FOR too long, the world has been seeing women confined to certain roles and industries, and limited from attaining their potential by outdated stereotypes and social norms.
However, Jill Tolentino’s story serves as a powerful reminder that the tide is turning, and that women are not only contributors, but also leaders in every sector of the economy. This is especially evident in the bustling world of logistics, where trucks rumble and packages fly, and where Tolentino serves as a guiding star.
Empowerment efforts for women are now gaining recognition and momentum, heralding a new era of inclusivity and equality.
“As we celebrate the strides made thus far, it’s crucial not to let the momentum wane, but to continue pushing forward,” Tolentino emphasizes. “It’s not just about celebrating progress; it’s about sustaining it.”
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Invest in women, accelerate progress,” resonates deeply with Tolentino, encapsulating the very essence of her life’s mission. This mission is evident in her company, where 60 percent of employees are women.
Today, Tolentino continues to lead with compassion and integrity, serving as the executive vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc., the national organization of customs brokers in the Philippines, which promotes professionalism among customs brokers, guided by ethical and technical standards. Tolentino is also the president of two logistics companies: Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage and Jill L. Tolentino Freight Forwarding Services.
Tolentino’s leadership style emerges from a place of empathy and foresight.
“As I climbed the ranks, I reached back to extend a helping hand to mentor, to inspire, and to nurture a culture of inclusivity and diversity that would enrich our collective journey,” she says.
Born in Orani, Bataan, Tolentino hails from a family with a strong tradition of public service with her father, serving as a public servant and her mother as a passionate businesswoman.
Inspired by her upbringing, Tolentino aspires to follow in her father’s footsteps as a future public servant in her hometown.
Her commitment to give back to her community shines through her actions as proven by the scholarships she has provided for students and aspiring customs brokers. Tolentino’s generosity extends to sponsoring students and Customs Broker Licensure Exam reviewees, leading a remarkable number of successful passers, paving the way for a new generation of professionals in her field.
Beyond boardrooms and balance sheets, her true passion lies in championing the cause of women empowerment and amplifying the voices of women, whose stories are yet to be heard. Looking back on her early days in the logistics industry, Tolentino recalls feeling daunted by the challenges ahead.
“I may not have started with all the answers, but I had the courage and will to try,” she reflects.
For Tolentino, success is never just about the bottom line. It is about the people — the clients, who relied on her expertise, the truck drivers she has befriended in the wee hours of the morning and the team she has built around her. Tolentino’s perseverance continues to pay off as her business becomes known for its reliability and efficiency. Clients trust her not only to get the job done, but to do it with integrity and professionalism.
“But my journey was never just about me,” Tolentino asserts. “It was about lifting others up, empowering fellow women to dream boldly and pursue their ambitions with unwavering resolve.”
Through speeches she has delivered, every article she has penned and every community outreach effort, she has strived to ignite a spark of hope and inspire others to believe in the boundless potential of every woman, serving as the guiding star, illuminating the path to empowerment and equality for all.
