15 hours ago
Domestic Helper-Turned-Tech CEO: Myrna Padilla's Story
Myrna Padilla, born in a small coastal village in the Philippines, once worked as a domestic helper in Asia to support her family. But today, she's the CEO of Mynd Consulting, a tech company she founded in Davao City—built on years of grit, heartbreak, and hope.
A childhood shaped by poverty and survival
Growing up in a bamboo hut by the sea, Myrna experienced hunger, bullying, and hard labor early in life. At just 10 years old, she was already diving for fish and selling seaweed to help feed her family. Despite being teased for her appearance, she learned to win people over with her personality, jokes, and songs—skills that would later help her navigate life far beyond her fishing village.
From trafficking survivor to overseas worker
As a teenager, Myrna was tricked by a recruiter who promised her a singing job in Japan. Instead, she ended up working unpaid in Manila as a domestic worker. Eventually, she escaped and found a support system that gave her a new start. Her journey led her to become an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), working as a helper in Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong for nearly 20 years.
The emotional pain of leaving her children behind was her greatest burden, but she pushed forward to give them an education—and succeeded.
Her big break: A computer and a little boy
In Hong Kong, Myrna worked for a kind family who entrusted her with caring for their son, Jonathan. That young boy taught her how to use a computer. What started as a way to keep an eye on him soon became a powerful tool that opened a new world of possibilities.
She also founded the Mindanao Hong Kong Workers Federation, where she helped fellow OFWs and grew passionate about empowering women through community and technology.
A dream fulfilled back home
When her daughters graduated college, Myrna returned to the Philippines and launched Mynd Consulting, a small outsourcing company that began with just two staff and one old computer. Today, her business serves clients across the U.S. and Europe and provides local jobs—keeping Filipino families together.
For Myrna, success isn't just about profit. It's about giving others the chance she never had. Every job she creates is one less Filipino forced to work overseas.
Giving back through tech
Myrna is also behind OFW Watch, a tech-driven advocacy network designed to combat human trafficking and protect migrant workers through digital tools and community volunteers. It's her way of using technology not just to build a business—but to save lives.
From the shores of poverty to the frontlines of the tech industry, Myrna Padilla's story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of hope.
