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SHE LEADS THE RIGHT WAY. (from L to R) Mondelēz International’s Plant Director Tanya Lim, Managing Director Aleli Arcilla, and General Counsel Mae Corona guide the organization's journey towards its mission to empower people to snack right. |
Mondelēz International in the Philippines is committed to fostering an inclusive working culture. That commitment can be seen not only in legislation, but also in the people who are leading the way.
Across the business, women are now in positions that were formerly held by men. Aleli Arcilla, the organization's first woman country leader, serves as Managing Director. Attorney Mae Corona serves as General Counsel, offering strategic assistance throughout the organization. Tanya Lim, the company's first female Plant Lead, handles manufacturing operations. Their presence in these positions is not symbolic; it is the outcome of a workplace culture that empowers leaders based on talent rather than gender.
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TRAILBLAZER. Managing Director Aleli Arcilla leads the organization as the first female managing director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines. |
“Growing up, I didn’t think gender was a barrier. But when I entered sales, I realized how often women were left out of the conversations that matter. There’s a bias that once women become mothers, they’re no longer as committed to their roles. That’s simply not true. Mondelēz International culture recognizes that each person brings something unique. Flexible work, caregiver benefits, and equal leave policies create an environment where people—especially women—don’t have to choose between family and career. That’s what makes the difference. Find your voice. You deserve to be in the room as much as anyone else. And when you’re in that room, don’t forget to help others walk through the door, too.” ~Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director
Mondelēz International's commitment to inclusiveness is deeply embedded in its structures and procedures. Workplace flexibility is embedded in the culture, with hybrid arrangements and personal leaves that promote both collaboration and balance. Parental leave policies go beyond compliance by providing comprehensive benefits for single parents and caregivers, regardless of family structure or birth method.
“For me, the work flexibility at Mondelēz International is priceless. The company has found a good balance between allowing employees to come to the office to meaningfully connect with colleagues and being able to work from home. Like everyone else, I rose from the ranks—starting as a Junior Associate in a law firm, then moving to an in-house role 14 years ago. Becoming the Head of Legal for a multination company had always been my target role, so I kept my eyes on the prize. Everything starts at home. Allowing my daughter to see me in a key position—while still growing and learning every day—matters most to me. Gender doesn’t matter as much as technical skills, emotional intelligence, and authenticity. That’s what leadership is built on.” ~Attorney Mae Corona, General Counsel
Corona’s journey to leadership was defined by clarity of purpose.
Lim’s path was similarly driven by curiosity and commitment. But early on, being heard was a challenge.
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Tanya Lim, Plant Lead |
“I’ve always had an interest in how things work. Engineering was a natural choice, and from there it became a career. In my earlier days, the issue was getting people to listen. Over time, I proved my capability to lead. The plant runs 24 hours a day and issues don’t follow schedule. Working remotely isn’t an option for my specific role. Mondelēz International has given me equal opportunity and fair treatment, and I’m very grateful for that. I want to keep growing talent and helping others unlock their potential. I also see myself as proof that women can lead in any field they choose. Learn as much as you can and value every experience. Tap into your perseverance and grit—because in this field, problems can be solved, and skills can be learned. What sets you apart is your mindset.” ~Tanya Lim, Plant Lead
More recently, she faced a different kind of balancing act—one shared by many working mothers. What helped, Lim says, is a culture that genuinely values inclusion.
This culture of inclusivity is not limited to gender. Employees with diverse identities and orientations are supported by frameworks that promote fairness, safety, and respect. From mentoring programs to succession planning, the organization makes leadership development inclusive by design.
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EYE ON THE PRIZE. Atty. Mae Corona had the ultimate career ambition of one day becoming a legal head of a global organization which she has now realized as the General Counsel of Mondelēz International. |
And for the next generation of women in the workplace, these leaders aim to model what’s possible.
Their advice to young women: Stay curious, stay grounded, and stay resilient.
Mondelēz International in the Philippines is to create a workplace where all employees, regardless of gender or background, may contribute and achieve by building systems that meet their requirements.
About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world with 2024 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.
About Mondelez Philippines
Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 62 years - since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home.