The Filinvest Group remains committed to fostering inclusive workplaces and expanding opportunities for women across its businesses a diverse range of people-focused initiatives that promote leadership development, equal opportunities, and a culture of belonging.  

Across the Group, these efforts have helped create pathways for women to grow and lead, contributing to strong female representation at both the workforce and leadership levels.  

Championing many of these initiatives is Isabelle Gotianun Yap, Director of Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) and First Vice President, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of East West Banking Corporation (EWB), whose leadership has helped advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a strategic priority across the organization. 

A Milestone Partnership 

Among the latest milestones in this journey is Filinvest’s partnership with the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE), where the Group became PBCWE’s inaugural Visionary Member. This distinction made Filinvest the first conglomerate in the Philippines to adopt a group-wide approach to promoting DEI across its portfolio of businesses.  

Through the partnership, the Group aims to strengthen Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) and Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) while fostering a more coordinated approach to inclusion across its organizations. 

“This occasion reminds us of the collective responsibility we all carry in creating opportunities for others. Real progress happens when we choose to take a second look and open doors that may have once been closed,” Isabelle shared. “Through this collaboration, we honor the legacy of the women who came before us by ensuring that the path becomes easier and wider for those who will come after us.”   

Championing Inclusion 

A recognized Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Isabelle was among only two Filipinos selected to the organization’s 2023 Young Global Leaders Class, a distinction that recognizes exceptional leaders making a positive impact in their industries and communities. 

Her commitment to empowering women is reflected in initiatives that strengthen leadership development, foster talent, and create greater opportunities for women to advance across the organization 

Beyond these partnerships, Filinvest’s commitment to inclusion is reflected in the composition of its workforce and leadership. In 2025, the Filinvest Group received two prestigious accolades at the HR Asia Awards Philippines Chapter, one of which is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. This recognitions underscore the Group’s continuing commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering, and people-first workplace.  

Empowering Women Across the Group 

Across the Group’s business units, women-focused initiatives continue to support this vision. EastWest has championed programs that promote inclusive leadership and professional development, while Filinvest Business Services Corporation (FBSC) has strengthened efforts that celebrate diversity and encourage employee participation through Women’s Month and Pride Month activities.  

Together with Group-wide DEI programs and partnerships with organizations such as the PBCWE, PhilWEN, and Investing in Women, these initiatives reinforce Filinvest’s commitment to advancing workplace inclusion, expanding opportunities for women, and fostering environments where diverse talent can thrive and lead.