With decades of cross-sector experience, Mentor Mardi empowers youth to lead with heart, purpose, and people-first impact.
Mentor Mardi has spent more than three decades walking the talk of servant leadership, whether in government, NGOs, humanitarian organizations, or corporate social responsibility. Her career is a masterclass in how compassion, competence, and courage can be woven together to build lasting change for communities.
From her early days as a Chair of the National Youth Commission, to later leading organizations such as The Fred Hollows Foundation and Build Change, Mardi has held influential roles across sectors but always with the same mission: to uplift lives, especially those at the margins. As the Chief Operating Officer of Aboitiz Foundation and former CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philippines, she helped design disaster-resilient housing, champion inclusive development, and forge partnerships that bridged government, civil society, and grassroots communities.
Throughout her journey, Mardi has worked on a wide range of initiatives, from maternal and child health to environmental sustainability, from youth empowerment to peacebuilding in conflict zones. She’s held strategic positions in various government offices such as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, and as an elected Provincial Board Member of Negros Occidental, showing her versatility in handling both policy and program delivery with heart and rigor.
But beyond titles and institutions, what defines Mentor Mardi is her deep commitment to people. She believes that every Filipino, regardless of background, deserves dignity, opportunity, and a voice. Her ability to lead cross-sector coalitions and facilitate inclusive dialogue has made her a powerful bridge-builder and mentor for the next generation of leaders.
She has represented the Philippines in over 40 countries and served as a global voice on human rights, education, and civic leadership. Whether teaching children about peace through art, building eco-parks, or mentoring young changemakers, Mardi continues to lead with authenticity and service. Mardi is also active as a facilitator, trainer, and board member for various national coalitions and global networks. Her story proves that impact is not about positions held, but lives touched.
Mentor Mardi joins the MISSION POSSIBLE Youth Social Hackathon: Philippines Edition (Oct 24–26, 2025) to inspire young Filipinos to act with courage, serve with joy, and lead with purpose, starting right where they are.