Empowering the Next Generation: Maria Elena Estares and her 38 Years of Dedication to Education and Leadership
Date Posted: May 6, 2025 at 02:20 PM
From championing student development to advancing national initiatives, Ms. Maria Elena Estares has built a legacy of transformative leadership, excellence in service, and advocacy for women’s empowerment. Her 38-year career is a testament to the profound impact of education grounded in purpose and commitment.
A long-serving faculty member of the University’s Basic Education Department (BED), Ms. Estares has shaped generations of students with a leadership style defined by integrity, compassion and vision.
Her professional journey began not in the classroom but as Director of the Office for Student Affairs (OSA), where she played a vital role in policy formation and the enhancement of student support systems. She later served as Student Activity Coordinator and Discipline Coordinator for the high school department, roles that placed her at the heart of student formation and character development.
Her academic pursuit continued with a Master of Arts in Education where she majored in School Administration and Supervision, graduating with Latin honors in 2006. She later served two terms as Secretary of the Adamson Alumni Association, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the university community.
Championing Climate and Community Action
Ms. Estares believes deeply in the inherent power of women in shaping future generations. “Our first teacher is our mother, and our mother is a woman,” she often reminds her students. This guiding principle reflects her core belief in the value of women’s roles in education and society.
For Ms. Estares, being an educator goes beyond academic instruction; it is about embodying the role of a second mother to her students, offering them not just knowledge but also emotional support, moral guidance, and encouragement to become the best versions of themselves.
Within BED, she has been a driving force in creating and implementing programs that foster student leadership, teamwork, and personality development. She has consistently supported initiatives that allow students to grow both intellectually and emotionally, promoting a well-rounded form of education.
Through motivational talks, structured team-building sessions, and people-centered activities, she has helped cultivate a positive learning environment where students are empowered to take initiative, think critically, and develop confidence in their abilities. These programs not only enhance academic life but also build character and social awareness among the students she mentors.
In 2015, Ms. Estares reached an important milestone in her advocacy work when she was selected as one of only three Filipino representatives to attend the 27th Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training in New Delhi, India. The international program, spearheaded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, equipped her with tools and strategies for promoting environmental awareness and addressing climate-related issues within communities.
Ms. Estares during a Climate awareness training and forum last 2016
As a trained Climate Reality mentor, she has since actively engaged in environmental education and has brought climate conversations into the academic and civic spaces she serves.
Leveraging her training and experience, she has participated in several university-led activities that reflect her commitment to sustainability and community involvement, serving as a speaker and facilitator for SDG Stewards: AdU Vincentians for Sustainable Community, a program aimed at promoting awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals within the student body.
She also played a key role as a team-building facilitator for the Annual Capacity Building for Campus Advisers, an event organized by the Adamson University Association of Campus Student Advisers. In these roles, she consistently demonstrates her dedication to shaping not only informed students but also socially responsible and environmentally conscious members of society.
Building the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Ms. Estares is also a passionate advocate for young women’s leadership. She served as Executive President of the Manila Girl Scout Council from 2021 to 2024 and currently serves as Vice President for Funds and Development (2024–2027). Her initiatives focus on creating engaging, values-driven programs that develop responsible and service-oriented youth leaders.
On a national level, she contributes as a member of the National Training Team under the Girl Scouts of the Philippines’ National Headquarters.
Her advocacy extends to other civic engagements, previously holding the position of “Student-President” of the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Administrators, Teachers, and Students, Inc., where she championed educator welfare and development nationwide.
She also served as Vice President of the Rotary Club Padre Faura and is currently District President of Rotary International under the Pasay West Rotary Club, where she was honored with the title “Hope-Creating President” for her impactful community work.
Ms. Maria Elena Estares exemplifies the transformative power of education and the enduring influence of women in leadership. Her contributions have shaped not only the academic culture at Adamson University but also the communities and organizations she serves.
Through her enduring dedication, the Basic Education Department at Adamson University continues to cultivate a culture that prioritizes holistic student development and civic responsibility. Her work continues to inspire future educators, student leaders, and community builders to lead with both purpose and compassion.
As exemplified by Ms. Estares’ story of service, true leadership transcends titles and positions, and extends commitment, vision, and the relentless drive to make a meaningful difference. Joce Puchero/ Komunikator
