This Women’s Month, we celebrate the women whose journeys reflect the strength, resilience, and purpose that define leadership within our organization. Across operations, marketing, and frontline leadership, their stories are not only personal milestones, but powerful reminders that true leadership is earned through discipline, courage, and unwavering commitment.
Ms. Patricia Ann M. Tan, Ms. Patricia Ann B. Chinjen, and Ms. Imelda S. Mica each represent a different path but share the same foundation: grit, humility, and the drive to grow.
Forged Through Discipline: Leadership from the Ground Up
For Ms. Patricia Ann M. Tan, VP and General Manager (Conti’s, Better Coffee, and Barn), leadership is defined not by position, but by experience earned through the process.
Her career began in the corporate world, building a strong foundation in marketing and brand management with Universal Robina Corporation, followed by her role as Assistant Marketing Manager at Avon.
Yet, despite a promising trajectory, she chose an unconventional path—stepping away to study culinary and pastry arts and train in real kitchen operations.
Despite being the daughter of one of Conti’s founders, she chose not to rely on legacy, opting instead to carve her own path through experience.
“I wanted to learn discipline outside. When you go straight into a family business, you risk becoming the boss too soon. For me, that felt like cheating the process.”
Tricia’s leadership mindset was shaped long before her career began. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11, she transformed adversity into motivation.
“I didn’t want people to pity me. So, I became competitive in academics, in sports, in everything.”
As an athlete from a young age, she pursued swimming before focusing on tennis, eventually becoming captain of the De La Salle University tennis varsity team, an experience that instilled in her the discipline, focus, and mental toughness that continue to define her leadership style today.
Beyond competition, tennis remains a constant in her life—a personal outlet that helps her navigate the demands of leadership. “It helps me release stress. After playing, I feel good, it resets me.”
From early morning matches before work to late-night games after long days, the sport serves as both a source of strength and clarity, allowing her to stay grounded even in the most challenging moments.
Today, Tricia leads one of the most demanding functions in the organization with clarity and conviction.
“Store operations is tough. It’s not perfect. It requires mental strength and the ability to focus on results, even when emotions run high.”
Her approach to leadership is grounded in accountability—not popularity.
“You have to be prepared to be unpopular. Leadership is about standing for what is right.”
For her, credibility comes from doing the work. “You can’t be entitled. You have to do the dirty work.”
From washing dishes to lifting heavy loads in the kitchen, she experienced every level of the store operations firsthand. This grounded experience shaped her philosophy: credibility comes from having done the work yourself.
“You can’t exchange a degree for experience. You must go through the process so you can truly lead.”
Tricia’s greatest inspiration remains deeply personal—her mother, one of the founders of Conti’s.
She recalls a defining childhood memory: receiving a simple calendar as a birthday gift during a financially difficult time. “She told me, ‘Tiis muna. The best gift I can give you is education.”
That moment stayed with her—not as a symbol of lack, but of sacrifice, strength, and unwavering priorities. Her mother also instilled in her the value of independence. “She always said: Never depend on anyone, be independent.”
For young women aspiring to lead in the food service industry, Tricia offers grounded and honest advice:
“Be ready to start from the bottom. Stay humble. Learn everything. That’s how you become a credible leader.”
Finding Her Voice: Leadership Through Preparation and Authenticity
For Ms. Patricia Ann B. Chinjen, AVP for Marketing (Conti’s, Better Coffee, Barn), leadership is built on preparation, empathy, and staying true to one’s voice, but just as importantly, it is a story shaped by trust.
Her journey began in storytelling, as a writer for Eat Bulaga– before expanding into advertising, events, and eventually brand marketing with Ramen Nagi.
Patty joined Conti’s as a Marketing Officer at a time when the team was lean and the challenges were significant. Despite her junior role, she was entrusted with responsibilities that typically belonged to more senior leaders.
Early in her journey, she was already presenting to business leaders– an experience that was both intimidating and defining.
“I was younger than most of the people in the room. So, I had to find a way for them to listen.”
What set her apart was not just capability, but the trust the organization placed in her potential.
