Women are truly shining this March as Leading Ladies, a community for female leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators, will be having their highly anticipated “She Shines” summit on March 29, 2025.
Photo: Leading Ladies
Set at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Robinsons Bridgetown, Quezon City, this summit is a celebration of empowerment, growth, and connection, bringing together trailblazing women from diverse industries to learn, inspire, and connect.
How it all started
Leading Ladies was founded in 2021 by Cat Ilacad, founder and CEO of Posh Nails Inc., and Rachelle Stern, CEO of Alphabetsoup Inc., with the mission of fostering an inclusive and supportive space for women to thrive. It all began with a late-night phone call.
“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, business ideas, and just rant about problems. She felt the same way,” Ilacad reminisced.
“At a time when many women were isolated, struggling to kickstart new ventures, or simply in need of a supportive ear during challenging times, we created this space. 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,” said Stern.
From virtual beginnings to a thriving community
Leading Ladies began with virtual events, connecting women during a time of uncertainty and isolation. What started as a small network quickly evolved into a community of like-minded women.
In April 2023, Leading ladies took a pause: “Rache and I got busy. We needed to recover from the pandemic and focus on getting our own businesses back on track,” explained Ilacad. “The pause ended when I called Rache in May 2024, and I told her that I really wanted to grow the community.”
In the same month, Rica Peralejo joined Leading Ladies: “We recognized Rica’s dynamic leadership and innovative ideas. Her energy would greatly enhance the community and help drive its mission forward,” says Stern.
“The relaunch in May 2024 was a pivotal moment for us,” said Ilacad. “We had about 1,300 members then. Today, we’re proud to have grown the community to over 10,000 strong. The messages we receive from our members inspire us every day, knowing that we’re making a real difference.”
Leading Ladies has since hosted two summits. Stern pointed out: “We’ve witnessed remarkable energies and genuine connections among our members. The sense of belonging and community that emerged was incredibly impactful, reaffirming our commitment to building a space where every woman feels supported and empowered.”
A gathering to look forward to
This third “She Shines” summit is designed to provide women with the tools, resources, and connections needed to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
“We’ve chosen themes that reflect the multidimensional nature of womanhood. Drawing from the ‘She Shines’ concept, our themes focus on professional empowerment, personal wellness, and entrepreneurial success. 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,” explained Stern.
The event will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, including industry leaders like Jacqe Gutierrez of Happy Skin, Dani Barretto as the digital marketing guru, Marj Maroket as the content creation expert, and Cristalle Belo, who will be talking about the Belo Legacy, among others. Topics will range from scaling a business to balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and attendees will also have access to exclusive networking opportunities and creative workshops.
The “She Shines” summit is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to join a thriving community of women supporting one another’s growth. Activities will include a “Spark Tank” pitch-style competition,a networking session, and a “Hall of Empowerment” featuring women-owned businesses offering creative workshops and pampering activities.
Attendees can expect a day packed with inspirational keynotes, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and even pampering sessions to celebrate the multifaceted nature of womanhood. Ilacad shares some tips to make the most out of the “She Shines” summit: “With multiple activities taking place simultaneously, we recommend reviewing the agenda in advance to prioritize sessions that best match your interests. Stay flexible, make the most of networking breaks, and actively engage in sessions to maximize your experience.”
The Leading Ladies trio aims to equip women to lead better lives through their community and the “She Shines” summit: “We wanted a day where personal growth and professional empowerment come together, offering a unique and authentic celebration of what it truly means to shine.”
Ladies’ League, ticket prices, and perks
There are three tiers for the ticket sales, with the lowest at P6,999 for Ladies’ League members, but this is only until March 7, 2025. This includes full access to all event areas, exclusive “She Shines” summit merchandise, priority registration for complimentary workshops and luxe pampering sessions (limited slots available), and an exclusive invitation to the members-only after-summit gathering.
All members also get the Ladies’ League membership card, which grants exclusive access to VIP experiences, networking events, and wellness-focused sessions with their brand partners. This exclusive feature reinforces the community’s commitment to not only professional growth but also personal development and self-care.
The early bird rate for regular admission is at P8,499 until March 7, 2025. General admission is P9,999.
A legacy of empowerment
Leading Ladies is more than just a community—it’s a movement that continues to support women in whatever their goals are. From intimate networking events to dynamic summits like “She Shines,” Leading Ladies offers a supportive network that nurtures leadership, innovation, and personal development.
“Leading this initiative has been profoundly transformative. It has challenged us to expand our leadership skills, embrace new challenges, and continuously evolve—enhancing both our professional capabilities and personal growth,” added Stern.
Ilacad chimed in: “Back in the day, we didn’t have this safe space. Now, with Leading Ladies, we welcome everyone with open arms and motivate them to be the best version of themselves so they can be confident to reach their goals.”
Mounting the “She Shines” summit in March for Women’s Month is very meaningful for the Leading Ladies founders: “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
