For many, studying at Harvard University feels like an impossible dream. But for Glenda Dela Cruz, social media personality and CEO of a popular skincare brand, it was a reality.
Photos: Glenda Dela Cruz, Charo Santos-Concio, Matteo Guidicelli, Karen Davila, Isko Moreno Domagoso/Facebook
Recently, Dela Cruz made headlines after sharing her experience at the prestigious university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. While her achievement drew praise from supporters, it also sparked online discussions about the distinction between short executive education programs and traditional university degrees.
Dela Cruz completed Strategic Marketing for Driving Growth, a six-day executive education program at Harvard Business School designed for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals.
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For Dela Cruz, who has openly shared that she did not finish college, the experience was a personal milestone and the fulfillment of a long-held dream.
“Harvard Business School, you’ve been a dream come true. And I hope this will serve as an inspiration sa mga katulad ko na hindi nakatapos ng pag-aaral. Na may pag-asa at pwede pang matuto through this kind of program,” she shared.
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Her journey reminds us that professional growth and continuous learning are accessible through specialized executive courses, inspiring non-traditional learners across the country.
Dela Cruz isn’t the only Filipino personality to have pursued educational opportunities at Harvard. Here are four other Filipinos who have participated in the institution’s executive education programs.
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1. Matteo Guidicelli
Beyond his work in entertainment, Matteo Guidicelli has actively pursued professional development through Harvard Business School Executive Education. He participated in the school’s rigorous Program for Leadership Development (PLD), an executive track designed for experienced managers and emerging business leaders.
In social media posts detailing his time on campus, he highlighted the value of collaborating with global classmates and learning directly from Harvard faculty. The program covers comprehensive business strategy, leadership, and organizational change, reflecting Guidicelli’s commitment to expanding his business acumen alongside his entertainment career.
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2. Isko Moreno Domagoso
Before serving as the city’s mayor and later making higher political bids, Isko Moreno Domagoso pursued professional development in public leadership during his stint as Manila vice mayor.
In 2012, he attended an executive education program at the Harvard Kennedy School (officially known as the John F. Kennedy School of Government) called Leadership in Crisis. The course examined real-world disaster management cases—from international emergencies to public health crises—and gave him practical frameworks he later applied to local governance in the Philippines.
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3. Karen Davila
Award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila also took part in an executive education program at the Harvard Kennedy School.
After the World Economic Forum recognized her as a Young Global Leader, she joined the specialized Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century program in 2011. The selective program brought together international leaders and executives to examine complex global policies, further expanding her professional scope well beyond traditional journalism.
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4. Charo Santos-Concio
Long before cementing her legacy as one of the Philippines’ most formidable media executives, Charo Santos-Concio built an illustrious career as an accomplished actress, producer, and eventual president and CEO of ABS-CBN.
In 2007, she completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. This intensive executive education course sharpened her corporate management and leadership strategies, anchoring a career that seamlessly crossed over from entertainment into senior executive leadership.
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Whether for corporate governance, public service, personal fulfillment, or lifelong learning, these Filipino personalities demonstrate that education knows no boundaries or age limits. As Glenda Dela Cruz and her predecessors show, the true value of any learning experience lies in the expanded perspective, new knowledge, and courage to keep growing.
ALSO READ: Did You Know? The First Woman to Earn a Harvard Law Degree Was a Filipina—Get to Know Her Here
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