This month we conclude our series of the distinguished International Leadership Award Honorees by profiling Mildred Vitangcol of the Philippines and Crisma Henriquez-Ramirez of the Island of Curacao.
Mildred Vitangcol believes that, “Together we touch lives through the funeral service industry both nationally and internationally working with the same mission for all the people in need.” A well respected and successful leader, she attended high school in Dumagueta City and her collegiate education is a who’s who of institutions. Starting with Silliman University where she received a BS in biology; she attended the University of Asia and the Pacific; Ateneo Graduate School of Business; and Cebu Doctor’s University followed by a residency in Gastroenterology at Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center. Today Mildred is CEO and President of St. Peter Life Plan, Inc. which is a pre-paid death care company founded in 1970 by the late Francisco Bautista. Mildred’s husband, York Vitangcol serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board and as a Director of the St. Peter Group of Companies.
“In the demanding funeral profession it is possible to succeed in spite of short comings as long as we are able to compensate. You must be willing to allow others to impart their wisdom to help you and share their expertise. I am so lucky to have my husband involved in the same industry, he imparts this information: You can win every battle if after every loss you stand up again,” Mildred wrote. Mildred is driven to accomplish great things for the people of the Philippines, she knows no mountain is too difficult to climb and no masterpiece can be too hard to create.
Crisma Henriquez-Ramirez is one of the most successful and respected women on the island of Curacao. She was raised in the Wishi Marchena neighborhood and left home at a young age. Following the loss of her first husband and separation from a bad relationship with her second husband, Crisma found herself as a single mother of two young children. Through hard work and determination she was able to serve families of Curacao by opening Agencia Funeraria El Señorial in 1984. Señorial Memorial Park opened in 1997.
Crisma wrote, “As a woman who sold everything from avocados to clothing door-to-door, having invested more than 30 years in the funeral business, I am proud to be recognized as one of the Caribbean’s most successful woman in business today. The awards and recognition I have received come through hard work teaching me that despite the struggles I am able to add value to the lives of others.”
Crisma’s awards and recognition include: Women of the Year-Curacao in 1994, 1995; International Woman of the Year-Caribbean 2009, 2010; Most Outstanding Woman-Curacao 2013; Recognition of "Curacao their Women’s Pioneer" 2002; Recognition by International Women’s Day 2006; Nominee for the Outstanding Woman Award Curacao 2013; Steering Committee Award, Curacao recognizing 35 years of service in 2009; a Birthday Calendar was dedicated to honor Crisma Henriquez-Ramirez in December 2013. Crisma was recognized by the 100BWFS as a Living Legend in 2007 and is an honorary member of the International Order of the Golden Rule.