Empowerment and Resilience at the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce ‘In Bloom’ Event

Last Friday, the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) convened for the Fanachu Famalao’an 2025 “In Bloom” event, bringing together women of various ages to share invaluable experiences surrounding motherhood, resilience, and personal development. The gathering aimed to foster a supportive environment where women could explore the complexities of balancing family, career, and self-care.

Celebrating Community and Support

Months of preparation culminated in a forum attended by entrepreneurs, seasoned professionals, and young women on the verge of starting their careers. Participants reported that the event’s panel discussions and workshops conveyed a significant theme: collaboration over competition. Women can achieve their goals more effectively by supporting one another.

Motherhood and Shared Experiences

A standout topic of conversation was motherhood, with panelists sharing their authentic stories. From new mothers to foster parents, attendees opened up about common insecurities and the challenges associated with self-care. Dina Brendan Pangelinan, GWCC president and mother of three, emphasized how these discussions helped normalize the difficulties many women face.

“They (children) really are the most fashionable accessory,” Pangelinan stated. “They bring the courage and the strength, and they honor the past, future, present.”

Among those who inspired the audience was Carla Haddock, a registered nurse and mother of eight. She highlighted the importance of maintaining personal well-being, including exercise, amidst the hustle of parenting and work.

Inspiration for the Next Generation

Younger attendees, such as 27-year-old Angelica Roque, left the event feeling empowered to pursue their aspirations. Roque, who had hesitated to launch her business, found motivation in keynote speaker Livia Marati’s message.

“What inspired me the most was … there’s never going to be the right time … you just have to go after it and do it,” Roque remarked, acknowledging Marati’s role in helping her overcome self-doubt.

Marati focused on aligning business ambitions with personal values and real-life circumstances, instilling a mentality that challenges can be surmounted with determination and clarity.

Financial Resilience and Societal Expectations

In the afternoon sessions, Melanie Mendiola, vice president at BG Investment Services, initiated discussions around the financial pressures women face, drawing attention to common sayings that often impact women from childhood. Her reflections on the pressures to maintain beauty rituals resonated with many attendees, highlighting the need for financial independence as a vital part of career success.

“The Hot Girl Hamster Wheel” is about the beauty rituals we feel compelled to follow, often dictated by societal pressures,” Mendiola explained, referencing insights from “Rich Girl Nation” by Kate Gatti Tassin.

Resilience: A Common Thread

The theme of resilience echoed throughout the event. Amanda Palacios, a loan adjustment officer at Bank of Guam, connected deeply with Marati’s metaphor of “being down in the mud,” expressing her feelings of having been in similar challenging situations and successfully emerging from them.

“Helping customers understand that their situation isn’t forever—that they’ll eventually get out of the mud—that’s something I can bring back to my work, too,” Palacios shared, reflecting on the event’s broader implications.

A Renewed Sense of Community

Pangelinan concluded that participants left with an enriched sense of community, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of women in redefining success in their own terms. Whether embracing the trials of motherhood, venturing into new business endeavors, or finding strength during tough times, the women of Guam showcased a collective spirit of empowerment and growth.