Riane Rafael H. Foronda
ESG Research Specialist, ESG BI
PWD (Vision Impairment) – Philippines

My name is Riane Rafael H. Foronda, and I am a completely blind Filipino professional serving as an ESG Research Specialist at the ESG Business Institute under Genashtim. After earning my undergraduate degree in AB Psychology and obtaining numerous credentials, I began searching for an organization that would look beyond my disability and recognize my abilities, potential, and aspirations. Having experienced rejection and discrimination following the loss of my eyesight, I longed for an opportunity to be evaluated not by what I lacked, but by what I could contribute. Genashtim gave me that chance, investing in my capabilities and affirming that my worth extends far beyond my impairment.

My experience working at Genashtim has been nothing short of exceptional. Every individual and team I have interacted with, especially within the ESG Business Institute, has shown me kindness, patience, and genuine inclusion. My People Manager and colleagues played a vital role in helping me adjust during my early days, offering support while always respecting my independence and treating me as an equal member of the team. Rather than being defined by my disability, I have been embraced simply as a professional and as a human being, and that sense of dignity and belonging is something I deeply value. The strengths I bring to my work, particularly adaptability, critical thinking, and empathic listening, have been nurtured and appreciated in an environment that truly believes in empowering people.

Working remotely has also had a profound and positive impact on both my life and my family’s. As a blind person who relies on a sighted guide, the convenience and flexibility of remote work allow me to perform my responsibilities from the comfort of home without placing the burden of daily travel on my family. It grants me the freedom to work wherever I can bring my laptop, while fostering a deeper sense of independence as I accomplish meaningful work through my own efforts and reap the fruits of my labor. In turn, I am able to give back to the family who has supported me throughout my journey after losing my eyesight. For these reasons, Genashtim’s mantra, “Empowering People, Enabling Business,” resonates deeply with me. I have never felt more empowered, more valued, or more motivated to give back a hundredfold to an organization that chose to invest in my potential and believe in my abilities.

Bismillah Sultani Azizi
ESG Research Specialist, ESG BI
Refugee – India

Hello, my name is Bismillah Sultani Azizi, and I am currently working as an ESG Research Specialist at Genashtim.

I come from the Hazara community in Afghanistan, a marginalized community that has faced systemic exclusion and discrimination for many years. Growing up with this reality shaped the way I see the world and made me deeply value opportunities that promote inclusion, equality, and dignity.

When I came across Genashtim, what attracted me was not only the work the company does, but also its mission. I wanted to be part of an organization where I could contribute to meaningful work
and support people who, in many ways, are facing challenges similar to what I have experienced. I wanted my work to have a purpose beyond just a job.

My experience at Genashtim has been truly positive. It is a place where people are valued equally regardless of their background, race, or gender. I have had the opportunity to work with people from
different parts of the world, learn from them, and grow both professionally and personally.

One of the things I appreciate most about working at Genashtim is the remote working environment. For me, it has created a balance that has had a meaningful impact on my personal life. Being able to work from a flexible environment has allowed me to manage my responsibilities better, continue learning, and stay connected with my personal goals while still contributing effectively to my team.

I am grateful to be part of Genashtim and to work in a place that believes in inclusion, opportunity, and creating positive change

Therese Margareth Saranza
Client Support Executive
Mobility-impaired
Joined Genashtim on 11 August 2015

“We can either watch life from the sidelines or actively participate…either we let self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy prevent us from realizing our potentials or embrace the fact that when we turn our attention away from ourselves, our potential is limitless.”

– Christopher Reeve

This is how I have seen life for the past few years after my fifth major surgery in December 2011. I thought life would continue limiting me from realizing my potentials. Being unable to breathe on my own due to spinal cord impingement because of vertebral malformation since birth, self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy enveloped most of my thoughts all day long. Life was so boring until one day I remembered Genashtim’s dream and vision of helping PWDs realize their capabilities and to be productive members of the society. I tried applying to Genashtim again and I was fortunate that I was given another chance to be part of the team.

Role in the business

I was hired as Quality Assurance Assistant for four months then I was transferred to the eCornell Department as Client Support Executive. I assist potential learners in Japan and the Philippines with their inquiries and concerns about the eCornell programs.

