Transformative leadership: Women empowering women in finance

MANILA, Philippines — As fresh graduates and interns embark on their career journeys, the finance industry faces a pivotal moment to bolster the representation of women in finance, fintech and investment roles.

Celebrating the accomplishments of female finance professionals is vital in inspiring the next generation to pursue leadership positions.

Wells Fargo, with a distinguished 160-year history, stands as a global financial powerhouse renowned for its extensive portfolio and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). In Asia-Pacific, Wells Fargo Philippines drives transformative leadership by championing gender equality and empowering women in finance.

Among the women reshaping leadership norms and propelling industry evolution are Kay Mañebo, Joya Amistoso and Anna Villamor, all from Wells Fargo Philippines.

Trailblazing leaders

Kay Mañebo, with over 15 years in financial services, leads the Consumer Operations team at Wells Fargo Philippines, aligning with business priorities and risk control. Her role as co-chair of the India & Philippines DE&I Council underscores her commitment to driving diversity initiatives within the company.

Joya Amistoso, an expert in Operations & Project Management, heads the Country Management Office. Her career is a testament to stepping out of comfort zones and embracing challenges, showcasing internal motivation and resilience.

Anna Villamor, with 18 years as the head of HR in the Philippines across various industries, leads the Human Resources team. She champions continuous learning and clear career aspirations, setting a powerful example for industry professionals.

Creating inclusive culture

The success of these women is deeply rooted in the inclusive and supportive culture at Wells Fargo Philippines. The company has implemented robust programs such as Building Organizational Leadership Diversity (BOLD) and Table for 10, aimed at fostering an inclusive talent pipeline and enhancing the visibility and mobility of diverse employees.

The BOLD program focuses on developing an inclusive leadership pipeline, while Table for 10 targets the internal growth of Women in Technology members through increased awareness and support.

As co-chair of the India & Philippines DE&I Council, Mañebo is pivotal in these initiatives. “We provide an environment where people can talk and share stories, respect our differences, and thrive because of them,” Manebo said.

Wells Fargo also supports Employee Resource Networks like Women’s Connection, Disability Connection, and Pride Connection. These networks offer platforms for employees to connect, learn, build skills, and influence business outcomes, further nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace.

This commitment extends to fostering work-life balance. “Wells Fargo has always shown understanding and flexibility. They recognize that each employee has unique needs and circumstances,” said Villamor, commending the company’s supportive approach.

Shaping the new norms

The leadership at Wells Fargo Philippines is marked by the unique contributions of these three exceptional women. Their professional journeys reflect their acknowledgement of challenges, and commitment to role-modeling hurdling these.

“It’s been challenging, especially as a single mom and the breadwinner,” Mañebo said.

“Back when I started, the workplace wasn’t as open, and we didn’t have as much flexibility or access to technology as we do now,” recalled Amistoso.

“Maintain a growth mindset. Embrace learning opportunities, and take advantage of training, assignments, or role expansions offered in the office,” Villamor said.

“In our company, there’s a deliberate and conscious focus on representation. We make concerted efforts to bring in women to help shape decision-making,” Amistoso shared.

Mañebo, Amistoso and Villamor exemplify that with the right support and opportunities, gender equality in finance is not just attainable but a reality. Their own experiences show that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace set the standard within and beyond the finance sector.