What if the path to your true calling isn't a straight line, but a winding journey across countries, cultures, and careers? For Rahel Podobsky-Stucki, embracing her Swiss-Filipino heritage became the key to unlocking her purpose, as she navigated from being a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BANTAYnet, an initiative that's revolutionizing digital literacy education in the Philippines.

In this inspiring episode, Krista sits down with Rahel, a changemaker whose journey spans continents, careers, and cultures.

From her early days as a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BantayNet—a digital literacy initiative in the Philippines—Rahel’s story is a testament to the power of embracing life’s nonlinear paths.

She shares how her diverse experiences, struggles with identity, and mental health challenges ultimately led her to her true calling: empowering Filipinos to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

About Our Guest:

Rahel Podobsky-Stucki is the Founder & CEO of BANTAYnet,, an initiative dedicated to promoting digital literacy and online safety in the Philippines. Drawing on her Swiss-Filipino heritage and a background in law, interpreting, and digital communication, Rahel creates accessible educational content and leads community workshops to help people of all ages stay safe online.

What We Discuss:

• Rahel’s multicultural upbringing and the contrasts between Switzerland and the Philippines
• The challenges and strengths of a nonlinear career path
• Overcoming identity crises and mental health struggles
• The founding story of BantayNet and its mission
• Digital literacy challenges in the Philippines: scams, fake news, and online safety
• Strategies for effective digital education and community engagement
• The realities of building a nonprofit and exploring social enterprise models
• Lessons in resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose

Key Takeaways:

• Your path doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful or impactful
• Embracing your unique background and experiences can become your superpower
• Digital literacy is essential for everyone, especially in a rapidly changing online world
• Vulnerability and openness about challenges can empower others
• Sustainable impact often requires creative approaches and community involvement

Connect with Rahel & BantayNet:

• Facebook: BantayNet
• Website: BantayNet.org

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Share this episode with friends who might be inspired by Rahel’s story, and join us next week for more empowering conversations with Asian women entrepreneurs!

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

For more inspiring stories and resources, visit Womenpreneur Asia.