EIC of Leading Women Magazine Gathers Distinguished Women Leaders to Celebrate International Women’s Month at THE LIST 2026

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Leading Women Magazine, under the leadership of Publisher, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief Grace Bondad Nicolas, gathered an inspiring community of distinguished leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and advocates for THE LIST 2026 at the Chairman’s Lounge of Okada Manila.

The elegant evening was more than an awards ceremony, it was a celebration of influence, responsibility, and the growing impact of women across industries and nations. The event also marked the launch of Beyond Protocol, an initiative by Irene Wicklein that strengthens connections among members of the diplomatic community, particularly the spouses of ambassadors who play meaningful roles in cultural diplomacy, social initiatives, and international cooperation.

Together, the celebration reflected the true essence of International Women’s Month, recognizing women whose presence and purpose shape societies beyond borders.

 

Leadership in Focus: Senator Grace Poe as Keynote Speaker

At the heart of the evening was keynote speaker, presenter, and honoree Grace Poe, whose message highlighted the critical role of governance in empowering women, protecting children, and strengthening families.

Senator Poe emphasized that leadership is not measured by title alone but by the policies and programs that improve lives. Her speech underscored the importance of legislation that addresses fundamental needs such as healthcare, nutrition, and education—areas that directly affect women and future generations.

Among the laws she highlighted was the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, institutionalizing a national feeding program that supports children’s health and academic performance. She also spoke about the First 1,000 Days Act, which provides vital healthcare and nutrition programs for mothers and infants, recognizing that early childhood development significantly influences long-term national growth.

According to Poe, empowering mothers means strengthening families, and strengthening families contributes to nation-building. Her keynote message reinforced that public service must always be guided by compassion, inclusivity, and foresight.

She also reflected on the influence of her mother, Susan Roces, whose discipline and grace shaped her values of responsibility and integrity. Her personal narrative illustrated how leadership often begins at home, rooted in lessons of humility, perseverance, and service.

During the program, Senator Poe also acknowledged the contributions of Grace Bondad Nicolas and her mother Remy Bondad, emphasizing the importance of family support systems in shaping confident and purpose-driven leaders.

 

Launch of Beyond Protocol: Diplomacy with Heart

A significant highlight of the evening was the launch of Beyond Protocol, led by Irene Wicklein, which gathered spouses of ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community. The initiative recognizes that diplomacy extends beyond formal meetings, it also thrives through cultural understanding, humanitarian collaboration, and shared advocacies.

The presence of diplomatic spouses from various embassies demonstrated how international partnerships can contribute to meaningful causes, including education, social welfare, arts, and cultural exchange. Beyond Protocol aims to provide a platform for collaboration among women who play influential yet often understated roles in strengthening international relations.

Their presence added a global dimension to the celebration, reinforcing how women contribute not only to national progress but also to international dialogue and cooperation.

 

Grace Bondad Nicolas: Media as a Platform for Influence

In her welcome remarks, Grace Bondad Nicolas highlighted the responsibility of media in amplifying stories that inspire change. As Editor-in-Chief of Leading Women Magazine, she emphasized that storytelling plays a crucial role in shaping perspectives and encouraging future leaders

According to Nicolas, media is more than a platform, it is a bridge that connects voices to audiences, ideas to action, and leadership to impact.

She underscored that THE LIST was created not only to recognize achievement but to provide visibility to women whose journeys can inspire the next generation. Each story featured by the magazine represents dedication, discipline, and purpose, values that contribute to a culture of integrity and collaboration.

Her speech emphasized that leadership today is defined not only by position but by contribution. Women continue to shape industries, challenge norms, and create opportunities that benefit communities.

Grace Bondad Nicolas also highlighted that International Women’s Month serves as a reminder that every story of courage and perseverance contributes to a broader narrative of empowerment.

Honoring Women Across Industries

THE LIST 2026 brought together influential women from diverse sectors, demonstrating the multifaceted impact of female leadership:

• Grace Poe – Senator of the Philippines

• Saija Nurminen – Ambassador of Finland

• Titanilla Tóth – Ambassador of Hungary

• Dana Kursh – Ambassador of Israel

• Cory Quirino – Wellness Advocate and Media Personality

• Chi Atienza – Vice Mayor of Manila

• Glenda Hufano – Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District

• Glenda Dela Cruz – CEO, Brilliant Skin Essentials

• Victorina Hesti Dewayani – Chargé d’Affaires of Indonesia

Each honoree represents excellence in public service, diplomacy, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian work. Their leadership journeys demonstrate how influence can translate into meaningful initiatives that benefit communities.

 

Women as Pillars of Nation-Building

THE LIST 2026 reflects the continuing evolution of women’s roles in governance, diplomacy, business, and advocacy. The event emphasized that women are not only participants in progress, they are architects of transformation.

From legislative initiatives that support mothers and children, to diplomatic collaborations that strengthen international ties, women continue to shape systems that promote equity and opportunity.

As emphasized throughout the evening, empowering women contributes to stronger families, more resilient communities, and more inclusive societies.

International Women’s Month serves as a reminder that leadership is most powerful when guided by purpose and compassion. Through THE LIST and initiatives such as Beyond Protocol, Leading Women Magazine continues to document stories that inspire courage, elevate dialogue, and encourage future leaders to pursue meaningful impact.

The evening concluded with a shared vision: that leadership is not only about recognition, but about responsibility, the responsibility to create a future where more women are empowered to lead, innovate, and serve.

An evening of purpose, presence, and power—celebrating women who shape the world with influence and integrity.