Audrey | Gap year before starting Stanford University | Founder and Executive Director of WiTech (Women in Tech) | women empowerment, women in STEM movement, youth activism, reading, public speaking and working out | Manila, Philippines
Instagram: @audreyisabelpe and @witechorg
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
I was able to speak to audiences in 4 different countries during my gap year! Topics included how I founded WiTech at 15, youth empowerment, and why we need more women in STEM. As someone that struggled to have my voice heard at very male-dominated tech events, it's surreal to be able to give keynotes at places like the International Innovation Summit where participants are twice or thrice my age. I do my best to use these opportunities to shed light on the gender gap in tech and also encourage adults to collaborate with youth in solving problems that will affect present and future generations.
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2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
The coronavirus threw my gap year off track. During women's month (March), I was supposed to speak at over 10 events and conferences here in the Philippines. Fortunately, a couple got moved online. Despite that, it was inevitably disappointing to have all those engagements moved or cancelled as I love connecting with people. Whenever I give talks, I love chatting with audience members afterwards and taking extra questions. That experience can't quite be replicated online quite yet. Until then, I’ll have to make do with Zoom webinars and voice calls.
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3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
When I head to Stanford, I hope that WiTech operations in the Philippines continue to grow and create impact. I’ll be shifting my responsibilities to handling our international chapters and partnerships so I'm excited to see how those will go as well.
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4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
With the pandemic, there's a lot of uncertainty going around. I can't help but worry sometimes about what will happen to school, WiTech plans, etc. I’m learning that because these are things I can't control, all I need to do is just breathe.
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5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
Michelle Obama! I finished her book last year and couldn't put it down. Saying that she’s so inspirational feels like an understatement.
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6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN?
Seek your 'why' but know that it's okay to not have everything figured out.