An intimate mentoring afternoon with Loida Nicolas Lewis

Philstar.com

January 26, 2026 | 10:00am

MANILA, Philippines — BPW Ayala Makati recently hosted an exclusive Meet, Greet and Mentoring Session with Loida Nicolas Lewis at SPACES in PNB Makati Center last January 15.

The intimate gathering brought together women leaders and advocates, such as Ambassador Yuliia Fediv of the Embassy of Ukraine to the Philippines, Myrna Yao, president of International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Philippines), and president and founder of Richprime Global Inc., and other women entrepreneurs for an afternoon defined by meaningful dialogue and quiet inspiration.

Designed as a close, conversation-driven experience, the event reflected BPW Ayala Makati’s commitment to creating spaces where women can connect across generations, industries and life stages.

The session was led by BPW Ayala Makati president Ailene Chua, whose vision centers on fostering mentorship-driven platforms that support women’s leadership and professional growth.

A conversation on intentional living

A highlight of the session was the discussion around Lewis’s latest book, Look Younger, When You’re Older. Framed as a philosophy of intentional living, the conversation explored themes of self-respect and caring for oneself while carrying leadership responsibilities.

Attendees engaged with Lewis in thoughtful exchange, exchanging ideas on leadership longevity, navigating bias, sustaining ambition and building a life anchored in purpose.

Participants described the afternoon as both affirming and energizing—an opportunity not only to listen, but to reflect on their own journeys while learning from someone who has navigated global arenas with resilience and grace.

A trailblazing life across law, business and advocacy

Born in Sorsogon, Philippines, Lewis made history as the first Filipina and Asian woman to pass the New York State Bar without having studied Law in the US. She later served as a general attorney for the US Immigration and Naturalization Service after winning a landmark discrimination case against the agency.

Her leadership extended into the corporate world as chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice International, the multinational food company built by her late husband, Wall Street financier Reginald Lewis.

Under her stewardship, the company thrived, cementing her reputation as a formidable and principled business leader.

Global impact and continuing influence

Beyond business, Lewis has remained a lifelong advocate for equity and representation. She co-founded the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), the largest coalition of Filipino-American organizations in the US, helping shape national conversations around immigrant representation and civic engagement.

Her enduring impact was recently recognized through her 2024 nomination by US President Joe Biden to the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, as well as the State of New York’s proclamation of December 20, 2024 as “Loida Nicolas Lewis Day.”

A space for connection and continuity

The event was made possible through the support of BPW Ayala Makati’s valued partners, including International Workplace Group, Bukoffee, PXL Prozone Xpress Logistics Inc., and A-List and Partners Consulting Group Inc., whose collaboration helped create a welcoming and thoughtfully curated setting for the mentoring session.

For BPW Ayala Makati, the gathering underscored the value of intentional leadership spaces, where stories are honored, wisdom is shared and women are reminded that success can be both powerful and humane.

Editor’s Note: This press release from BPW Ayala Makati is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.