Bringing DEI to Life at Work

In cooperation with Ayala’s Social Impact and Equity Action unit, AC Knowledge Management continues its “Women Wednesdays” series in celebration of National Women’s Month.

This second issue features insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) shared by Ayala Executive Director and Ayala Land SVP and Head of Leasing and Hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala at various forums in 2023 and 2024. Mariana also serves on the board of several Ayala companies and the global board of U-Go, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting women in emerging economies through scholarship grants for higher education.

“At Ayala, we are in the early stages of our own DEI journey and continuing to learn from many of our peers as we go,” she said in one discussion. “It can seem very overwhelming, but identifying small and simple steps to begin with has helped us get started.”

UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES, NEW WAYS OF SEEING

“The roles women play in their individual lives, their families, and their communities contribute so much to their worldview and their perspectives on problem solving and decision making. Bringing those unique perspectives and experiences to the organizations they are part of will yield tremendous results and, hopefully, new ways of looking at things.”

National Retail Convention and Expo
August 10, 2023

THE WORK TO BE DONE

“I believe there is work to be done in continuing to even the playing field for men and women, in building a more equitable talent journey and experience, and in ensuring a culture of inclusion and belongingness.”

FINEX Inaugural Meeting
January 24, 2024

BEGIN WITH THE INTENTION TO PRIORITIZE DEI

“There are no silver bullets when it comes to DEI. Each organization’s approach to DEI is going to be a unique journey that is specific to their own context and the lived experiences of the people at the heart of the company. [Yet] despite the different contexts in which we operate, as well as the various DEI approaches that we might adopt for our own organizations, it begins with an intentionality to treat DEI as a priority.”

The Independent Investor’s Open Access Event
April 12, 2023

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

“The power of community is an incredible tool you can harness. Use it to build or find safe spaces where you can express yourself, learn from one another, and seek advice. We are all on our own unique paths and journeys, but there is so much we can learn from each other’s experiences. [...] The more that we share with one another and engage in these spaces for conversation, the better for all of us.”

The Philippine Star’s FestiGal
March 28, 2023