Welcome to our Meet Our Sheroes series, where we celebrate women of eminence who inspire and uplift through their unique journeys. Today, we introduce you to Ernelita Dacumos, also known as Ernie—a woman whose story of transformation from feeling broken to becoming a motivational speaker and coach will leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.
Ernie shares, “Where I was, was a woman I would connotate as broken. A lot of us would say, well, everyone is broken, right? I was broken in the sense that I didn’t have the confidence in myself. I moved to a first-world country at 17 and suffered from inferiority complex. I stuttered when I had to speak in front of a group, and I didn’t know what I wanted or who I was. I got married very young, now divorced, and I lost a complete sense of belief in myself.”
Despite these struggles, Ernie’s journey took a turn when she began diving into personal development, though she didn’t initially know that’s what she was doing. She recalls, “I just loved the idea of reading motivational quotes here and there. But without intentionality, we don’t really know where we’re headed or what we’re going through.” This realization led her to seek coaching to understand what was missing in her life. “In 2018, I developed this black hole in my chest—metaphorically speaking. It felt like emptiness inside me that kept getting bigger and bigger. I even sought professional advice, but they said I was healthy. Inside, though, something was missing.” Through coaching, Ernie learned that the emptiness stemmed from not living her purpose. She says, “I wasn’t prioritizing myself, and I completely lost a sense of who I am and what I am meant to do.”
Driven by a newfound sense of purpose, Ernie pursued certifications to become a speaker, coach, and trainer. She says, “Little by little, I started gaining confidence. I started talking. I started connecting with individuals who showed me the way to improve more.” Her involvement with Toastmasters, a global organization that builds leaders, further sharpened her speaking skills.
Today, Ernie is a co-host of an international radio show, and her mission is to give back. “Where am I headed? Bigger and better, as always. I’ve always said there’s no other way but up. We will always face struggles, but there’s no other way but up.” Currently, she is working on writing a book to share the knowledge she has gained over the years. “I’m writing a book so that the knowledge I’ve acquired will be available to everyone. It’s not about changing the world but about changing someone’s world.”
Ernie’s story is a testament to the power of personal growth and resilience. She reminds us that it’s never too late to find your purpose and make an impact. As she beautifully puts it, “We don’t go through our struggles for nothing; we go through them to help others along the way.”
Ernie’s journey of self-discovery wasn’t without its doubts. “I would be lying if I said that I don’t still ask myself, ‘Why are you doing this?’” she confesses. The fear and imposter syndrome linger, even today. But she reframes these emotions: “Fear is an indication of growth. If you’re not scared, you’re not growing.” This powerful insight drives Ernie to push forward despite the mental hurdles. On days filled with self-doubt, Ernie reminds herself of the confidence she built over time. “I didn’t gain the confidence I have today because I stopped; I gained it because I fulfilled every promise I made to myself.” She reflects on the importance of showing others that transformation is possible: “If I can show somebody that I came from where I was to what I have achieved today, they can do it too.”
Mentorship played a pivotal role in Ernie’s transformation, but her view of a mentor is refreshingly broad. “Mentors don’t have to be expensive or always available in person. A mentor is someone you listen to daily—it can be a podcast, a book, or even a conversation like this one.” Ernie emphasizes the value of constantly learning from those who inspire and uplift. “It’s important to be mindful of the information you consume,” she notes, highlighting that even negative feedback from those around us can serve as unintentional mentoring moments.
As Ernie’s story unfolds, she shares valuable advice on writing and achieving goals through her acronym, ACTION. Each letter represents a crucial step in pursuing any endeavor:
– **Acknowledge** your burning desire and take it seriously.
– **Challenge** yourself to see if you have what it takes—often, if you feel called to something, you already do.
– **Take Action**, even if it means starting with a messy draft or a brainstorm.
– **Intentionality** ensures your actions align with your goals. It’s not just about having good intentions; it’s about being deliberate with your efforts.
– **Observe** your progress and reflect on what’s working and what’s not.
– **Navigate** based on your reflections, making necessary adjustments to stay on course.
Ernie candidly shares her experience with writing her upcoming book, *Unapologetically You: Pathway to Self-Confidence*. She began the process in January with the goal of completing it by December, but found herself falling behind. “I had to reflect and step back. I wasn’t meeting the deadlines I set for myself.” Seeking help from friends familiar with self-publishing, Ernie adjusted her strategy, ultimately setting a new goal to finish the book within three months. “Sometimes, you need someone to push you forward, to empower you and uplift you,” she reflects.
Ernie’s journey teaches us that growth is rarely a straight path. It’s filled with doubts, recalibrations, and the courage to ask for help. But by embracing these challenges with intentionality and resilience, she has turned her experiences into powerful lessons that inspire others.
Ernelita continued, “We tend to look at life through a negative lens when we’re overwhelmed. But when you realize that everyone else is grappling with their own insecurities, it opens up a new perspective. We all feel inadequate at times, and it’s not about being the worst person in the room—it’s about recognizing that everyone is dealing with their own inner struggles. That’s where self-belief comes in, and it’s why I’m so passionate about personal development, self-confidence, and cultivating a resilient mindset.”
Ernelita’s passion shines through when she speaks about her work with the younger generation, a demographic she feels particularly connected to. She shared, “We don’t wake up one day and decide to give up. It’s the cumulative weight of our challenges, the unending negativity we perceive, that pushes us to that point. But the truth is, it’s often not the reality—it’s just our perspective.” Her approach is not just about providing tools but also about shifting perspectives. “The missing piece,” she emphasizes, “is the mindset—understanding that every problem we face is temporary and can be navigated if we believe in ourselves.” Her workshops are filled with activities that challenge participants to confront their negative thoughts and, more importantly, to realize they’re not alone in feeling them. Ernelita’s deep commitment to her radio show and youth workshops reflects her broader mission: to inspire others to overcome their self-doubts and to find the strength within themselves to move forward. “It’s not just about talking; it’s about action—acknowledging where you are, challenging your limiting beliefs, and then taking that crucial step forward,” she explains.
