Tika grew up in a fishing family with limited financial means. Her father worked aboard boats owned by others and earned an uncertain income. From an early age, Tika became accustomed to helping her parents. Even after graduating from vocational high school, she decided to find a job instead of pursuing further studies so she could support her family and avoid placing an additional burden on her parents.

In 2019, Tika joined PNM as a Mekaar account officer. Her work has brought her into contact with many women from underprivileged communities who were working hard to grow their businesses. Her close relationships with PNM customers allowed Tika to see their struggles as reflections of her own family’s struggles.

“What I had in mind was that I was helping my own mother,” Tika recalled.

Tika began setting aside money from her income for her family’s needs. She saved to buy a motorcycle for her commute and helped her mother purchase a cow.

Then in 2022, she was finally able to buy a boat for her father. This purchase went on to create a broader impact: Her father now goes out to sea as captain of his own fishing boat, supporting his family as well as helping other fishers earn a living.

“Now there are around 20 to 25 people who work with my father as fishermen. What initially started as income to support my family eventually became capital that created opportunities for others to earn a living,” Tika said.

In addition to supporting her family, Tika’s journey also revived a dream that she had once put on hold. In 2022, she received a scholarship that enabled her to continue her education without burdening her parents financially, all while continuing to work at PNM.

“Through this job, I have been able to support my parents, fulfill my father’s wish to have his own boat and now, I can also pursue higher education. I never imagined that I would reach this point,” she said.

Tika’s story illustrates how one opportunity can create an impact that expands ever outward, which PNM president director Kindaris said aligned with PNM’s approach to empowerment.

“The effort to improve welfare is carried out together, not only with our customers but also with PNM employees, who are present every day to support them. Many of our employees are also the backbone of their families. When they grow through their work, their families also benefit,” Kindaris said.

“This is the spirit we want to continue building at PNM: Supporting every individual’s journey so that the benefits can grow and spread from one family to the surrounding community,” he said.

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