGT, empowered women are not only shaping the business but also leading the way toward a future built on growth, balance, and purpose.
