THREE Cagayan de Oro journalists have emerged from a global crucible of leadership training with a new mission: to lead with empathy and tell stories that matter.
After nine months of intensive training, mentorship, and introspection, the cohort is stepping forward with renewed confidence and a shared commitment to making an impact on local media.
The graduates include iFM-RMN-dxCC News Director Menzie Montes, her station colleague May Ann Ross Okit, and Mindanao Gold Star Daily correspondent Shiela Mae Butlig. They completed the Leadership Accelerator Program on Dec. 18, an initiative hosted by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) designed to mold contemporary leaders in media management.
The three women joined 43 other participants from Africa, the Arab Region, and Southeast Asia. The program provides a platform to cultivate sustainable, values-driven leadership, emphasizing openness to learning and the courage to build strong support networks.
For Montes, the fellowship went beyond professional development.
“It has been nothing short of life-changing. I joined the program with hopes of learning new skills, but the experience turned out to be far more meaningful than I imagined,” Montes said.
Montes added that the experience gave her confidence in her own voice and the role she can play within their newsroom.
A turning point
The initiative was created to address specific challenges faced by women journalists, including a lack of opportunities, representation, and institutional support. Central to the experience was the understanding that leadership does not exist in isolation but is strengthened through community and shared responsibility.
Spanning nine months, the online curriculum covered media ethics, digital journalism, and confidence-building. Through coaching and hands-on projects, the journalists moved through a structured journey that many described as a turning point.
Butlig, a correspondent for Gold Star Daily for 12 years, said the experience reshaped her view of her profession.
“The IFRA Leadership Program for Women is more than a leadership course for me. It is a deeply personal journey into self-discovery, empowerment, and purpose,” Butlig said.
She added: “The program taught me that leadership does not begin with titles or achievements, but with the courage to understand oneself.
”Values in actionBeyond technical skills, the graduates developed resilience and a refined sense of purpose.“
One of the highlights of my fellowship was the opportunity to see how meaningful work can create real, lasting impact. Being exposed to diverse perspectives helped me understand the importance of innovation, accountability, and leadership, which are the values I now carry with me every day,” Montes added.
As they return to their daily beats, the graduates are encouraged to remain grounded in their awakened leadership capacities.
The program’s coaches urged them to carry the learning forward, ensuring that their renewed strength translates into stories that serve the Cagayan de Oro community.
