Alfie Macatiag and Connie Brooks

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Philippines, UCLA-NUS EMBA (Class of 2023/2024)

Alfie Macatiag

Co-founder and Vice President

Product, Services at Opswerks

USA, UCLA-NUS EMBA (Class of 2023/2024)

Connie Brooks

General Manager

Westpak

Even the sky’s not the limit for Alfie Macatiag and Connie Brooks

Meet two remarkable women who are redefining boundaries in their fields. Alfie Macatiag and Connie Brooks, both from the UCLA-NUS EMBA program, embody the spirit of ambition and determination. Join us as we delve into their inspiring journeys.

Alfie Macatiag is the co-founder and Vice President of Product, Services at Washington-headquartered IT consulting firm Opswerks.

Amid your busy work schedule, you are also involved in teaching and outreach programs in the local community. Could you share more about these efforts?
My company has this programme called Compassion, Generosity, Hope (CGH). It’s an avenue for us to connect with and give back to the local and regional communities we are a part of. For example, during the pandemic, we helped a middle school by giving out WiFi devices so that students are able to connect to the internet and continue their studies at home.

On a personal front, pre-pandemic, I was part of a religious community where we go to small communities, and we teach small children (between five to nine years old) alphabets or read them stories. We also provide them with essential support such as free food products.

What motivated you to pursue an EMBA program?
My company is currently running at about 170 people now and we are ambitious about scaling to 1,000 employees. So the main reason why I wanted to take an EMBA is to equip myself with the expertise and industry-standard knowledge needed to contribute to the business growth.

What were some learnings that you were immediately able to apply to your company?
One key learning was from our session with Professor Cohen, where we discussed the development of a company’s strategic goals. This was particularly timely for my company, as we were in the process of setting long-term goals. I gained insights into the importance of aligning the company’s mission and objectives, ensuring they cascade effectively to every critical department, and learning how to measure progress. It was amazing because I could immediately apply these concepts within the company, essentially turning classroom discussions into real-world actions.

You’ve been working in tech for a really long time – what are your thoughts on the challenges that women faced in the industry?
I believe one of the challenges, especially for Asian women, is the prevailing cultural belief that men hold higher status than women. Only in the past decade have I seen women being given more opportunities to lead. But the challenge lies in the lack of representation, confidence, and trust placed in women. As a woman, there is a constant need to prove oneself, which can be draining. Ideally, this energy could be channeled to other more useful areas.

What do you think the industry can do more to empower or support women?
The number of women in tech is growing. But more can be done. For example, the industry can support initiatives like Women Who Code, which is a global program that provides services for women pursuing technology careers and a job board for companies seeking coding professionals. By increasing awareness, especially from a young age, and fostering a sense of community, we can normalize and empower women in tech.

Based in California, Connie Brooks is General Manager at Westpak, an independent testing laboratory serving medical device, pharmaceutical, and high-tech industries.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
While I’m passionate about quality management, I find my purpose lies in working with people, optimizing processes, and facilitating growth and efficiency, both for individuals and the organization as a whole.

What sparked your passion in helping others grow?
I believe it stems from my personal background. I have an older sister who is autistic, and caring for her was more like a mother-daughter relationship than a typical sibling dynamic. But of course, she’s a wonderful sister. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of compassion and responsibility towards individuals with different needs.

And being a mother of four children myself, I naturally extend this nurturing instinct to my team. While I take pride in my own accomplishments at work, what truly drives me is witnessing the growth of the individuals I’ve had the privilege to mentor and support. Their progress and development are incredibly rewarding to me, and it’s this impact that keeps me motivated on this path.

Why did you decide to pursue an EMBA?
I was part of a Women’s Leadership Program at my previous company back in 2020. One exercise from that program really stuck with me: setting long-term goals. One of my goals is to become a CEO one day. I believe that I can accelerate this path by having an EMBA. So I immediately started looking for a suitable program, leading me to apply and start the following year.

How did you juggle an EMBA program with four young kids?
My parents live with my whole family, which has been a tremendous help. In our busy household, my mom plays a significant role. Since I leave for work early in the mornings due to my long commute, I often don’t see my kids awake until I get back from work. My mom takes charge of the morning routine, and that has been a huge support.

Was it your first time in Singapore? How did you find the experience?
Yes, it was my first time, and I absolutely loved it! The people were so welcoming, and I was impressed by the camaraderie and the efficiency of how the whole country runs. My company had to wire money, and they mentioned how setting it up in Singapore was incredibly easy compared to other countries. One thing that did surprise me was the weather. It’s either hot and wet, or hotter and wetter!

How do you think companies can better support women in various stages of their lives?
Joining Westpac was the best move for me because the leadership team prioritizes work-life balance and is very understanding of individual circumstances. Something which I didn’t always have before. The company actively supports women through programs, initiatives, and benefits. For example, shortly after I joined, we made accommodations for a team member returning from maternity leave. We adjusted her schedule and even explored creating a new role to better fit her current lifestyle. This really shows Westpac’s commitment to supporting women in their workforce.