In line with its mission to nurture young leaders equipped to drive innovation and social good, Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Aboitiz Group, the Philippines’ first techglomerate, hosted aerospace engineer and citizen astronaut Aisha Bowe for an inspiring dialogue with its college scholars.
The event, held at the Aboitiz Tech Space at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), brought together the Aboitiz Foundation’s Future Leaders scholars to learn from Bowe’s remarkable journey from studying at a community college in Michigan to working at NASA, becoming an entrepreneur and most recently, traveling to space.
Bowe made history last April as a member of the first all‑female crew launched into space aboard Blue Origin’s spacecraft, alongside Amanda Nguyen—the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman in space—and pop icon Katy Perry.
Welcoming Bowe, Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros‑Malvar emphasized the importance of exposing scholars to transformative figures who embody resilience and innovation:
“At the Aboitiz Group, we are proud to be the Philippines’ first techglomerate, combining our strong legacy in business with the speed and creativity of technology. Our goal is to continue to harness innovation, not just for progress, but also, very importantly, for social good,” she shared.
Bowe, a former NASA aerospace engineer, inspired the scholars with her personal story of breaking barriers. After six years at NASA, she founded STEMBoard, an award‑winning engineering company, and later LINGO, a hands‑on coding kit designed to make technology education more accessible to youth worldwide.
She urged the scholars to dream beyond boundaries: “Whether you realize it or not, you are the hope and you are the dream of someone in your family. And as you think about the future of not only your family but this country, I would invite you to explore the things that hold the people around you back from reaching their goals and reaching their dreams.”
Bowe’s message strongly resonated with the Foundation’s Future Leaders scholars, who represent the next generation of Filipino innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
Reflecting on her spaceflight, Bowe shared how viewing Earth from orbit reshaped her perspective forever: “You cannot get in that rocket and come out unchanged. … There’s absolutely nothing like seeing our Earth rotate. And the air, and the sky. Everything is moving. And you realize that you’re really a miracle after all.”
The dialogue with Bowe is part of Aboitiz Foundation’s latest initiatives to demonstrate the power of education in transforming lives. In May 2025, the Foundation forged a landmark agreement with Fulbright Philippines to expand opportunities for Filipino scholars in STEM, advanced education, training and research in the United States.
Through partnerships with globally renowned institutions and changemakers, Aboitiz Foundation reaffirms its commitment to providing world-class opportunities that prepare the next generation of Filipinos to lead with purpose, drive meaningful change in their communities and contribute to nation-building.
About Aboitiz Foundation
Aboitiz Foundation, the CSR arm of the Aboitiz Group, is committed to shaping a brighter future for the nation. With 35+ years of empowering communities and driving sustainable development, the Foundation of the Philippines’ first techglomerate is expanding its impact to contribute to nation-building.
Committed to advancing social development, Aboitiz Foundation focuses on three key pillars:
- Future Leaders: Ensuring Filipino learners of all ages have access to resources, facilities, and scholarships to prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
- Jobs: Empowering Filipinos with digital tools and skills training to thrive in the global digital economy, fostering an entrepreneurship mindset.
- Climate Action: Developing and implementing environmental programs to construct climate-resilient communities and foster a more sustainable future through nature-based solutions.
Since 1988, the Foundation has shifted from one-time donations to Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship programs, which empower beneficiaries to reach their full potential. By partnering with strategic partners, the foundation creates projects that are scalable, impactful, and aligned with the company’s expertise, benefiting communities throughout the Philippines.
