What began as a career in chemical engineering has evolved into a mission of empowering Filipino professionals around the world.
For TFT Watchlist Top Filipino Engineers and Architects in the Middle East 2024 awardee Julie Junio De Castro, international recognition was never the ultimate goal. Instead, it became a platform to create opportunities for others, mentor fellow Filipinos, and demonstrate that Filipino excellence can thrive on the global stage.
“Being part of the TFT Watchlist Awards has been life-changing most especially to Filipino community. It boosted my personal confidence, showing me that hard work and passion can be recognized on a global stage. It also deepened my pride as a Filipino, proving that we can excel internationally in leadership and project management,” said De Castro.
After spending 18 years in the United Arab Emirates’ oil and gas industry, De Castro founded DeeCee Project Management Consultancy FZ LLC, a company specializing in technical sales and marketing, procurement, project management, business development, and quality assurance.
Her contributions to the industry have earned numerous international recognitions, including the TFT Watchlist Award, the Best Project Manager Award under the patronage of His Highness Juma Maktoum Al Maktoum, and the Woman Leader’s Award 2023 from the World Women Leadership Congress.
Beyond running her own consultancy, De Castro serves as Director of Marketing for the Project Management Institute (PMI) UAE and the PMO Global Alliance UAE, where she champions professional development and collaboration within the global project management community.
She believes leadership is not measured by authority but by the ability to unite people behind a common purpose.
“As a leader, I encourage collaboration and open communication so every member of the team feels heard,” De Castro said, adding that this approach has enabled her teams to complete projects efficiently while consistently exceeding expectations.
Her leadership also extends to volunteer organizations, where she introduced structured project management practices that significantly increased volunteer engagement and improved the success of organizational programs and events.
For De Castro, professional success goes beyond awards and titles as it lies in building systems that help organizations grow and empowering individuals to unlock their full potential.
Through her work with PMI and PMO Global Alliance, she has introduced innovative project management strategies that improve project delivery while mentoring professionals, particularly Filipino engineers seeking career advancement in the Middle East.
Recognizing that many overseas Filipino workers struggle with professional integration, limited networking opportunities, and recognition of their qualifications, she launched initiatives through PMI and PMO Global Alliance that provide mentorship, professional training, and networking opportunities tailored for Filipino project management practitioners.
“Our efforts involve advocating for the recognition of these credentials in the Middle East while collaborating with local institutions to promote the value of Filipino expertise,” De Castro said.
From leading complex engineering projects to mentoring fellow Filipinos abroad, De Castro continues to demonstrate that true leadership is not only about building successful projects but building people. Through her expertise, service, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others, she is helping create a future where more Filipinos are recognized as world-class professionals and global leaders.
