In celebration of Women’s Month, Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage (JLTCB) was invited by Malaya Business Insight to partake in its Women Empowerment event at Century Park Hotel on March 28, 2025.
In celebration of Women’s Month, Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage (JLTCB) was invited by Malaya Business Insight to partake in its Women Empowerment event at Century Park Hotel on March 28, 2025.
Themed “A Ladies’ Night – Celebrating Women’s Strength and Empowerment,” Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage General Manager, Mary Joy Trinidad Lopez, stood alongside inspiring women leaders, sharing stories of resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers across various industries.
Empowered women don’t just rise—they lift others with them. As Lopez put it best, “You don’t have to play masculine to be called a strong woman.” True strength comes from owning who you are, standing your ground, and supporting others along the way.
At Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage, we take pride in breaking barriers, and Lopez has been at the forefront of this transformation. Established nine years ago with a clear mission to create a workplace where young professionals, especially women, could thrive, Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage has grown into a company where 70% of the workforce is female.
Many viewed logistics as an industry reliant on physicality, but Lopez sees it differently. “Customs brokerage requires expertise, problem-solving, and strategic thinking,” she emphasizes. “As a profession, we are pushing for it to be acknowledged with the same respect as lawyers and doctors. We need to move beyond the idea that it’s just about trucks, containers, and liaison officers—it’s about expertise and leadership.”
A defining aspect of Lopez’s leadership is empathy. “Leadership is not just about managing people; it’s about making them feel valued and heard,” she explains. Moving to Manila at 19, she relied on a mentor who supported her both personally and professionally, shaping her approach to leadership. “That experience showed me that leadership goes beyond giving instructions—it’s about creating an environment where people feel they belong.”
Lopez also excels in multitasking and communication, handling daily operations, finance, and business development with precision. “When tensions rise, my team looks to me to step in. My approach is always to listen, understand concerns, and find solutions that benefit everyone.” Her ability to de-escalate challenges and maintain strong client relationships has been key to the company’s success.
She firmly believes leadership is about competence, dedication, and results—not gender. At Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage, women hold key roles based on merit, fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace.
“Authenticity is a competitive advantage,” Lopez asserts. “Women don’t have to change who they are to be effective leaders. The qualities we naturally possess—empathy, adaptability, and strong communication—make us stand out.”
With Lopez at the helm, we continue shaping an industry where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to succeed.
At Jill L. Tolentino Customs Brokerage, we specialize in providing expert logistics solutions tailored to help your business thrive. Whether you're importing, exporting, or navigating complex customs regulations, our dedicated team ensures seamless operations and reliable service.
