Ten years ago, Tala founder and CEO Shivani Siroya envisioned increasing access to financial services through innovative solutions for the financially underserved population. Now, Tala has reached 10 million customers across three continents, disbursing over $6 billion in credit and advancing financial inclusion for all.
At Tala Philippines, 77 percent of leadership positions are held by women, and more than half of the total employees are female. This International Women’s Month, Tala celebrates its initiatives to support the women in its workforce and honor their valuable role as agents of change for Filipino consumers.
Tala Philippines president and head of finance Charisse Alvarez leads with both strength and understanding. Shaped by her experiences as a woman, her approach to leadership is characterized by adaptability, resilience, and empathy.
This collaborative leadership style is supported by Tala Philippines’ comprehensive benefits program, designed to address the diverse needs of its employees.
To ensure the well-being of its employees, Tala provides access to free teleconsultations for mental, financial, and physical wellness, learning and development programs, 32 days of paid time off annually, and HMO coverage from Day 1, among others. More importantly, it maintains gender pay equity, ensuring there is no significant gender pay gap across departments and levels within the organization.
“Truly embracing gender equality means taking action—ensuring equal opportunities, calling out gaps, and fostering a culture where diverse perspectives thrive, ultimately leaving the company better off,” said Moritz Gastl, general manager of Tala Philippines. By championing inclusivity, Tala is able to create a safe space for employees to express their true selves and thrive in a professional setting.
“In my 6 years of working at Tala, I have always been treated equally. I don’t feel left out just because I am part of the LGBTQ community. I’ve grown here and I always feel safe no matter who I’m talking to,” said fraud analyst Robin Costa.