Background

After having worked with Genashtim for almost two years now, life has changed. I look forward to each new day to interact with new clients and help them in their needs. I am more financially independent now and capable of helping my kin who are financially less deprived. Genashtim has helped widened my circle of friends and acquaintances and has enriched me with the idea that despite my limited mobility, I can still be a productive individual. This company has enhanced my self-worth and confidence by providing me with challenging tasks and responsibilities which at first I thought would be impossible on my part due to the fact that I am quadriplegic and ventilator-dependent. I am greatly indebted to the management of Genashtim who have afforded me their trust and confidence and to my colleagues and teammates for their unwavering support.

Joan Lai
Marketing and Corporate Communications Coordinator
Visually-impaired
 

Joan’s background is centered on her degree in Early Childhood Studies. She is more than a teacher to her students who are toddlers and infants since they have developmental impairments that necessitate extra attention. Aside from the caregiving duties she gladly performs despite being visually handicapped herself, she keeps them occupied with her thematic activities. Her enthusiasm for designing and delivering lessons to children motivated her to develop her own teaching materials. She speaks and writes Mandarin, Malay, and English.

Adrian Gail Cabuang
Multimedia Developer
Mobility-impaired
 

Adrian Gail Cabuang was born in the Philippines. He studied B.S. Information Technology and Bachelor of Fine Arts at AMA Computer College and the Technological University of the Philippines from 2008 to 2011. Adrian is not only a professional visual and digital artist but also has additional skills in social media marketing, lead generation, affinity design, and WordPress administration. He is fluent in English, Filipino, and Bisaya. He also has exceptional communication skills, connecting and relating to others with ease.

Interests: Arts, video games, and music

Madje Lagare
QA Language Specialist
Mobility-impaired
Joined Genashtim on 3 August 2016

Before my association with Genashtim, my existence had fallen into a pattern of monotony, bereft of any mental stimulation after the completion of my postgraduate studies. However, Genashtim emerged as an expansive gateway, illuminating the path toward the exploration of my latent capabilities and the realization of my life’s purpose. I regard this esteemed institution as the catalyst that propels me forward, akin to the “wind beneath my wings.” This metaphorical wind may assume varying intensities, from gentle breezes to formidable gales, yet in either manifestation, it empowers me to soar to new heights. Such is the transformative effect that this institution has had on me. Similarly, Genashtim bestows upon me the push to venture into discretionary tasks that demand precision and meticulous discernment. Although I remain far from attaining perfection, my continuous involvement with Genashtim has gradually transformed me into an improved version of my former self. Embarking upon my seventh year this 2023, I initially commenced my journey as a content development assistant, only to evolve to the role of a QA language specialist responsible for ensuring the quality of our endeavours. I remain eternally grateful to Genashtim for the perpetual joy it bestows upon me, leaving an indelible smile on my face every single day of my career life.

Role in the business

Madje’s tasks in the Quality Assurance Department include evaluating Singapore Business Federation (SBF) on modules assigned, responding to SBF learners’ feedback, reporting SBF-related matters to the QA manager, evaluating the assessment reports posted by the QA assessors, writing assessment reports (ARs) and investigating the root cause of incident reports (IRs) related to EPiC sessions as well as drafting IR reports, coordinating with the EPiC Monitoring Team (EMT), Client Support and Language Department for EPiC related inquiries, content creation and designing of content using the Articulate software, and doing the tasks of a Business Writing coach/mentor.

Background

I was barely two years old when I contracted polio for not having been promptly immunized against the disease.

Hadirah Yusuf
Operations Assistant/Client Support Executive
Cerebral Palsy
Joined Genashtim on 5 December 2016

“Before I started working with Genashtim, I worked as a trader at DermagaTujoh Sdn Bhd. I had to give up the job due to my parents’ health issues. I have been a volunteer for the Malaysian Advocates for Cerebral Palsy until now. In 2016, I got married and moved to Bangi, Selangor and was a jobseeker for a few months before I got hired by Genashtim.

