WHEN Jose Rizal said, “The youth is the hope of our future,” these girl bosses proved him right by making waves in their different fields. They are also living proof that age is just a number because as young as they are, they are able to run and rule their own worlds like a pro.
If you need extra inspiration to keep reaching your career goals, continue reading and learn from these goal-diggers.
Feature dates: March 21 (LOURDES), March 22 (May Antonette Leuterio) and March 24 (Rejzl Anne Awit).
Atty. Rejzl Anne Awit, 26
- Managing director, Apex PR and Events
- Chief operating officer, Zlrej Trading and Construction
- Marketing manager, Bicester Cafe
SunStar LIVE! (SL): Who were some of your role models growing up? Explain why.
Rejzl Anne Awit (RAA): I’ve always looked up to my parents growing up. They’ve had a rough start as they started a family in college with no stable source of income, so they really had to work hard to make ends meet. Throughout the years, I have witnessed my parents’ hardships and their growth not just as individuals but also as parents. Their grit and devotion to their work inspire me every day.
SL: What have been some of your career highlights so far?
RAA: The year 2019 and the first quarter of 2020 have been full of milestones, such as passing the bar exams, growing our Apex team, joining our family’s business, opening another Bicester Cafe branch in AyalaMalls Central Bloc and Bicester being recognized as Sunstar Best of Cebu’s Best All-Day Breakfast Place.
SL: How did you achieve the success that you have attained now?
RAA: To be quite honest, I am still far from where I would want to be, but I am also grateful for the small victories, which I believe are baby steps in reaching my goals. First, I am lucky to be surrounded by incredible individuals, like my family who continuously inspires and pushes me; my Apex team who shares the same passion and attention to detail in order to get things done for our clients; my Zlrej and Bicester team who keep our everyday operations as smooth sailing as they can be.
Second, I am a product of the example that my parents have set for me. They have always emphasized the value of hard work and the significance of faith and prayers in achieving success. I do my best to live by these principles as I go through the daily motions in work and in life.
SL: What do you find most fulfilling about what you do?
RAA: For Apex, we help our clients grow and maximize their brand’s potential through integrated marketing, sound marketing strategies and effective market communication. For Zlrej, it being a construction firm, enables us to see visions become concrete realities. As for Bicester, we continue to innovate our dishes and service to give our customers memorable dining experiences. In sum, the things I do give me the opportunity to witness visions turn into reality for both our clients and the team, and that is what I find most fulfilling about what I do.
SL: For you, what qualities should one have in order to succeed?
RAA: Patience and perseverance because success does not happen overnight (although I wish it does). One goes through several challenges before attaining success.
SL: What’s the best piece of advice you can give young women who are also trying to succeed in their fields?
RAA: There are times when we might get caught up in the daily grind that we fail to appreciate the small victories, so don’t be afraid to take a step back every now and then to be thankful for the blessings. After all, our struggles and successes are part of the journey.