FAME welcomes a new leader at its helm—Inah Fuentes (ME ‘98), a passionate advocate for the ME community and a dedicated force behind our mission to connect, collaborate, and contribute. With a deep-rooted commitment to giving back, Inah brings with her years of service, a strong vision for the future, and an inspiring story of perseverance and purpose.
A Journey That Began With Change
Inah’s journey into the ME program was an unexpected yet transformative one. Originally a ChemCE student, she envisioned a career in food technology or computer engineering. However, life had other plans. The passing of her father during her freshman year led her to reassess her path and shift toward a business-oriented course. Initially drawn to MIS, she was instead offered a spot in the ME program by the department. Encouraged to give it a try, she took a leap of faith—and never looked back.
Despite ME’s rigorous demands, Inah found a supportive community built on camaraderie and the belief that no one should be left behind. That very spirit led her graduating batch to set a record as the largest in ME history at the time, with 98 graduates in 1998.
A Calling to Serve
Inah’s involvement with FAME started in 2009 when she stepped in as a batch representative. What began as a temporary role quickly turned into a lifelong commitment, as she took on various leadership positions and played an active role in shaping FAME’s initiatives. Among these, the FAME Scholarship Fund held the deepest personal significance.
Having entered Ateneo as a scholar herself, Inah experienced firsthand how transformative an Ateneo education can be. The financial support she received was a huge relief for her family, especially after her father’s passing. This fuels her passion for ensuring that deserving students today have the same opportunity. “Enabling others to access an Ateneo education is a way for me to give back,” she shares. “It allows me to pay forward, so that the children of others can also be transformed by the Ateneo.”
A Vision for the Future
As she steps into her new role as FAME President, Inah remains steadfast in upholding FAME’s core mission. “Being faithful to our mission is always the priority: to connect, collaborate, and contribute.” Among her key priorities are:
- Building a Stronger Community – Inah aims to strengthen connections within the FAME community, with a particular focus on women in ME. As only the second female president of FAME in 16 years, she recognizes the importance of fostering conversations and networks that support women in the field.
- Fostering Entrepreneurship – A dedicated entrepreneur’s circle is in the works, aligning with FAME’s commitment to supporting ME alumni who venture into business.
- Strengthening Collaborations – As part of the Ateneo Alumni Council, FAME has the opportunity to collaborate with other alumni organizations, exploring synergies that can benefit the broader Ateneo community.
To enhance existing programs, Inah is bringing fresh perspectives into FAME’s committees, welcoming new members into the scholarship and communications teams while continuing to strengthen other key initiatives.
A Lasting Impact
Inah hopes to leave behind a legacy of dedication and service. “I would like to be remembered as someone who did her best to ensure that we, as a community, strive to be faithful to our mission.”
She also acknowledges the pivotal role that mentorship and strong female leadership have played in her own career. A fellow ME alumna, Valerie Novenario-Pama (ME ‘85), became a guiding figure—hiring Inah into her first job at Citibank, writing her graduate school recommendation, and later bringing her into Sun Life. Inspired by the women leaders she worked with at Sun Life, Inah grew in confidence and embraced leadership opportunities. She hopes to cultivate that same sense of empowerment and support for women in FAME.
A Message to the FAMEly
As she embarks on this new chapter, Inah shares a heartfelt message with our community:
“The ME community has always been a positive influence in my life, so it is an honor and a privilege for me to be its leader in the next two years. ME alumni have always had a strong affinity for each other, which enabled the community to thrive all these years. We’ve accomplished so much together, and I look forward to your continued support as we aim for more milestones, stronger connections, and new collaborations—all to make meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.”
With Inah at the helm, FAME is set to embark on an exciting journey of growth, collaboration, and impact. The ME community is in great hands, guided by a leader who truly embodies the values of connection, contribution, and a deep commitment to paying it forward.
