Across generations, industries, and personal paths, FAME alumnae continue to shape the world with a leadership style that is both powerful and deeply human. From public service to venture capital, media, corporate leadership, and emerging changemakers, these women embody what it means to lead with purpose—grounded in excellence, driven by impact, and guided by a commitment to uplift others.
Dr. Chil Gonzalez Soriano (ME 1979)
A trailblazer in every sense, Dr. Chil Gonzalez Soriano made history as Ateneo’s first female valedictorian before going on to shape economic policy at the highest levels of government. As Undersecretary of the Department of Finance, she played a pivotal role in navigating the country through complex fiscal challenges while expanding access to financing across sectors, from local governments to farmers and MSMEs.
Reflecting on her journey, she highlights three attributes that have guided her leadership: sensitivity, tenacity, and compassion. The ability to understand people, persist through challenges, and advocate for fairness became essential in balancing competing interests and crafting policies that serve the greater good. For Dr. Soriano, leadership is not only about technical expertise but also seeing the human impact behind every decision.
Minette Navarrete (ME 1986)
As Managing Partner and President of Kickstart Ventures, Minette Navarrete has become a key force in strengthening the Philippine startup ecosystem. With a career spanning startups, multinationals, and corporate leadership, she brings a rare combination of strategic rigor and forward-looking vision to venture capital—an industry where women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles.
For Minette, being a woman in VC means recognizing how perspective shapes outcomes. More than identifying growth potential, it is also about asking deeper questions such as “Who benefits? What endures?” Her leadership emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term impact. There are small but intentional shifts that compound over time to influence culture, investment patterns, and the kinds of companies that thrive. In doing so, she helps create a more thoughtful and equitable innovation landscape.
Mybelle Aragon-GoBio (ME 1993)
As the first woman and first non-family member to become President and CEO of Robinsons Land Corporation, Mybelle Aragon-GoBio represents a new era of leadership, which challenges long-standing norms and expectations.
In a corporate landscape that often forces women into a false choice between decisiveness and warmth, Mybelle chose neither compromise nor conformity. Instead, she anchored her leadership in objective, data-driven decision-making while remaining deeply human in her approach. By doing so, she proved that competence and empathy are not opposing forces but powerful complements. Her journey stands as a testament to the kind of leader that the old rules said could not exist and is now reshaping the future.
Gretchen Ho (ME 2012)
From the volleyball court to the newsroom, Gretchen Ho has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, service, and impact. As a broadcaster and public advocate, she has consistently used her platform to inform, connect, and mobilize communities—most notably through initiatives like Donate a Bike and Save a Job, both of which empowered thousands during the pandemic.
In an industry where credibility is constantly tested, Gretchen speaks candidly about the pressure of proving oneself, especially as a young woman in hard news. For her, it means preparation, resilience, and the courage to ask difficult questions. Yet beyond the challenges, she recognizes the unique opportunities that come with her role such as the ability to reach spaces others cannot, to amplify voices, and to push for answers that matter. Her work reflects a belief that meaningful service lies in both responding to needs and building systems that create lasting change.
Bea Aragon-GoBio (ME 2025)
As one of the newest members of the FAME community, Bea Aragon-GoBio represents the next generation of leaders, who are intentional, values-driven, and unafraid to chart their own path. While sharing the same roots as her mother, Mybelle, Bea has defined her journey through her own advocacy for financial literacy and inclusion.
From co-founding Alta to leading initiatives that empower underserved communities, Bea has consistently aligned her work with a broader purpose. Her early career—beginning with Procter & Gamble and continuing with GoTyme Bank—reflects a commitment to building systems that enable dignity and opportunity for others. For Bea, success is about contributing to a future where more Filipinos are equipped to thrive.
A Shared Thread: Women for Others
Though their paths differ, these women are united by a common thread: a commitment to using their skills, influence, and platforms to create meaningful impact. They remind us that leadership is defined by the lives we touch, the systems we improve, and the communities we help build. In celebrating these FAME alumnae, we celebrate not only what they have achieved but also what they continue to stand for—excellence with purpose, leadership with empathy, and success that uplifts others.
