Trailblazing Women taking the Lead and Breaking Traditional Roles

“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 

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.

In the Philippines, Mondelēz International is dedicated to fostering an environment where inclusivity is ingrained in daily operations.  This dedication is evident in the leaders as well as in the policies.

Women are now in charge of positions that have historically been held by men throughout the company.  Aleli Arcilla, the organization's first female country leader, serves as managing director. As General Counsel, Attorney Mae Corona offers strategic counsel to the entire organization. Additionally, Tanya Lim, the company's first female Plant Lead, is in charge of manufacturing.  Their participation in these roles isn't merely symbolic; rather, it's the outcome of a climate at work where leaders are empowered by their abilities rather than their gender.

TRAILBLAZER. Managing Director Aleli Arcilla leads the organization as the first female managing director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines.

The dedication of Mondelēz International to inclusivity is ingrained in its systems and structures.  With hybrid arrangements and personal leaves that encourage balance and teamwork, workplace flexibility is ingrained in the culture.  Beyond mere compliance, parental leave laws provide comprehensive benefits for caregivers and single parents, irrespective of birth method or family structure.

“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.

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.

Gender is just one aspect of this inclusive culture. Frameworks that uphold safety, respect, and equity support workers with a diverse range of identities and orientations. The organization makes sure that leadership development is inclusive by design, from succession planning to mentorship programs.

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.

In the Philippines, Mondelēz International keeps creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can achieve by creating systems that represent the actual demands of its workers.

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.