Within New York’s dynamic heartbeat, Angela Bauza, at the age of 27, has crafted a remarkable narrative of success and determination. Her journey, which began in the Philippines and led her to the city that never sleeps, showcases her three years of international experience and embodies the essence of pursuing and realizing one’s dreams.
Angela embarked on her overseas career by enrolling in New York University’s Integrated Marketing Program, specializing in Digital Marketing, a field that resonates deeply with her passion for creating meaningful work. “I’ve always been passionate about creating meaningful work, whether it’s through the campaigns I worked on for my clients in my previous jobs or through the projects I’ve done in school,” Bauza shares. Her dedication culminated in a masteral capstone thesis that aimed to make beauty packaging accessible and inclusive through tactile symbols, a project nominated for NYU’s School of Professional Studies Capstone Competition, highlighting its innovative approach and impact.
The decision to pursue graduate studies abroad was fueled by Angela’s desire to break free from the career standstill she felt and reignite her passion for her industry. “For the longest time, I’ve perceived graduate school as prestigious and only the smartest people could get accepted,” she recalls, reflecting on her academic journey. Despite not being a straight-A student in her early years, Angela’s determination and dreams of living in New York propelled her to take a leap of faith, leading to her role at Love, Bonito as part of the pioneering team to strategize the brand’s market entry in the U.S.
Before her current role, Angela’s career in the Philippines was marked by her tenure at Ogilvy, where she rose from a Media Monitoring Assistant to an Account Manager. Her work on the Skinmergency campaign for Aveeno’s Dermexa line, aimed at aiding those with Eczema-prone skin, stands out as a testament to her commitment to creating campaigns with purpose. “This was meaningful for me because I felt like there was a sense of purpose more than just promoting the product,” she notes, underscoring the value of impactful work.
At Love, Bonito, Angela finds joy in working alongside a team of passionate women, sharing the brand’s commitment to empowering Asian women. “The best part of my job is being able to work with like-minded people and serving the community of Asian women like me,” she says, highlighting the alignment of her personal values with the company’s mission.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Angela dedicates her time to volunteering with non-profit organizations, including Heart of Dinner, which combats food insecurity among Asian American seniors. This volunteer work, she believes, may seem small but has a profound impact on others, fulfilling her desire to contribute meaningfully to her community.
Reflecting on her experiences, Angela acknowledges the challenges of building a career abroad, particularly the struggle with self-doubt and the necessity of resilience. “As an international candidate, you have to work 10x harder than a person who was born here just because of visa sponsorship limitations,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Looking ahead, Angela plans to continue building her career, with aspirations to support her family and inspire young Asian women to dream big. “I hope to inspire and motivate young Asian women that they deserve to dream big as much as they want to and they can do it as long as you make the most out of every opportunity,” she expresses, aiming to be a source of support and encouragement for others facing similar journeys.
For fellow Filipinos abroad, Angela’s advice is to find a community and establish a support system, underscoring the importance of staying true to one’s roots and remembering where one came from. “The friends that I have found here — they are what keep me going, apart from the family and friends that I have back in the Philippines,” she concludes, offering a message of hope and solidarity for those navigating the complexities of life overseas.
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 10 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.