With the launch of the GILAS New York Tri-State team, two New York-based companies signed on to promote and support GILAS: Womensphere Interactive Networks (media) and Huckleberry Interactive Technologies (web & technology).
Womensphere is an integrated multi-media company based in New York City. Womensphere publishes books, creates films, develops online media, and produces conferences and events, all designed to inspire and empower women. As part of its Community Partnership with the Ayala Foundation, Womensphere will provide GILAS with media exposure through its weekly newsletter, book projects, and website.
Womensphere is also showcasing GILAS at the Community Partners’ Expo of the Women’s Leadership & Innovation Conference 2008 being held at the Grand Hyatt, New York City, on Saturday, February 9, 2008. Womensphere is led by Analisa Balares, CEO, who also serves on the GILAS Executive Committee. The Ayala Foundation is part of a select group of Womensphere Community Partners, which includes international organizations such as the Global Fund for Women, Climb High Foundation, Art for Refugees in Transition, and the UN’s Waves of Change Project.
Huckleberry Interactive Technologies, based in both the Philippines and New York City, provides support and promotion for GILAS through designing creative marketing campaigns and web projects. Also founded by Analisa Balares and led by CTO Jug Mensenares, Huckleberry has selected the Ayala Foundation’s GILAS Project as its primary non-profit initiative towards which the company provides project-based pro bono design and technology services.
The leaders and employees of both companies are very much enthused to be part of a global movement that contributes towards helping build a competitive advantage for the Philippines.
Fara Manuel, Huckleberry Art Director and designer of the GILAS e-card campaign, shares her thoughts on the importance of GILAS: “The internet is a powerful medium, an effective teaching tool. GILAS shows us that a potent tool democratized can empower and eventually change lives. The children that share GILAS' wonderful gift are now assured of broadened awareness of the world and up to date know-how. GILAS is a remarkable social enterprise.”
Stephanie Abrantes, Huckleberry Senior Designer, remarked about her enthusiasm for the GILAS project: "GILAS offers the less fortunate a chance to dream again and make those dreams come true.”
Eden Marquez, Huckleberry Junior Designer, shares her own vision around how GILAS can help change Philippine society: "Most of the underpriviliged students in the Philippines learn how to survive. Continued GILAS support encourages these students now to attain their goals and learn to achieve their aspirations. Let's give these students and the country the chance to change. " |
