Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

AYALA Foundation-USA couldn’t have picked better speakers for the "Filipino American Profiles of Success" business forum to encourage Filipino-Americans on entrepreneurship and philanthropy. The panel speakers- Dado Banatao, Winston Damarillo and Sheila Lirio Marcelo- are outstanding role models who have acquired the American Dream and attained success and wealth way beyond what most Americans could even dream about.Eric Manlunas, moderator of the business forum, is the founder and managing director of Frontera Group, LLC -- a boutique venture capital fi rm focused on investing in early-stage emerging companies. He previously served as a partner of an LA-based value hedge fund until mid-2006. He is a two-time start-up veteran turned venture capitalist with a strong inclination towards early stage investing. His investment track record include direct investments in 35 early-stage ventures with 12 successful exits to date and 18 that remain active. These portfolio companies have received close to $400 million in capital.

Eric began his career as an associate in Arthur Andersen’s retail management consulting division from 1991-1995. He earned his MBA from Pepperdine University and a BS in Communications from Florida International University.

Sheila Marcelo is the CEO of Care.com, which won the Stevie Award for Best New Company of the Year (2007). Sheila herself has been awarded the Boston Business Journal’s Top 40 executives under 40 and Top 10 emerging entrepreneurs invited to Fortune’s Most powerful Women Summit. A magna cum laude graduate from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in Economics, Sheila has two master’s degrees from Harvard University (Business and Law), graduating with honors.

Sheila has always been passionate about business and family. After frequent struggles to find quality care providers not only for her two boys, but also following her father’s quadruple bypass surgery in 2001, Sheila recognized the lack of resources available to help families address their constantly changing care needs. Thus, the idea for Care.com was born.

Sheila is a leading expert on providing families with care planning advice, having appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show and ABC News Now. Additionally, she has been featured in media outlets including The Boston Globe, Redbook and Working Mother. Care.com is a continuation of Sheila’s interests in community involvement and helping people through successful internet businesses.

"I believe only 1-3% are naturally gifted. So you must first get experience in the industry you want to get into," said Sheila, who worked for two companies in the e-commerce industry before she set up her own e-commerce business. "I had mentors, friends and colleagues who told me I was ready to be CEO of my own company. That was huge. What I did was to take the pause. Ask yourself if you can do it. But first, make sure your personal life is set up and in order. Then, believe in yourself and step up," Marcelo challenged the participants.