Written by: Allie
Finding direction through opportunity
My journey with ULAP.org began in my second year of college. I had already decided that I wanted to become a Cloud or DevOps engineer, so I started looking for resources that could give me a head start. I was especially interested in cloud computing. While there were many online tutorials available, I felt that learning on my own was not enough. I wanted to speak with experienced professionals, ask questions, and understand what the path truly looked like.
I cannot clearly remember how I came across ULAP.org, but I remember feeling elated because it aligned perfectly with my goals. At a time when I felt lost and unsure of how to begin, it felt like the opportunity I had been looking for.
Through ULAP.org, I earned certifications, attended lessons, workshops, and seminars, and built meaningful connections. More importantly, I found mentorship. For someone living in the province during the pandemic, access to experienced engineers felt almost impossible without an organization like ULAP.org. The guidance and support I received were invaluable.
Because of that mentorship, I was able to further develop my skills, which eventually led to my internship through one of the founders, Marilag. The skills I worked hard to build during that time have now become second nature to me.
Before ULAP.org, I was motivated but uncertain about how to move forward. Today, I am more confident, focused, and secure in the path I chose. Beyond technical skills, ULAP.org shaped my values. Seeing two women establish this organization to uplift young Filipinos in tech inspired me to do the same in my own way. It taught me that mentorship and support are powerful. They turn anxious, uncertain students into capable and confident professionals. That belief continues to influence how I approach my career and how I hope to support others in the future.
What women empowerment means to me
Women empowerment in tech means visibility and representation. From my time in college up to now in the workplace, I have seen how significant the imbalance between men and women is in the tech field. It remains largely male-dominated. I do not say that as a criticism, but as a reality.
Because of that, whenever I see a woman serving as a senior software engineer, technical lead, or in any technical leadership role, it genuinely makes me happy. Representation matters more than people realize. Seeing women in technical and leadership positions sends a powerful message that we belong in these spaces. It gives younger women someone to look up to and makes the goal feel attainable rather than distant. It shifts the mindset from “Can I do this?” to “If she can, I can too.”
In the past, many women were not given the same opportunities to enter or thrive in these spaces. Many lacked access, encouragement, or representation in technical fields. As times continue to change, I believe it is important that we build on that progress and ensure that opportunities remain open and accessible. This is something Marilag and Michelle successfully created through ULAP.org.
Beyond individual success, empowerment in tech also means building communities. Creating spaces where women can share experiences, ask questions, and support one another is just as important as representation in leadership. Community work fosters belonging. It reminds women that they are not alone in their challenges and that their experiences are valid. In these spaces, confidence grows, collaboration happens, and mentorship becomes more accessible.
For me, empowerment is not about competition. It is about expanding the table, creating room for more voices, perspectives, and leadership styles in tech and in the community. It is about support, mentorship, and encouraging more women to take up space confidently. Empowerment happens when women are visible, heard, and given equal opportunities to lead and innovate.
Learning to own my space
One of the challenges I faced was feeling outnumbered and at times, questioning whether I truly belonged in the room. Being in a male-dominated environment can unintentionally make you feel as though you need to prove yourself more, as if your presence must constantly be justified. There were moments when I doubted my skills or hesitated to speak up.
Over time, I learned to shift my focus inward rather than on my environment. Preparation and continuous learning became my anchor. I reminded myself that competence builds confidence. The more I invested in strengthening my technical skills, the more secure I felt in my abilities. Even in my current workplace, where we are still a small group of women, I am fortunate to be surrounded by talented and supportive teammates. That environment reinforced an important lesson: I do not need to shrink myself to fit into a space. I deserve to be there just as much as anyone else.
“Opportunities present themselves to those who have prepared” and “Nothing will work unless you do.” Throughout my journey, I have approached my goals intentionally, carefully planning each step rather than leaving things to chance. Ambition may be where everything begins, but real growth and opportunity come from preparation, persistence, and grit.
A message to women who are just starting
Do it scared.
I’ve had my fair share (sometimes more than my fair share) of nervousness and fear: my first technical exam, my first international trip (solo!), my first meeting with an international client, and many other moments that felt intimidating. Even so, I did it anyway.
The important thing is that I tried because I know deep down that growth doesn’t happen by staying comfortable, no matter how scary it feels. It happens when you take action, even if you’re unsure. There’s nothing more liberating than facing fear and turning it into a valuable lesson for your future self.
Prepare, plan, seek support, and just take that first step.
