Published March 18, 2025 by Campus IO
Extraordinary things emerge not just from titles or milestones achieved but from the depth of purpose and desire to be part of someone's journey. Every leader has a story — a story meant to inspire and empower.
Beyond every chapter of the book lies the empowered journey of Atty. Carla Marie L. Sumigad, the Campus Executive Officer (CEO) of Cagayan State University - Andrews Campus. Her stand and poise captivate our inner soul to dream high and pursue those dreams. But, have you ever wondered what makes her sustain that almost perfect stand and poise? She may be a leader, but leading isn't part of being one. How ironic isn't it?
Sumigad began her career as an auditor, then a university accountant, board secretary, internal auditor, director of financial affairs, and up to now, a lawyer and CEO. Each position she held reflects her commitment to excellence and serves as a platform for her growth and a stepping stone toward her own edifying leadership experience. The irony of leadership is that leaders should be sources of inspiration, but Sumigad draws an opposite line to it.
"Most fulfilling as a leader, ang notion kasi natin kapag leader ka ikaw yung mag-iinspire, pero nung naging CEO ako, kayo yung nag-inspire sa akin. I found a reason to wake up and go to work because of the students,” Sumigad shares. For her, the ability to look at the tenacity of students in working toward their dreams is worth getting up for every day and being a mentor or leader that they can look to for guidance.
Having accomplished everything she regards as an "ultimate goal" of being a lawyer, anything thereafter is a bonus. This tremendous sense of gratefulness for her journey imparts that leadership for her entails being in service to others. Success and contentment are the least of her concerns; she is more focused on the lives she can impact. "I want to be part of your journey, not for my sake, not for my growth, but for the dreams you're building," she says with sincerity in her voice echoing beyond the office walls.
And yet, within those echoes lies a more personal question: If you could guide your younger self, what would you say?
“When it comes to leadership, maximize all the opportunities. Learn everything that you can learn. In life, I'm saying this to my current self and sa younger self na rin, enjoy the process, kasi hindi ko yan nagawa noon. As a competitive person, I should excel in everything. Kaya nawala yung enjoyment. So, take it easy, maglaro ka, and be more sociable,” Sumigad shares as she recalls how competitiveness ironically seemed to take away the simple pleasures of life.
This principle of balance keeps Carla motivated in her work to empower others, particularly women. For her, empowerment is discovering one's purpose in life. "Every time I wake up, I ask God about my purpose, and I'm thankful He reveals it to me," she shares. As a CEO, she derives satisfaction not from the achievements she's receiving but from helping others realize their dreams as well.
Now, it leads to an even deeper wonder of who Carla is without all the titles and responsibilities. It's like a newborn child; innocent of everything, but curious to make something.
When the spotlights fades, and applauses quiet, a woman of simplicity enters the stage. Weekends are spent being a good daughter, running around to finish chores, pampering her four dogs, and enjoying moments of quiet. She anchors her days in "three daily wins" - physical, mental, and spiritual - thus keeping her grounded during her journey as a leader.
“‘Pag nasa bahay ako, ako lang yung simpleng anak na uutusan ng magulang. As in simple lang, normal lang,” she shares, proving that the real identity lies from where we came from.
True leadership is born out of purpose, sustained by simplicity, and defined by the lives we touch. This Women's Month, Carla Sumigad's journey reminds us of this truth. In her, we find an embodiment of a purposeful leader, one who leads not for personal gain but for the success of those she serves. She is more than Sumigad, she is empowered, and is ready to empower!
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HerStory of CSU is a segment celebrating the extraordinary journey of women whose unwavering strength and inspiration have shaped its legacy, empowered its present, and illuminate its future for generations to come.