Yuri Lemana – Public Affairs Consultant, Writer
You’re probably here to grow your business or career. Lucky you, I am here. I am Yuri and I can be “Yur” general virtual assistant to help you in your path to growth.
As a growth-oriented individual, I am always on the road to constantly improve myself. At a young age, I have realised that the only way out of poverty is through education and acquiring new skills. As a result, I persevered to graduate as batch valedictorian in senior high school to get a college scholarship. In my first year of college, I published a research journal article in the International Journal of Language and Literary Studies. Completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Diplomacy, I graduated as valedictorian and summa cum laude of my batch in 2022.
Seeking financial independence from my parents to ease their burden, I started working remotely as an associate writer while finishing college. I worked for a prolific Filipino journalist and author who had written books for the Sultan of Brunei, Citibank, and Manulife. Owing to her old age, I primarily wrote the initial drafts of her chapters. I helped her with the biographies of a Filipino senator and a Filipino-Chinese construction tycoon, as well as updating her World War II book, “Children of War,” focusing on Filipino and foreign children’s experiences. Under her tutelage for three years, she played a huge role in improving my writing skills and work ethic.
A few months before my graduation, I managed to land a job at a public affairs consultancy firm. As a public affairs consultant, I prepared and executed plans covering either government or public relations for clients in various industries ranging from food and beverage, renewable energy, angel investment, and government agencies. These plans involved publicity campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management. I also wrote press releases published in top-tier nationwide broadsheets in the Philippines.
Contributing to national development, I am also a convener for a youth formation organisation, the Youth Alliance for Freedom of Information. I was one of the lead project managers for the implementation of the commitments made by the Presidential Communications Office under the Office of the President concerning Freedom of Information under the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan (2019-2022).
Working with public, private, and civil society organisations, I am confident in accomplishing my tasks with different kinds of people.
In my free time, I learn and play the piano. Unlike most Filipinos, I am not a gifted singer. At least for the piano, I can harmonize the notes, but there’s no fixing my voice box. I also love the beach and go freediving whenever I have the budget (time is not the problem; it’s the money because freediving is not “free”).
I, too, am still striding forward to grow myself and would love to help your company grow as well. Let’s grow together!
For a copy of Yuri’s resume please click here.