Genashtim means a lot to me and my family because the company has solved some of the issues in my life. For example, working from home enabled me to become more productive as I can save my energy from having to commute to work. I love the new environment because I can communicate with clients and colleagues from all over the world.”

Role in the business

I started working as a remote technician in the Abled Online Department. I consider myself fortunate to be able to learn so many new things from my teammates. In addition to learning how to fix a variety of problems, I also learned how to communicate well with people.

I was later assigned to the Monitoring and Client Support Departments. While monitoring EPiC sessions, I simultaneously do my Client Support Executive’s tasks which include the monitoring of leads from eCornell as assigned, with prompt follow-up and high conversion rates. If a customer wishes to enrol for a course, I provide the necessary help in enrolment, assisting the customer until he or she finally registers for the course. Following registration, I dispatch an invoice to the customer for payment. My job requires me to understand the eCornell website and all other related tasks.

Background

Hadirah has cerebral palsy which affects half of her body, but she still walks independently without any equipment. She always thinks positively because according to her, positive thinking and attitude create happiness and success. In her opinion, disability is not a reason to give up. Everybody deserves to succeed in life.

Nadia Saidi
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Cerebral Palsy
Joined Genashtim on 6 August 2012

I grew up in a small, simple and supportive family with three siblings. I did not experience going to kindergarten but with the help of my parents, I went to primary and secondary school where I was the only one with a disability. I felt so nervous and wasn’t confident in the new environment as a student. However, with the encouragement of my parents who were concerned about my future and career, I managed to complete my secondary school. Then, I was advised to pursue my studies further but due to financial problems and the lack of facilities for the disabled at most colleges and universities, I decided to find a job which suited me, a PWD who is wheelchair-bound. I hopped from one job to another facing a lot of inconveniences in commuting and other various workplace challenges.

Then, Genashtim came just at the right time. I first heard about the company from one of the foundations for the disabled in Kuala Lumpur. They emailed me the company profile and even advised me to apply for the job opening at that time which they said matches my work experience and limitation of mobility. So, I resigned from my work to give it a try at Genashtim where I don’t have to travel to work and can be independent.

As a PWD, it was not easy finding a job out there. Most employers simply don’t want to hire PWDs saying that they are difficult to handle, have mobility issues, lack capabilities and that they can’t accommodate PWDs with the necessary facilities. Despite working many years in the industry, I was still told during interviews that I was not qualified.

Going through Genashtim’s website and profile several times, I felt that Genashtim was the only home-based company that has given a lot of opportunities and trust to PWDs since 60% of the staff are PWDs. Since then, I began my career and enjoyed working for Genashtim because I have flexible working hours. It is also very convenient for me because I can do my tasks within the comforts of my own home.

Also, I love working for this company because they believe that PWDs have a lot of capabilities, potential and talents. They allow their PWD staff to share their skills and talents with their team members and contribute to the success of the company. Genashtim has also helped me to be financially stable because I can earn money to support my family and buy the things I need and want.

I am very grateful for the trust placed in me, and the opportunity to show my skills and be a part of Genashtim as Executive Assistant to the CEO.

Mohd Rizal
Business Development Support Executive
 
 

Mohd Rizal is an accomplished scholar who has a master’s in Public Policy and an International master’s in Information Management from the University of Malaya. During his undergraduate years, he was a dean’s lister who enjoyed being a member of extra- curricular organizations. His outstanding leadership and communication skills, as well as his abilities in technology, equipped him in achieving his goals and objectives.

Rhodora Francisco
Customer Engagement and Training Administrator
 
 

Although Rhodora was faced with issues in speaking and hearing due to her cancer treatments, she is a courageous Filipina who has overcome cancer.
Prior to that, she has earned a human resources bachelor’s degree with a major in cruise management and hotel services. She has worked in several positions in the hospitality industry before moving on to a different field as an English online tutor with certifications in TESOL and the Marlins Test.

Sasinthiran Segaran
Junior LMS Administrator
 
 

Sasinthiran hails from the Malaysian state of Selangor. He earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Universiti Tenaga Nasional. He became an OKU after an injury left him with restricted finger mobility. Nonetheless, he remains a friendly and responsible person who enjoys the excitement of learning new skills because he can easily absorb new knowledge.

