After months of rigorous screening and applications, the SM Foundation officially welcomed 900 new college scholars from across the country in an awarding ceremony held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
The event served as the scholars’ first glimpse into the advantages of being part of the foundation as they gained access to insights and guidance from SM Group leaders and mentors as they begin pursuing higher education.
Among the speakers was SM Investments Assistant Vice President Jennilyn Mendoza, an alumna of the scholarship program herself. Today, she now holds a leadership role in one of the country’s largest conglomerates. Her beginnings, however, were far from easy.
Mendoza grew up in a low-lying area prone to flooding in Malabon, where she often braved rising waters just to get to school. She remembers taking a pedicab through narrow streets and coming home to frequent power outages.
She recalls it was an added burden for a family whose income could only cover the most basic needs. “It was difficult,” she recalled. “Aside from the struggles in school, you’d come home and face another set of challenges. Our electricity was often cut, and we had to find other ways just to get through the night.”
She made a promise to herself early on that once she graduated and found stable work, she would ensure her family never had to experience losing electricity again.
A consistent honor student, Mendoza graduated in 2005 with a degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Shortly after, she joined SM Prime Holdings in 2006.
Her drive and work ethic saw her steadily move up the ranks. She moved to SM Investments in 2015 as a senior manager. She now heads a team of SAP Basis administrators as Assistant Vice President of the company.
“Fast forward to today, I’m continuously fulfilling that promise,” she said as she shares how she provides the best possible life she could give to her family.
In 2021, she was named one of the Exemplary Women of SM, a recognition that put a spotlight both on her achievement and commitment to career and personal growth.
While the scholarship opened doors, Mendoza emphasized to the new scholars that their success ultimately depends on their drive. “The support is already here,” she told them. “Now all you have to do is study, work hard, and be grateful. Once you become successful, don’t forget to pay it forward.”
She left them with a guiding principle that shaped her journey: “If you have a strong ‘why,’ the ‘how’ will follow. When you know why you’re doing it, you’ll figure out how to make it work—and everything else will fall into place.”
From a student braving literal hurdles on her way to school to a leader in the corporate world, the scholar-turned-SM executive ascertains that a strong sense of purpose, supported by the right opportunities, like the SM College Scholarship Program, can power a life of meaningful success.
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