June 28, 2025 - the AWS User Group BuildHers+ Philippines launched its first-ever Pride Month event: “One Voice, One Vision: Pride Stories Shaping Tomorrow’s Future in Tech.” It wasn’t just a milestone—it was a movement. A space carved out intentionally to honor LGBTQIA+ individuals in tech, and a powerful celebration of resilience, authenticity, and community.
A First for BuildHers+
The event marked a turning point for BuildHers+ Philippines. Known for championing women and underrepresented groups in tech, the group expanded its reach by shining a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ voices—many of whom rarely get the opportunity to share their stories on such a platform.
Community Co-Lead and Project Head Ms. Joanne De Guzman opened the event with powerful words:
“In the spirit of Pride, we gather not only to celebrate how far we’ve come, but also to commit ourselves to building a future that is more inclusive, more compassionate, and more just—especially in the spaces where innovation and technology thrive.”
With that, the floor was given to three courageous individuals, each with their own journey through tech—each story a lens into what inclusion truly looks like.
Stories of Resilience: LGBTQIA+ Voices in Tech
Breaking Through: Elsa Versailles on Being Different in Tech
First to speak was Ms. Elsa Versailles (Vince Austria), a BSIT student, academic researcher, and advocate for inclusion. Through her talk, “Breaking Into Tech: The Unspoken Paths That Got Me Here,” Elsa traced her non-linear path into tech and the barriers she overcame in both academic and professional settings.
With experience in IT infrastructure and compliance—and deep involvement in organizations like Pride PH—Elsa spoke with clarity and fire:
“You’re not late. You’re learning. Being different is a strength. Don’t wait for permission.”
Her message was simple, but radical: embracing your identity isn’t a liability—it’s your edge.
Claiming Space: James Morillo on Belonging and Bias
Next was Mr. James Morillo, a Cloud Operations Engineer at Accenture Philippines, who shared his story with quiet strength and focus. A DOST scholar and Magna Cum Laude graduate, James has excelled in AWS infrastructure, automation, and security. But his journey wasn’t always smooth.
He spoke candidly about favoritism, exclusion, and what it means to feel unseen in corporate spaces. His advice was as grounded as it was hopeful:
“Malawak ang industriya ng teknolohiya. I assure you, may uupuan ka.”
(The tech industry is vast. I assure you, there’s a seat for you.)
James reminded everyone that worth isn’t determined by titles or favoritism—it’s rooted in skill, consistency, and self-belief.
Leading with Heart: Precious Manucom’s Vision for Inclusive Communities
The final speaker, Mx. Precious Manucom, brought energy, passion, and a strong sense of purpose. A Computer Science student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Precious is no stranger to leadership—she serves as President of DEVCON Manila and plays key roles in AWS Cloud Club – PUP and AWSUG BuildHers+ PH.
Precious spoke about the need for intentional, learner-friendly spaces—especially for students, queer individuals, and newcomers to tech. She emphasized that community isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a structure that can lift people up, open doors, and create real belonging.
The event also featured a panel discussion, where questions about amplifying diverse voices and stories, building solidarity and shared understanding, and inspiring action for inclusive tech futures were answered by the speakers.
Lastly, as the event closed, Ms. Uriel Alonso, the Community Lead of AWS User Group BuildHers+ Philippines, delivered her closing remarks:
Thank you for showing up, for listening with open hearts, and for standing with us as we amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community in tech. Your presence today speaks volumes about the kind of inclusive future we are all striving to build together.
Why Visibility Matters
What made this event stand out wasn’t just the impressive resumes of its speakers. It was their honesty. Each talk peeled back the layers of what it means to exist in tech as an LGBTQIA+ individual—to show up, speak up, and thrive, even in systems that weren’t built with you in mind.
These weren’t generic success stories. They were stories of grit, growth, and radical self-acceptance.
The Future Starts with Listening
“One Voice, One Vision” was more than a celebration—it was a statement. That inclusion can’t be passive. That tech spaces must evolve. Those diverse voices, when amplified, don’t just belong—they build the future.
And the future? It's already in motion—led by people like Elsa, James, and Precious.
About the Authors
Joanne De Guzman is a purpose-driven community leader at AWS User Group BuildHers+ Philippines. She currently serves as a SIPAG 2025 Intern at the Gokongwei Group and previously worked as an RPA Developer Intern at Aspen Business Solutions, Inc. Joanne is a passionate advocate for inclusivity in technology, believing that representation is essential, especially in empowering younger generations to explore and thrive in the tech industry.
Uriel Alonso is a Cloud Applications Specialist at Apper Cloud Labs and a key member of the Professional Services Engineering team that delivers innovative cloud solutions. Passionate about increasing representation in tech, Uriel serves as the Community Leader of AWS User Group BuildHers+ Philippines. Together with Joanne, they serve as the Community Leads of AWS User Group BuildHers+ Philippines, working to create inclusive spaces and opportunities for women and gender-diverse individuals in the technology industry.
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