In celebration of Mother’s Day, we honor the women in Aboitiz who navigate two deeply demanding worlds, home and work, showing us that strength is not about doing it all alone, but about knowing when to lean on others, when to pause, and how to move forward with purpose.
We spoke with three moms who shared what it really takes to balance it all: Bianca Gempesaw, Transformation Officer from the AEV Transformation Team and mom of two (ages 2 and 9 months); Gab Saqueton, AVP for Corporate Strategy and mom of a two-year-old; and Ann Arribas, AVP for CIS Governance and Compliance and mom of three (ages 20, 18, and 11).
Their stories are woven into the broader journey of the Aboitiz Group’s Great Transformation and demonstrate how transformation transcends business evolution. At its heart, it’s about supporting the people, especially those who lead both at home and in the workplace.
Returning and Reinventing: The Challenge of Coming Back
Returning from maternity leave was a turning point for all three women, each navigating different challenges but sharing a common thread: the need for support and self-compassion.
Bianca described the inner pressure to prove her capability: “The hardest part was the pressure I put on myself to prove I could handle it all. I worried others might see moms as weak, when the truth is the opposite.”
Gab faced the emotional challenge of separation anxiety but was grateful for a team that gave her space to ease back in.
For Gab, returning to work meant rebuilding her rhythm while learning to give herself grace, and realizing that with the right support, confidence comes back, too.
Ann shared memories of her early career, a time before inclusive parental support policies existed, describing the challenges and barriers working moms faced:
“I often had to find hidden corners in the office just to pump milk. Those early days were tough but taught me resilience and determination.”
These stories reveal that while returning is a personal journey, workplace culture, especially one driven by values of empathy, flexibility, and support, has played a crucial role in making the transition smoother.
Moments of Strength and Joy: What Keeps Them Going
What fuels their perseverance are the moments, big and small, that remind them they’re making it work. For Bianca, every milestone her children achieve feels like proof of her dedication. Gab finds motivation when her son breaks into song unexpectedly, a simple joy that reminds her he’s thriving.
And for Ann, who was away during the early years of their childhood, sees her children’s achievements as quiet affirmations:
“Love, consistency, and presence—no matter the form—make a lasting impact.”
Asked how her son might describe her job, Gab shares: “… It’s funny and sweet because he seems to get that I’m doing something important. Someday, I hope he’ll say, ‘My mom is helping build a techglomerate,’ but for now, I’ll happily take ‘Mommy typing.’”
For Bianca, she imagines her kids might describe her:
“That their mom uses shapes, letters, and numbers to help others understand a vision or goal the company wants to do or teach.”
Bianca credits her strong family network for stepping in whenever work demands more, allowing her to balance her roles with confidence and peace of mind.
Support Systems: The Villages That Make It Possible
None of them are doing it alone, and it’s clear that their success relies on strong support systems. Bianca leans on her extended family, whenever she travels for work. Gab credits her husband, who adjusted his own career to co-manage their household:
“My husband is my number one support system. Before I gave birth, he transitioned to remote work so he could take on a bigger share of the household responsibilities.”
Ann reflects on how her household has evolved, with her children stepping up and her husband playing an equal role. Their experiences highlight how personal and institutional support intersect.
These personal stories align with Aboitiz’s broader vision of building a sustainable and inclusive workplace, where transformation is not just about technology and processes, but about nurturing a resilient, empowered community.
Identity, Growth, and the Bigger Picture
Beyond motherhood, these women are leaders, mentors, and team players. Bianca says work helped her reconnect with her identity; Gab emphasizes her roles as wife, daughter, and friend to stay whole; and Ann draws parallels between leading a team and raising a family, showing that strong leadership principles apply everywhere.
Bianca hopes her children and colleagues see that boundaries and balance matter: “Lead with intention, creativity, and strength—but know when to pause. Life isn’t just about work.”
Gab wants others to know the power of community and growth: “It’s okay to ask for help. Sometimes, unlearning old habits is just as important as learning new ones.”
Ann’s hope is simple but powerful: “No woman who chooses both a career and motherhood should ever have to face the painful choice of giving up one for the other.”
Ann sees leadership at work and at home as deeply connected, grounded in shared purpose, respect, and a commitment to growth for everyone involved.
Motherhood in their own words
We asked each mom to complete the sentence: “Motherhood has taught me…” Here’s what they shared:
Bianca: “…to face challenges with grace and resilience… even on three hours of sleep, when my kids turn me into a human obstacle course, and work feels never-ending.”
Gab: “…to be more intentional with my time and energy.”
Ann: “…that love, consistency, and shared purpose, both at home and at work—make everything possible.”
Together, their stories remind us that real leadership blends ambition with care, and that in a company undergoing its Great Transformation, true progress means creating space where every team member, especially working moms, can thrive and grow.
Have you greeted “Happy Mother’s Day” to a colleague yet? It’s not too late! Today’s a perfect reminder to appreciate the moms who bring care, resilience, and strength to both home and workplace.