Vanessa Velazco
Quality Assurance Specialist
 
 

Vanessa Velazco received a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from Zulia University in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Her English skills are advanced, and she can communicate in basic Italian and intermediate French. Vanessa is an expert in Microsoft, Drive Sheets, and HR. She had worked as an English teacher, an outsource instructor, an academic coordinator, a receptionist, a data entry assistant, and an accountant before joining Genashtim as a Quality Assurance Specialist.

Kelvin Ricafort
Mobile Apps Developer
Cerebral Palsy
Joined Genashtim on May 13, 2013

“Prior to Genashtim I predominantly worked and maintained computers for my family and relatives. I also reformat and manage computers, it is what I do best, and is also my source of income. For this I received between Php 200-500 per job, depending on the complexity of the problem. However, there are long periods that I go without any work to do.

I searched the internet to find companies that employ PWD’s and also allow for home based employment. This is how I came to find out about Genashtim. I’m thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to work and to share my potential within the company. With Genashtim, I’m able to serve clients internationally. My family, relatives and friends are proud of my accomplishments. Because of this job I am able to buy gadgets I have always wished for.”

Role in the business

Kelvin currently works as Assistant Secretary and Mobile Apps Developer for the Company.

Background

Kelvin has the disability at birth. He is the eldest of 2 siblings. He managed to have a normal life with the support of his family. He has coped with his condition by having a positive outlook in life and strong faith. He was able to finish his schooling without failing grades.

Kelvin likes feeding and taking care of his pets, particularly fighting fish and guinea pigs. He also likes computers and music.

Anita Hai
Coach – MeS
Visually-impaired
 

“I am visually-impaired. Before joining Genashtim, Most of my work experience was in customer service. There were times I felt like I was stuck in a rut and yearned to try something different. I am an extroverted person and like to make friends. Since childhood I have had the dream to be a teacher. This dream seemed unobtainable from the day I became a blind.

The day I became a CNPIC coach for Genashtim, my dream came true. Every time I have a session with a student I consider it as an opportunity to challenge myself. I also regard it as a chance to communicate with friends. I would like to thank Genashtim for providing me with a part-time job. It adds variety to my life whilst also giving me the opportunity to improve my English.”

Role in the business

Anita is a coach for our CNPiC (Chinese Proficiency in Conversation) program. She assists our clients in improving their Mandarin skills.

Background

Anita graduated from SUFE with a Major in MIS. Over the recent years, she has been engaged in the world of the stock market. She also has part-time job as a home based English teacher. In her spare time she keeps her finger on the pulse on the developments in global economics. She is also hooked on music, cooking and making friends from all over.

Anita’s motto – “Never ever give up as I’m in progress.”

Kimi Iqbal
Business Development Executive
Mobility-impaired
Joined Genashtim on June 01, 2016

“Life is pretty much the same before Genashtim. Genashtim lets you work from home. It has made my life pretty much easier to be working from home.

I am very honored working here with others PWDs. Genashtim encourages PWDs to work from home. It also advocates hope for people to never stop believing in what one is capable of doing.”

Role in the business

I have been working with Genashtim the past 4 years.

When I first started out in Genashtim, I was in epic online department. Right now, I am assisting as a frontline in retail and corporate for our eCornell products for Singapore and Malaysia clients. I am also assisting in the sale and business development department.

I have gain more knowledge on all our products since I first begin. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to learn even more every single day.

Background

I am wheelchair bound, due to a bike accident I met back on 2008. I fractured my spinal cord and can\’t walk anymore. I have lost my legs mobility

Ma Leong Leong
Client Support Executive
Tremors
Joined Genashtim on February 01, 2015

“I was unemployed when Genashtim offered me a job in January 2015.”

Role in the business

I have two functions. Firstly, I am Client Support Executive for eCornell. I respond to enquiries on our website and I follow up with them and try to get them take up eCornell programs. I also assist in enrolment and registration. For this job, my boss is an amputee.

My second function is as accounting assistant. I keep full set of accounts using QuickBooks. And for this job, my boss is a polio victim. I am in a virtual office and operate mainly through SKYPE. I also use tools like Dropbox, WhatsApp, and Viber. Every day, I communicate with my clients and colleagues in many countries.