Nancy, the interviewer, noted how Ernelita’s work transcends mere words; it’s about creating a tangible impact in people’s lives. Ernelita nodded, “Absolutely. It’s not just theory or motivational quotes. It’s real, practical tools that people can use to change their lives, one step at a time. And sometimes, that’s all someone needs—to feel seen, understood, and capable of making a change.” Ernelita’s journey has not only shaped her mission but has also reinforced her belief in the power of human connection and authentic conversation. Whether through her international radio show, her webinars, or her workshops, she continues to empower individuals, particularly the youth, to embrace their unique paths and cultivate the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.
As the conversation with Ernelita continued, her passion for making a difference was palpable. Reflecting on the one-year anniversary of her radio show, she shared a touching moment that highlighted the essence of what her journey has been about—not just the voices heard on air, but the multitude of unseen contributors who make every episode possible. “We didn’t really do it by ourselves,” Ernelita emphasized, capturing the spirit of collaboration that underpins every episode of her radio show. She spoke about the special anniversary episode—a celebration of not only the show’s accomplishments but of everyone who played a part in making it happen. From the very first guest who bravely shared their story to the dedicated team members behind the scenes, Ernelita made it clear that this platform is a collective effort.
“On our one-year anniversary episode, we made sure to thank everyone,” she said. “Our producer, who has been with us since day one, was there. We brought back our first-ever guest, who spoke about her inspiring journey, and we even had the sound engineer who we’ve never seen in person but hear every week. It was a chance to honor those whose hard work often goes unnoticed.” The radio show’s journey mirrors Ernelita’s approach to life: acknowledging the interconnectedness of every success story and the importance of community. She described the many hands that work in the background—virtual assistants, marketing support, and volunteers—each playing a crucial role in amplifying the voices of the guests who share their stories.
Ernelita also touched on the process of selecting guests for the show, emphasizing that it’s not just about filling a slot but about finding individuals whose values align with the show’s mission. “We hop on a call with potential guests to get to know them, and we make sure we share the same DNA: the desire to add value to others,” she explained. “This isn’t just a radio show; it’s a space for authentic, intentional conversations.”
Ernelita believes in the transformative power of stories—how hearing someone else’s journey can shift perspectives and inspire action. It’s why the show prioritizes bringing diverse voices to the forefront. “We can teach all day, but our stories might not resonate with everyone. That’s why we bring in others—like Dr. Alka—because each guest has the potential to touch someone in a unique way.” Reflecting on her mission, Ernelita underscored the importance of collaboration over competition. “I want to normalize empowering other women who are doing the same work. The goal is to add value, not to limit ourselves. It always takes an army to make something happen,” she said, highlighting the need for unity in pursuing a common goal.
The radio show, in Ernelita’s words, is a bouquet of diverse voices and stories—each petal a testament to resilience, growth, and the shared human experience. Her commitment to building a platform that uplifts others, rather than merely showcasing herself, stands as a powerful reminder of the impact of collective effort and the importance of lifting each other up. When asked about the next steps, Ernelita was candid. Financial independence remains a goal, but it’s not the main focus. “I’m doing what I love, and I believe that when you do that, the money will follow. I have faith in my journey, and I know that I am being provided for,” she shared. For her, the priority is not just monetary gain but the continuous act of sowing seeds of impact—one story, one conversation at a time.
As the radio show enters its next chapter, Ernelita remains dedicated to her mission: to create a space where stories are shared, value is added, and lives are changed. With the unwavering support of her team and community, she continues to navigate her journey with grace, intention, and an unshakeable belief in the power of connection.
As the conversation continued, Ernelita expressed deep gratitude for the “army” of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make her vision a reality. From designers to virtual assistants, every role is vital to the success of the radio show. “Yes, we are the face,” she acknowledged, “but there’s a whole team working in the background, ensuring everything runs smoothly.”
The conversation took a turn when Dr. Alka asked about Ernelita’s association with Chibui, a fellow Toastmaster. Ernelita enthusiastically described her as a colleague and dear friend. Together, they are organizing an upcoming workshop titled *The Attitude and Heart of Leadership*, where they will explore the core qualities of effective leadership. Ernelita highlighted how Chibui’s enthusiasm and commitment to leadership make her an invaluable part of the team.
The discussion then shifted towards future collaborations, with Dr. Alka expressing her desire to contribute to the radio show. She shared her excitement about connecting and spreading her message through Ernelita’s platform. “Please reach out to us whenever you have a convenient time,” Dr. Alka said, emphasizing her eagerness to collaborate. Ernelita appreciated the connection, expressing her gratitude for the support and the potential to amplify the mission of helping others through shared platforms.
The interaction highlighted the strength of community connections, whether through shared professional networks like the Asian Chamber of Commerce or mutual contacts. Ernelita’s journey is a testament to the importance of building relationships that support mutual goals, demonstrating that every interaction can plant the seeds for future collaborations.
As the call concluded, there was an air of excitement for what’s to come. Ernelita expressed her commitment to reaching out and planning future engagements with Dr. Alka, further strengthening the network of women leaders dedicated to making a difference.
With every story shared and every connection made, Ernelita continues to live her mission: to add value, inspire, and empower. Her journey is ongoing, marked by moments of gratitude, intentionality, and a steadfast belief in the power of community. As she forges ahead, she remains anchored by her purpose, knowing that every seed planted today will bear fruit in the future.
