Erica Luna
In Asia, where tradition and kinship run deep, the call for diversity and inclusion can often face quiet resistance. This month, we’d like you to meet two remarkable women who prove that meaningful change doesn’t have to clash with culture; it can grow from it.
Jessica Cheam and Lisa Bayot are taking tangible actions to create a world where no one is left behind. They are reshaping what inclusion looks like – one bold, purposeful hour at a time.
Jessica Cheam: Advancing Sustainability Through Youth Empowerment and Information Access
As Chairperson of EB Impact, a Singapore-based nonprofit, Jessica spearheads programs empowering youth to address environmental issues. One of their programs, the Sustainability Education Grant, now in its second year, offers financial support to ASEAN undergraduate and post-graduate students and helps them turn their passion for sustainability into careers. Recipients also benefit through mentorship and gain access to leadership development opportunities, which can lead to internships at organizations with ecological principles.
Jessica is also the Founder of Eco-Business, a leading media and business intelligence platform dedicated to sustainable development.
Lisa Bayot: Building Literacy and Hope in Filipino Communities
Lisa T. Bayot, great-grandniece of Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, founded the BINHI English Literacy Foundation Inc., which has helped nearly 3,500 struggling readers in over 50 public schools improve their English skills.
Lisa continues to expand access to quality education through the BINHI Learning Program, a 6-month after-school course using proven methods. Inspired by her great-granduncle’s legacy, she is committed to building a brighter future for Filipino learners—a future where every child feels empowered and included.
Show Up, Speak Out, and Champion Inclusion
Jessica and Lisa remind us that inclusion begins when we choose to show up and stand together. Through TheOneHourProject (TOHP), you can join this mission by dedicating just one hour to help create equal opportunities for all. Remember, every small act of kindness and every moment of your time can make a real difference.
By volunteering with TOHP, you become part of a movement that values every voice and builds more inclusive communities.
Lend your voice, your time, and your heart today.