Background

I suffer from tremors. But that did not stop me from getting 9 distinctions for my Malaysian O-levels, and an Accountancy Degree from University of Malaya, among other academic qualifications.

My wish is to have a permanent and stable job, and I aspire to become a coach. I like working in Genashtim because of flexibility of time. And also people who are there, I got along with them, like them they are teachers.

Marco Del Valle
Marketing Assistant
Mobility Impaired (Spinal Cord Injury)
Joined Genashtim on October 16, 2019

Before joining Genashtim, I felt incomplete. I was trained to be a virtual assistant and I did some freelancing work as an assistant doing search engine optimization (SEO) and analysis and making recommendations for website improvement.

Working in Genashtim has been a good experience because the Company embraces me despite my disability and exercises patience and understanding, thus allowing me to learn more and to grow in my job. The Company sees me as an abled person and values me as a useful member of society. This has been a life-changing experience and I am determined to focus and to apply my knowledge to the role I perform.

Role in the business

My tasks include research, analysis, SEO on-page optimization, Google analytics review and recommending website and social media improvement.

Background

My disability is spinal cord injury thoracic-12. The injury occurred on December 13, 2010, in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, while I was attempting to rescue my colleague from injury during an incident in our chemical tanker (ship). Subsequently, I was in a coma for six days. I now suffer from incontinence and leg paralysis and I am unable to walk.

B Market Builder

B Corp is the global certification of for-profit companies who meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability (read more). Since being certified in 2015, Genashtim has made it to the ranks of Best-for-the-World among B Corps every year since. In 2018, Genashtim was appointed B Market Builder representing B Lab (the organisation behind B Corp certification) for Southeast Asia. In 2020, Genashtim Sdn Bhd became the first B corp certified company in Malaysia.

Ee Beng Tan
Section Manager – Environment, Social, and Governance
Visually Impaired (Stargardt Disease)
Joined Genashtim on January 01, 2020

Before joining Genashtim, I worked in a social enterprise in Kuala Lumpur for three years. I spent at least two hours traveling and transportation cost was my biggest expense.

Genashtim has given me the opportunity to work from the comfort of home yet in a corporate-world environment. It has been a great experience working with the Company and I feel I am contributing to society.

Role in the business

I am a business development executive in the Company and now move as the section manager of Environment, Social and Governance. , and I have been learning much since I started working here. My duties include connecting and communicating with clients, understanding their corporate training needs and recommending the relevant learning/training services offered by Genashtim.

Background

I am visually impaired due to Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic disorder. I have less than 20% eyesight and mostly rely on my other senses and technology to compensate for my condition. At the moment, the cause of my disorder has yet to be fully known by the experts.

Victor Valicillos
CCTV Monitoring Administrator
Scoliosis
Joined Genashtim on April 01, 2020

My life before Genashtim was somewhat boring and disappointing. I wasn’t able to get a job. I worked as a freelance writer for various clients around the world. I also did academic research on HR processes. I delved into proofreading of materials and any professional tasks that I can find online. Now, I feel refreshed with this stable job that provides me daily activities in my current function here in Genashtim.

Genashtim brought a great light to my life. It is the first company that offered me a contract for remote work. I have a degree in Human Resources and being hired to work as a professional in my area of expertise is the best thing that has happened to me. Genashtim also motivates me to help disabled people in different parts of the world, offering them a vacant position in the company. This is something that is gratifying. Genashtim is an example that should be followed by other companies globally.

I have been part of Genashtim’s staff for 5 months already. I started out as an HR / Operation Assistant. At the beginning, Genashtim allowed me to do training on formatting CVs. I also did a training on becoming a Virtual Office Assistant and on HR Policy at Genashtim before starting my current role which is being a CCTV Monitoring Administrator.

I was not born with scoliosis. When I was 18 to 20 years old, I began to experience a pain on my spine. I went to see the doctor and a trauma specialist. After having Magnetic Resonance exams, they diagnosed me with incipient or an early-stage scoliosis. They advised of a possible surgery on my spine but later on recommended I do physical exercises and rehabilitation with physical therapists. This physical therapy on my spine reduces the curvature that is present. I might have acquired this due to bad posture or excess pressure placed on my spine.

