Filipino-Australian entrepreneur and Kaya Services founder Yona Signo has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Women Changing the World Awards.
The recognition is awarded by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Dr. Tererai Trent, Oprah Winfrey’s all-time favorite guest, to women achieving outstanding success in areas such as sustainability, humanitarian efforts, leadership, advocacy, technology, education, health, and innovation.
“These exceptional women are here to awaken hearts, give permission to recapture dreams, and inspire the women of the world to come together to forge a brighter path for all. The rising of women is the awakening of everybody,” said Dr. Trent.
Signo has integrated her IT and project management skills with her profound commitment to empowerment.
As the founder of Kaya Services and co-founder of Vision Outsourcing, she has mobilized skilled remote teams, providing equitable work opportunities for women in the Philippines and boosting operational efficiency for global businesses. This effort strengthens her ties to her cultural roots, promotes cultural diversity, and encourages cross-border collaboration.
Signo’s multifaceted career also includes roles as a published author, course creator, and Certified SacredSpace holder. She is an advocate for entrepreneurial mothers and consistently demonstrates integrity, love, and joy in her personal and professional life.
Under her leadership, Kaya Services and Vision Outsourcing have become platforms where predominantly female Filipino teams gain meaningful employment opportunities, helping Australian and international female entrepreneurs scale their businesses through strategic outsourcing. Her work enhances Filipino women’s economic empowerment and provides Australian women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in a competitive market.
“My background provides a unique perspective that enriches our operational strategies with Filipino resilience and Australian work-life balance. This cultural synergy not only makes our approach more adaptable and empathetic but also transformative,” Signo said.
Over the past year, Kaya Services has seen a 70 percent increase in clientele and a 40 percent expansion in its Philippine-based team, underscoring her impact on women’s employment and empowerment.
Additionally, Signo collaborated with the Pinay Girl Boss Academy to develop a Virtual Assistant Basics course. This partnership allowed her to directly impact aspiring female professionals in the Philippines, equipping them with the essential skills to thrive in the digital economy.
“Embrace the challenges as opportunities to manifest a life that contributes to the ripple effect of change you want to see in the world. Stay committed to your why and your purpose, and never underestimate the power of your actions to make a difference,” she said.
(Read the complete finalist list at wcwawards.com/finalists. The winners of the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards will be announced at the Women Changing the World Global Summit and Awards in London, United Kingdom, on 25 May 2024.)