Written by: Mary Jane Calulang
How I found ULAP.org
My journey with ULAP.org began when I saw their post about the training program. As someone aspiring to build a career in Cloud and DevOps, I knew that kind of guidance and training would be invaluable, so I applied.
ULAP.org helped me realize that my past experiences, like not being allowed to choose certain electives in junior high because I was a girl, should not define or limit my future. Instead of letting that hold me back, I used it as motivation. ULAP.org gave me the confidence to reclaim my path and pursue what I was once discouraged from exploring.
Choosing my path
One challenge I faced was not being allowed to choose ICT-related electives in junior high simply because I was a girl. Because of this, I often think about how different things might have been if I had started earlier.
There were moments when I questioned myself and wondered if I was already behind. But instead of letting that doubt stop me, I made a conscious decision to pursue Computer Science in college to fulfill the passion I wasn’t allowed to explore before. I chose to start anyway.
That experience taught me that even if you don’t start early, you can still start strong.
What women empowerment means to me
Women empowerment in tech means creating spaces where women are seen, heard, and taken seriously. It’s about breaking stereotypes and proving that skill, intelligence, and leadership are not defined by gender.
A message to women who are starting
There will be moments when you feel discouraged, and that’s completely normal. But don’t let doubt define you. Sometimes the best response to limitations and stereotypes is quiet determination and consistent effort.
“The road to success is always under construction.”
