From childhood dreams in the Philippines to navigating the vibrant chaos of New York City, Angela Bauza’s story is one of relentless pursuit and passion. Let’s ditch the formal tone and delve into her journey, highlighting the grit, determination, and heart that make her an inspiration.
Angela wasn’t your average small-town Filipina. Her dreams soared beyond the familiar comfort of her hometown, fueled by a family who instilled in her the values of hard work and relentless pursuit. From doctor to dancer, filmmaker to PR maven, her ambitions danced across industries. But New York City held a special allure.
Armed with a communication degree from De La Salle University, Angela dove headfirst into the fast-paced world of Ogilvy, a renowned advertising agency. At just 21, her talent and dedication shone brightly, propelling her from Media Monitoring Assistant to Account Manager within three years. Leading PR and social campaigns for global brands like Johnson & Johnson and L’Oreal honed her skills, but it was Aveeno’s Skinmergency campaign that truly resonated. Here, she saw the power of marketing not just to sell, but to raise awareness and uplift communities.
However, 2020’s global pause mirrored a personal one in Angela’s career. Despite a successful trajectory, a yearning for something deeper tugged at her. The comfort of stability clashed with the call of a long-held dream. With the support of her loved ones, she took a leap of faith, trading familiar ground for the unknown shores of academia.
New York University’s Integrated Marketing program beckoned, and in 2021, Angela embarked on a journey of self-discovery. But the immigrant life wasn’t a fairytale. Homesickness was persistent, and the competition in the concrete jungle was fierce. Yet, Angela’s spirit remained undimmed. Challenges fueled her drive to create meaningful work, exemplified by her master’s thesis – a company conceptualizing accessible beauty packaging through tactile symbols. This project, recognized for its innovation, spoke volumes about its commitment to inclusivity.
Beyond academics, Angela’s heart ached for her community. She actively volunteered with Heart of Dinner, a non-profit nourishing Asian American seniors, demonstrating her unwavering connection to her roots.
Today, Angela’s journey finds its latest chapter at Love, Bonito, a fashion brand empowering women through its designs and values. This role perfectly aligns with her aspirations, allowing her to contribute to a mission that resonates deeply.
Looking back, Angela acknowledges the sacrifices, the self-doubt, and the hurdles she’s overcome. But her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of dreams, fueled by unwavering determination, a supportive network, and a heart that seeks to uplift others. As she embarks on her career in the US, Angela’s message is clear: dream big, embrace every opportunity, and never lose sight of the power within you to make a difference, no matter how big or small. Her journey is a beacon of hope, inspiring young Asian women to chase their dreams with courage and compassion, proving that the sky’s truly the limit when you dare to take flight.
