Leadership isn’t defined by physical stature or following a traditional path; it is defined by the value one adds to the table. Floreda “Flor” Molina knows this better than anyone.

Starting her 15-year journey at Aboitiz Foods as a subcontractor before rising to Assistant Vice President for Feeds Sales – Gamefowl, Flor understands that breaking the mold in the world of gamefowl required a different blueprint—one built on persistence, resilience, and credibility.

In this edition of HERstory, Flor shares how she earned her place at the forefront of a traditional male-dominated industry by leading with science, staying for the grit, and growing through the grace of community service.

Q: How did your Aboitiz Foods journey begin?

Flor: It truly felt like destiny, though it took persistence. I actually applied twice before landing a role as a Production Inventory Analyst under a subcontractor. I just wanted my foot in the door. My team leader saw a spark in me and encouraged me to aim for a direct-hire position. Working with external stakeholders ignited a fire in me—I was captivated by the dynamic pace, the thrill of hitting quotas, and the challenge of solving complex problems. I seized the next opportunity, applied for a sales role, and I’ve been building my path here ever since.

Q: You entered the gamefowl industry as a woman with a non-technical background. How did you navigate those early challenges to earn your seat at the table?

Flor: I remember being a 37-kilogram woman walking into a room of 16 male technical experts. I was young, and my background was in Business Economics, not animal science. I realized quickly that I couldn’t just “blend in.” I earned my respect by “walking the talk.” I traded the comfort of the office for the intensity of the field and practiced a strong, authoritative presence. But more than that, I leaned into my strengths: empathy and self-awareness. I learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room; it’s about being the most prepared and the most observant.

Q: The gamefowl industry is deeply rooted in tradition and passion. How do you bridge science to tradition in an environment that so often relies on gut feel and heritage?

Flor: It starts with respect. My role is to prove that science isn’t here to replace tradition but to shape it. We moved away from generic sales pitches and instead leaned into a regionalized strategy that treats every territory like a unique landscape.

In Cebu, for example, we listened to the specific needs of local stakeholders and used surveys and expert collaborations to provide data-driven solutions. We showed our customers that high-performance results aren’t just luck—they are engineered. Seeing our placement in Cebu double in just three months is proof that when you back tradition with modern nutritional science, the results speak for themselves.

Q: Beyond sales, why is giving back to the community important to you?

Flor: Giving back is the right thing to do, and I am proud to work for a company that mirrors my personal convictions. At Salto, social responsibility isn’t just a corporate value—it’s our compass. Through our SALTO (Serving and Lifting Through Outreach) program, we transform passion into purpose by supporting schools, healthcare institutions, foundations, and disaster relief operations. This year, we’re expanding our advocacy, inviting everyone to join us in making a difference.

Q: What is your advice to other women looking to “architect” their own leadership paths in agribusiness?

Flor: You must have heart. You won’t last in this industry if you don’t genuinely love the people and the work. Start by building deep relationships and seeking out mentors who will challenge you. Remember, leadership isn’t a position on an organizational chart—it’s the value you add and the problems you solve. Own your expertise, take the calculated risk, and never be afraid to pivot when the market demands it.

Flor’s story is a powerful reminder that effective leadership arises from those willing to learn and lead with purpose. As she continues to drive high-performance teams, she stands as a steadfast example of leading with both science and spirit.

“I am Floreda, and together with my team, we shape Salto into a brand that embodies credibility and creates a positive impact on the community.”