Joyce Grajo
Quality Assurance Analyst
Mobility-impaired
 

“Generally, before working in Genashtim, I was a certified full-time mom to my 5-year-old son. That moment, I experienced a lot of rejections from other companies as I tried to apply several times outside. I felt down, stressful and I couldn’t afford to pay my own bills due to lack of income. Also, I even tried to join Networking companies because they said that I could gain money just by recruiting people. But it’s never easy especially for my situation. Thank God and he used my friend to refer me to his friend ‘Kuya Mac’. Kuya Mac referred me here in Genashtim. After few days, I was notified that there’s a scheduled interview. I was grateful and very happy. I did not miss that opportunity.”

“Genashtim is like a partner to me. I have been committed for 3 years and I will continue doing so. It’s like having a relationship with someone you can’t afford to lose. This company is a necessity to me and for my family.”

Role in the business

At first, I worked as a part-time QA assistant, and after few months, they considered me as full-time already. I’m working as a QA Analyst and full-time coach until now. We are evaluating sessions and assessing students. By assessing them, we need to determine their level and the appropriate content for their lesson. We are also the one who’s observing the performance of the coach. By this, we are the one who’s deciding what will be the penalty if the coach failed to do a successful session. In addition, we are also giving our feedback to the coaches via email, chat or call.

Background

My right leg was amputated above the knee because of bone cancer. I was 9 years old back then. I usually play soccer outside our house and I already felt the pain but I was not spilling it out because I was afraid that time. So, I chose to keep it to myself. Then one day, when my friends and I were playing a Filipino game called “Patintero”, I got slipped into the ground and finally fell down. I felt nervous as I realized that my leg was broken already. I’m crying and asking my friends for help. My mom brought me to the hospital. After few months, the doctor told us that I have a cancer which is the reason why my bone was not reconstructing. And finally, in November 2000, after consulting doctors in three different hospitals, we tried our luck at the St. Luke’s hospital. The doctor decided to amputate my leg because it’s risky if we wait any longer. After that, I had a chemotherapy for 6 months and finally became cancer free until now. Thank God for all the blessings and for another life.

Aini Azlita Binti Ahmad Kamal
Administrative Support Assistant
Mobility-impaired
Joined Genashtim on December 01, 2016

“My life before Genashtim was quite hopeless. I often get jealous of my fellow friends who are busy with their own career while I’m being jobless. I worry about my living expense as I do not have income to support my life. When I joined Genashtim, I have the chance to improve myself. I become more confident in my life.

Genashtim helps to build and utilize my collegiate and community experiences. A part from that, the most important thing is that I can afford my living expenses. I’m also able to support my parents’ utility bills.”

Role in the business

Aini is one of our Operations Assistants. Her task includes: Ensuring that all EPiC Online Sessions start and end well, and performing other EPiC monitoring tasks.

Background

Aini is from Perlis, Malaysia. She has Muscular Dystrophy since she was about 2 years old.

Ng An Ting
Accounting Assistant
Mobility Impaired/Spinal Cord Injury
Joined Genashtim on October 1, 2017

“In 2004, I had an accident that caused spinal cord injury. Subsequently, I was admitted to the hospital for three months. I then attended a disabled centre where I learned most of my independent skills. Moreover, I was able to continue my studies in university and successfully graduated in 2016. In 2017, I worked in a tuition centre as a teacher, but both transportation and the centre were inflexible to accommodate a wheelchair user, so I decided to quit the job and look for a new job, until I found Genashtim.

Genashtim considers the needs of disabled persons and refugees. The company has given me an opportunity to work with people around the world and because of this, I have gained a bundle of knowledge and soft skills.”

Role in the business

I have been designated as an Accounting Assistant and an EPiC Bilingual Online Coach in Genashtim. As Accounting Assistant, my tasks include keying in data into the accounting software, preparing invoices, and following up on invoices, when necessary.

Background

Anne has had spinal cord injury since she was 24 years old. She moves around using a wheelchair and modified hand-controlled car.