Majella Tumangan-Villaroman once thought she would become a nun during her time at Miriam College High School, Batch 1979. Little did she know that the care and compassion she possessed would instead lead her to influence the global wellness industry.
Today, she is the President and CEO of my-CORD Corporation, a premier international provider of employee assistance programs and services for multinational clients. In 2018, she was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network.
Majella earned her degree in Communication Arts from the University of Santo Tomas and later pursued a Master of Business Administration in International Entrepreneurship Management at George Washington University.
Her journey as a staunch advocate for mental health and well-being was catalyzed by a tragic event in New York in 1993, when her sister—also a Maryknoller—Marita Theresa, was among six people killed on a train by a shooter suffering from mental illness. At a time when mental health was rarely discussed, young Majella was driven to understand human behavior and transform tragedy into an opportunity to promote positivity.
Coming from a background in fashion and jewelry, Majella rediscovered her purpose in championing resilience and fostering meaningful conversations about mental health in the workplace. Her career highlights include serving as Director for Global and Employer Behavioral Healthcare Initiatives at the Institute for Behavioral Healthcare and working as a lead private consultant to the International Labor Organization. Upon returning to the Philippines, she continued her advocacy through roles such as President of the Rotary Club of Manila 101 and currently serves as Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Region 11 Zone 10A of Rotary International.
One of her earliest leadership experiences was as President of the Kabataang Barangay of Brgy. Laging Handa in Quezon City during her high school years. At MCHS, she found joy in spending time in the chapel and engaging in conversations with the nuns. Majella fondly recalls reconnecting with Batch ’79 through reunions, where she realized their shared commitment to academic excellence, volunteerism, and doing good. She now serves on the board of trustees of the Maryknoll-Miriam Alumni Association.
In recent years, Psychology has become one of the most pursued programs at Miriam College. For Knollers aspiring to explore the art and science of human well-being, Majella offers this advice: “Go for what you feel close to your heart, and I will be there to help and influence the environment to ensure we have enough psychologists and psychiatrists. The world is changing so fast, and there aren’t enough people out there to help.”
In Majella’s words, a Miriam graduate is a kind, amazing, and captivating go-getter who speaks their mind with pride.
