Moms and Dads

She Shines Summit Is An Opportunity For Moms To Attend

by Alexa Villano
March 26, 2025

Leading Ladies founders Cat Ilacad, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, and Rachelle Stern hold the She Shines Summit to celebrate Women’s Month

Women are known to balance careers and family duties. But as the world evolves, new challenges emerge and women make pivots and decisions that test them.

Leading Ladies founders Cat Ilacad, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, and Rachelle Stern know this well, as they have made decisions regarding their family lives and careers. Cat, who established Posh Nails and comes from the Ilacad clan behind Octoarts Productions, recalled her conversation with Rachelle about her initial challenges with Posh Nails.

“I told Rache about wanting to have people to talk to when I was starting Posh Nails. I never got to form that small group where we could share suppliers, and business ideas, and rant about problems. She felt the same way,” Cat recalled.

Rachelle, CEO of Alphabetsoup Inc., said that the Leading Ladies was born out of a need for women who were always looking for support for their ideas and ventures. “ Leading Ladies is all about fostering an empowering community where women can connect, share experiences, and support each other’s growth—both personally and professionally.”

Leading Ladies founders Cat Ilacad, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, and Rachelle Stern hold the She Shines Summit to celebrate Women’s Month

What is She Shines about?

After the success of its first two events, Leading Ladies will hold the She Shines Summit on March 29 at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Robinsons Bridgetown, Quezon City. The event gathers women from all fields as they tackle and discuss the challenges, achievements, and changes they’ve experienced through the years.

The summit according to Rachelle is an opportunity for women to learn and network with each other.

“ We want to celebrate both the leadership and creative spirit that women bring to the table, which is why our event features sessions on career growth and empowerment, as well as areas dedicated to pampering and business showcases. This blend ensures that every facet of a woman’s identity is honored, making the event truly all about them.”

The event boasts a lineup of women who have been trailblazers and influential in their respective fields. Topics include starting businesses and balancing life as a career woman and a mother. Modern Parenting editor-in-chief Marga Tupaz will participate in the panel Raising An Empire: The Art of Balancing Motherhood and Business Leadership. She’ll be joined by Rachel, Kim King, Rachelle Bravo, and Nicole Hernandez.

Jacqe Gutierrez of Happy Skin, Dani Barretto, Marj Maroket, and Cristalle Belo will be among the speakers who will talk about their experiences in the health and beauty business.

Other panelists include Manila Bulletin columnist and stylist Jane Kingsu-Cheng, events stylist Ginger Gaddi, Parlon founder Claire Ongcango, and Vitamin Marketing Studios founder Kaye Naval.

What can participants expect?

Moms and entrepreneurs who will attend the summit can expect not just inspiring talks but also the chance to get merchandise and limited pampering sessions.

General admission is at PHP 9,999.

With the third summit fast approaching, Cat, Rachelle, and Rica are looking forward to expanding Leading Ladies further as they close Women’s Month with the summit.

“It’s a time to reflect on our own journeys and the hurdles we’ve overcome. It’s a celebration of the courage, resilience, and unique strength that each woman brings to her life, both big and small. This month is a heartfelt reminder to honor our victories, learn from our challenges, and shine together.”

For more information and to register for the “She Shines” summit, visit https://leadingladies.ph/pages/sheshinessummit2025