Early Life and Inspirations

For Renz Ladroma, life has always been about rising above challenges and making meaningful choices. Growing up in a rural town in the Philippines, her world was small, shaped by the daily realities of limited opportunities, cooking with an open-fire traditional stove, and a lack of access to tools, technology and quality education many take for granted.

Her favorite childhood game was playing chef outside, crafting pretend meals from dirt, leaves, flowers, and stones—an early reflection of her creativity and resourcefulness. Inspired by her mother (but by no means allowed), she had her first experience with fire using traditional cooking methods at a very young age while crafting these pretend meals, longing to be like the women she admired.
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A Drive to Lead and Learn

Despite many challenges, Renz was driven to better herself and her community. At just 15 years old, she was elected as the Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) Chairman, where she witnessed both the struggles and the potential of community-driven efforts.

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Determined to pursue education, she was able to get a scholarship, which landed her at a university in Manila focused on technology—a leap for someone who had very limited knowledge about computers. In a classroom full of students already fluent with computers, Renz had to fight to keep up, learning everything from scratch. Yet, she persevered, turning each obstacle into an opportunity. She has also been elected as the Vice President of their student organization.
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A Turning Point During the Pandemic

Her journey took an unexpected turn during the pandemic, when her career as a software engineer in Japan was disrupted. This forced her to reassess her goals—not in terms of job titles but who she was and what she wanted out of life. The question became clear: how could she use her skills and experiences to build something that mattered for her community and beyond?

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Founding Nayon and Shaping Its Mission

This introspection led Renz to co-found Nayon. Rooted in her love for the Philippines and a commitment to addressing environmental and social inequities, she left behind the corporate world to focus on building sustainable solutions for the future.

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Combining her expertise in software and project management with her deep understanding of rural life, Nayon launched initiatives centered on health, women, climate resilience, and empowering underserved communities.

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Nayon Today

Today, Nayon embodies Renz’s vision: born from her rural roots, shaped by her struggles, and driven by her unwavering belief in the power of community and sustainable development. Through her journey, she continues to prove that even the smallest beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact.

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