At a time when the brand had only 19 stores, she was promoted to Marketing Manager, an opportunity that signaled confidence in her ability to lead and grow with the business.
“The management trusted me—sometimes even more than I trusted myself.”
That trust became both a responsibility and a driving force, pushing her to rise to expectations, strengthen her voice, and deliver results. Through persistence and growth, she rose through the ranks—from junior manager to full-fledged manager, to marketing director, and now AVP. She built her credibility through preparation and data-driven thinking.
“When you present, tell data-driven stories. No one questions data.”
Her leadership style reflects the same balance she experienced; trust paired with accountability. “I always make sure my team understands why they’re doing something.” Patty believes that when people are trusted and understand their purpose, they take ownership of their work.
As a woman in leadership, she recognizes the unique strengths women bring to the table.
“Women are naturally nurturing. We know how to balance being authoritative and compassionate.”
Her journey is also a reflection of staying authentic while growing into leadership.
Over time, she recognized that effective leadership is not about conforming to expectations, but about understanding what works best for both the leader and the team. This realization became a defining moment in her journey—shaping a leadership style grounded in authenticity and alignment.
When asked about her inspiration, Patty credits both her parents—but especially her father. “He’s the wind beneath my wings.” Patty recalls how, even when she started working, her father continued to support her, giving her encouragement until she was ready to stand fully on her own.
“He would tell me, ‘Mag-start ka muna. When you’re ready, that’s when I’ll let go.’” His generosity and selflessness shaped her work ethic and outlook in life. Meanwhile, her mother, a homemaker, showed her a different kind of leadership—one rooted in quiet strength and care.
For young women aspiring to lead in marketing, Patty offers a message of balance and bravery:
“Be confident but stay humble. Be courageous but compassionate. Don’t be afraid to show who you are as a leader.”
Rising Through Perseverance: Strength in Every Step
For Ms. Imelda S. Mica, Restaurant General Manager (Conti’s Sto. Tomas, Batangas), leadership is a story of perseverance shaped by responsibility, growth, and over a decade of dedication.
Her 13-year journey with Conti’s began on April 1, 2013, when she joined as a line cook at BF Homes, Parañaque—driven by the need to support her family and build a better future.
A scholar graduate of Punlaan School, Imelda chose to enter the workforce early, setting aside her childhood dreams to help her family, a decision that would define her path.
Her growth within the organization reflects both her resilience and adaptability. When operational needs arose, she stepped beyond her role, transitioning from back-of-house to front-of-house, embracing every opportunity to learn and contribute.
Over the years, her experience expanded across multiple branches—including Westgate Alabang, Alabang Town Center, Nuvali, SM Santa Rosa, and Sto. Tomas, Batangas, each assignment strengthening her operational expertise and leadership capability. Imelda’s journey was not without challenges. Training in new systems, processes, and forecasting required both patience and determination, but she chose to grow through every difficulty.
Instead of being discouraged, she used these challenges as motivation to improve, building confidence, sharpening her skills, and embracing continuous learning. Her perseverance led her to rise steadily through the ranks—from line cook to Assistant Manager, and ultimately to Restaurant General Manager, now leading operations in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.
Her story stands as a testament that longevity, when paired with dedication and growth, becomes a powerful foundation for leadership. She lives by a belief that has guided her throughout her 13-year journey:
“Our weakness is thinking of giving up, but the most certain way to succeed is always to try and try again.”
Today, she remains deeply grateful to Conti’s for recognizing her potential and giving her the opportunity to grow, lead, and succeed.
One Message, Three Journeys: Empowering Women Through Action
While their paths are different, these three leaders share a common truth: leadership is not defined by titles, gender, or circumstance, but by the willingness to do the work, to grow through challenges, and to lead with purpose.
For Tricia, it is discipline, resilience, and earned credibility
For Patty, it is confidence built through preparation and authenticity
For Imelda, it is perseverance grounded in responsibility and growth
Their stories remind us that empowerment is not something given, it is something built, step by step, through experience and determination.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, their voices echo one powerful message:
“Strength doesn’t come from titles—it comes from discipline, resilience, and the willingness to do the work.” Patricia M. Tan, 2026
