Ashley Jaye “AJ” Milag, a 2024 Aspire Leaders Program alumna from the Philippines, exemplifies how personal transformation and authentic leadership create meaningful impact. As an Aspire Senior Community Moderator, they guide current participants while continuing their own growth journey. Milag’s evolution from an elementary student with stage fright to a confident leader illustrates the power of persistence as a first-generation college graduate.
Early Foundation and Overcoming Challenges
Despite financial constraints, Milag’s parents instilled the importance of education from an early age. “Although he couldn’t provide me with material wealth, my father promised me that he would do everything to support my education because he believed it was invaluable and portable,” Milag said. This foundation led their family to move from their province to the city for better opportunities.
Milag’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. “This confidence you see today took a decade to build,” they said. “It’s the result of stepping out of my comfort zone at 13, realizing I had to make sure people could hear me and receive my message.”
When facing limited university options due to financial constraints, she demonstrated the power of self-advocacy. After reaching out to a former instructor, Milag secured a full scholarship to the University of Santo Tomas, one of Asia’s oldest existing universities. “I was the last person to submit the application, but the first to be granted the scholarship,” they said. “It wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t reach out for help.”
The Aspire Leaders Program: A Catalyst for Growth
The Aspire Leaders Program marked a turning point in Milag’s leadership journey. Prior to Aspire, they didn’t identify as a first-generation university student, because, like many, they were unfamiliar with the turm. Now, Milag recognizes this as key to their identity.
“The Aspire Leaders Program has been one of the most transformative, enriching, and eye-opening experiences I’ve had,” they said. “It allowed me to explore who I wanted to be, not just as a leader but as a person.”
Through the program, she developed a unique perspective on leadership. “Leadership is something already within you that you have to develop,” Milag said. “Your leadership is okay being undefined because you constantly have the opportunity to evolve.”
The program’s global cohort created a supportive environment where they found connection among peers facing similar challenges. “You get to see things in different lenses and realize you’ve never been alone,” she said. “As a first-generation graduate, you have peers who are working in the same way you are.”
Embracing Authentic Identity and Advocacy
During university, Milag embarked on a journey from community service to self-discovery. Her involvement spanned numerous university organizations, encompassing academic, student, government, and service initiatives. These included: UST Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, UST Accountancy Student Council, UST Red Cross Youth Council, UST-Becarios de Santo Tomas, and UST Hiraya. After coming out, they became actively involved in nonprofit organizations including Bahaghari (Rainbow) and Metro Manila Pride, advocating for and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines.
“Much of my authenticity comes from being able to really be myself,” Milag explained. “Self-awareness plays a key role in being your best version.”
Their intersecting identities as a first-generation graduate, member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and Filipino woman have informed her approach to leadership. “When you speak up, when you stand up for something, others easily follow,” they said. “Vulnerability is a strength. Use it to your advantage.”
Current Impact and Future Aspirations
Today, Milag balances preparing for professional certification while pursuing leadership and data analytics training. Their internship at Punongbayan & Araullo: Grant Thornton Philippines sparked a passion for consulting.
“I enjoy dynamic and challenging environments,” they shared. “I enjoy moving from project to project to see how I could create impact and contribute to society.”
With ambitious consulting career goals, Milag is developing versatile and transferable skills to be impactful in various professional contexts. “My body is itching to do analyst and consulting work,” they said enthusiastically.
Advice for First-Generation Students
Drawing from their experiences, Milag emphasizes authentic connection in creating impact. “Nothing feels better than someone’s presence,” they said. “If you can make someone feel seen, heard, or understood, you did the right thing.”
When considering challenges facing first-generation students, she encourages embracing change as an opportunity for growth. “The world is constantly changing, and so are we,” they said. “Remember that you have the power to reimagine, reinvent, reshape, redefine, and revolutionize yourself as an individual and leader.”
Making an Impact Through Authenticity
Milag’s journey exemplifies how the Aspire Leaders Program empowers first-generation students to embrace their authentic selves. Through mentorship, global networking, and leadership development, learners like Milag transform personal challenges into strengths that benefit communities.
“Being successful is subjective,” they said. “I feel successful because I was able to give back to this community. That is success to me. I recognize that part of myself, embrace it, and allow a community to embrace it as well.”
