Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative

We are thrilled to welcome the dynamic leaders of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative YSEALI fellowship program to our community!

Supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Youth Issues, these initiatives allow us to engage with talented entrepreneurs, business leaders, and change-makers, offering them insights into our local business ecosystem while benefiting from their diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. By facilitating professional development and cultural exchange, we help shape the next generation of global leaders, strengthening international ties and fostering collaboration. Learn more about these incredible professionals:

🌟 Ms. Ida Patera | Head of Marketing, PAR Food & Beverages (Brunei) 🌟

Ida Patera serves as the Head of Marketing at PAR Food & Beverages, where she oversees all marketing activities for an international coffee franchise and local F&B brands. During her time in New Orleans, Ida hopes to engage with creative small businesses and/or the marketing community to learn about lean small business operations and the tools and technologies they utilize for effective advertising and diversified marketing strategies, including digital marketing and leveraging influencers.

🌟 Ms. Veronica Baguio | Founder/Owner, Balik Batik (The Philippines) 🌟

Veronica Baguio is the Founder/Owner of Balik Batik, a social enterprise that works with Filipino indigenous weavers and artisans to create modern clothing pieces and accessories, which supports the livelihood of artisan communities and the continuation of their culture and traditions. Veronica hopes to engage with similar social enterprises to gain insights into managing and growing social and cultural enterprises, empowering indigenous groups and women; and developing small business skills including online branding and marketing techniques, “storytelling” strategies, and ways that tourism can support small businesses.