Immigrant Entrepreneur Maria Drueco Wins Two Global Silver Awards at 2025 Women Changing the World

EDMONTON, Alberta - April 11, 2025 - PRLog -- Maria Drueco, an immigrant entrepreneur, inclusion strategist, and founder of three purpose-driven organizations, has been recognized with two Silver Awards at the 2025 Women Changing the World Awards. Held in London, UK, this global awards program celebrated trailblazing women from around the world for their achievements in leadership, innovation, and impact. Drueco was honoured in the categories of Migrant Leadership and Women in Travel, Retreats and Events.

As the founder of BelongInclusivity, a nonprofit tech-enabled organization advancing equity through research, education, and systemic advocacy, Drueco is working on efforts to dismantle bias and stigma faced by underrepresented and marginalized and underrepresented groups. Her other ventures, Marianatha Tours and The Inclusion Journey, are equally mission-aligned—one specializing in spiritually and culturally enriching, sustainable, and inclusive travel experiences, and the other focused on building inclusive, high-performing teams within workplaces.

"Although I joined virtually due to a prior speaking commitment, the moment was deeply emotional," says Drueco. "It was never just about winning. It was about representing every woman who's been told she doesn't belong. This recognition reminds me why I do what I do—amplifying underrepresented voices and creating spaces of real belonging."

The Women Changing the World Awards, co-founded by Oprah Winfrey's all-time favorite guest, Dr. Tererai Trent, recognizes women globally who are transforming communities through advocacy, leadership, innovation, and education. With over 750 entries from around the world, the competition was fierce, highlighting changemakers in diverse sectors such as sustainability, technology, health, education, humanitarian work, and inclusion.

Over the past year, Drueco and her team have been developing a digital platform through BelongInclusivity to identify and address systemic policy gaps in equity and inclusion. She has also expanded her travel company to offer culturally immersive group journeys that integrate local voices and promote sustainable tourism, and delivered keynote presentations across Canada, the UK, the US, and France on intersectional leadership and inclusive systems.

She attributes her impact to "perseverance, clarity of purpose, and an unshakable belief that leadership must be inclusive by design." As a Filipino-Canadian immigrant woman of color, her story reflects both resilience and vision. "I want women—especially women of color—to know that you don't need to shrink to lead. Our stories are powerful. They are the foundation of the change we seek."

To learn more about Maria Drueco and her work, visit:
http://www.thebelonginc.com
View the full list of winners at:
http://www.wcwawards.com/winners