Since 2020, eWalkthrough has been celebrating National Women’s Month by sharing the inspiring stories of the women of First Balfour through our #WomenWednesdays series. This year, we continue the tradition with a four-part feature highlighting their leadership, resilience, and impact.
For the final installment of our series, we explore the journey of Engr. Jherimae “Jhem” Odon—a young woman at the helm of one of our maintenance projects up north. Join us as we step into her world and uncover the challenges and triumphs of being a young, female project manager.
Tell us more about your role. I am currently the new Project-In-Charge (PIC) for both the Overhead Transmission Line (OHTL) and Civil Works Routine and Maintenance Services (CWRMS) projects here in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Having been transferred just last March 15, I am gradually taking on a larger role in managing the project alongside a dedicated team of 11 staff. Previously, I was the project surveyor and acting field supervisor for the FPIP projects under Project Manager Paolo Sapinoso. That experience provided me with invaluable learning opportunities and prepared me well for the responsibilities of my current role.
What’s a typical work day like for you? A typical day for me starts at 5 AM as I am normally picked up by our service at 6 AM. The 40-minute commute to the office is a time for me to meditate and commit my day to the Lord. Once at the office, I make it a priority to visit the site in the morning, taking note of the concerns raised by the operations team and working through them with the team and/or the client. In the afternoon, I focus on accomplishing tasks and reports that require my attention.
Jhem at the Bago Binary Geothermal Power Plant in May 2023 doing an orientation on GNSS RTK, a high-precision positioning technique that uses satellite data for accurate, real-time geospatial measurements
What excites and motivates you about work? The people and the team! I love the satisfaction of getting the job done and working together to make things happen. It’s what drives me every day. At the same time, we continuously set higher standards for ourselves. Being with my team pushes me to uphold these standards and strive for excellence. I believe a team reflects its leader in many ways, and I aspire to be the kind of leader who motivates and empowers others.
Burgos OHTL and CWRMS Project Management Teams
What challenges (personal or professional) have you overcome that made you who you are today? From the start of my career, I struggled with bridging different engineering disciplines and often felt like I didn’t belong—especially in spaces where others made me feel out of place. But I learned to stand my ground, walk into the room with confidence, and remind myself: If others can, why can’t I? Despite my young age, I have had my share of silent battles that have shaped who I am today. Among them is the trauma caused by those who sought only to harm, but I refuse to let these experiences define me. Our circumstances do not dictate our lives—we decide who we become.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a woman in your career?
To know my worth and that I belong. As a woman in the specialized field of geodetic engineering, I sometimes sense unspoken questions when I walk into a room—expressions that seem to ask, ‘Why is she here?’ But thanks to my teammates and the supportive leaders at First Balfour, I’ve learned to trust myself more and believe that I deserve to be here just as much as anyone else.
What vision do you have for women at First Balfour? To see more strong female leaders shaping a culture that nurtures fresh ideas, fosters professional growth, and creates a workplace where talent—not gender—defines success. In a male-dominated industry, having female role models is incredibly important. While our male leaders also serve as mentors, there’s something uniquely empowering about seeing a woman in a position you aspire to reach. It reinforces the belief that you, too, can achieve it.
Jhem holds a degree in Geodetic Engineering from Bicol University. After graduation, she pursued private practice, where she not only honed her technical expertise but also developed strong skills in client relations and project management.
Beyond her professional life, Jhem is an avid movie enthusiast and a fan of legal thrillers, with The Runaway Jury by John Grisham as her all-time favorite. She also has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a passion for running. Her dedication to the sport recently led her to complete The Bull Runner, earning her a spot as an official member of the First Balfour Marathon Club.
TBR 2025 with (L-R) second-half pacer Jericho Agus, her work bestie Joan Dayto, and Macky De Lima who pioneered the First Balfour Marathon Club
When life gets overwhelming, Jhem finds solace in quiet, uncrowded places and nature. She also finds comfort in calling her mom and sister. Their newest family member, her nephew Asher (seen in photo with sister Aiah and mother Helen), has been a source of pure joy—one call with them can instantly turn her day around and reignite her motivation.
