Years after college, SM scholar alumna Judee R. Quiazon found her fulfillment in honing the leadership skills of today’s youth and budding business leaders.

In a kumustahan session with SM Foundation program officers, Quiazon looked back to her journey as SM scholar and shared how she decided to shift careers from the IT industry to leadership coaching.

Quiazon is a BS Computer and Information Science graduate and worked for the IT industry for 16 years before shifting to her current career. She now holds the position of Executive Director at Business Networking and Referral Organization (BNI) in Taguig.

“After 16 years in the IT industry, I shifted my focus to leadership coaching and masterminding. I made sure that I equip myself with the necessary knowledge that’s why I went to the United States of America for a John Maxwell Certification, using part of my savings to invest on myself,” Quiazon shared.

“Later on, I established my own business and I now lead an exclusive organization of business leaders. I co-founded BNI region in Taguig. BNI is a global organization for business leaders in 80 countries and we belong to the top 100 among 1020 plus regions,” she further added.

Aside from leading a team of business enthusiasts, Quaizon ensures that she takes the time to impart her knowledge to the youth as part of her YouthMax leadership of John Maxwell commitment, “I have been speaking to schools and other events where young leaders are present to give them practical tools and ideas to help them navigate life.”

“I intend to inspire them in having grit in achieving their dreams, develop their character, have a positive self-image and to stand up against bullying without being a thug. Bullies are victims too so we need to stop the vicious cycle of bullying and start by encouraging each other to be the best version of ourselves,” she stated.

She also dedicates her time in helping our countrymen who are in need through collaborating with NGOs. She recently participated in the relief assistance efforts for the victims of Typhoon Ulysses and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her words for the aspiring scholars for School Year 2021-2022: “Dare to dream. And even if you are unsure of yourself, just keep moving forward. Learn the right lessons along the way. Nothing in life is mechanical. Live your life. Embrace the joys and challenges. Nothing worthwhile comes easy and everything will make more sense when you look back. For now, take the first step and then the next. As you keep doing that, always give it your best. If at one point, you think you failed, congratulations. Sometimes we win, sometimes we learn. Onward!”

She further mentioned that before, she never imagined that she’ll be able to get a college degree as their family’s income was hardly enough for their basic needs. She expressed her gratitude to Tatang Henry Sy Sr and his family for this opportunity.

Just like Quiazon, you may also achieve your dreams in life through the help of the SM College Scholarship Program. The online application for SY 2021-2022 is open until March 20, 2021. To apply, visit https://scholarship.sm-foundation.org.

For more updates, follow SM Foundation’s official social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube): @SMFoundationInc.

SM Foundation, through its Scholarship program, provides deserving and qualified students with access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993. To date, SMFI has produced almost 5,500 scholar-graduates nationwide.