Evelyn Talatala Clough
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Copa: Where are you from?
Evelyn: I was born and raised in Tanauan City, Philippines. It is about 2 hours south of Manila. Copa: What schools have you attended?
Evelyn: I received my Bachelor Science Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of the East in Manila, Philippines. I also received my Executive Leadership Program certificate at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Business School. Copa: At what time did you become Mrs. Tourism USA 2023 and Mrs. Tourism World 2023?
Evelyn: I was crowned Mrs. Tourism USA in August 27, 2023 and Mrs. Tourism World in October 3, 2023. 
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Copa: What do you find exciting about your recent competitions?
Evelyn: The most exciting part of the competition for me was meeting the amazing candidates from different parts of the world. We developed camaraderie and friendships while competing. Being the oldest candidates for the international competition, they saw me as an older sister. In fact, some of them, I still chat with and sometimes they asked me for guidance, which is great. In some of them, I serve as their mentors, when needed.
Evelyn: The most exciting part of the competition for me was meeting the amazing candidates from different parts of the world. We developed camaraderie and friendships while competing. Being the oldest candidates for the international competition, they saw me as an older sister. In fact, some of them, I still chat with and sometimes they asked me for guidance, which is great. In some of them, I serve as their mentors, when needed.
Copa: What good advice would you like to give to any woman who wishes to compete?
Evelyn: My only advice to other candidates is to be authentic and to bring your full self to the competition. Don’t compare yourself to any other candidates because each of you are unique with its own compelling stories, victories, and challenges. Embrace the journey and enjoy every minute of it. You will meet amazing women who can be lifelong friends. Also remember that winning is not everything. It is the only thing. But winning with integrity is priceless.
Evelyn: My only advice to other candidates is to be authentic and to bring your full self to the competition. Don’t compare yourself to any other candidates because each of you are unique with its own compelling stories, victories, and challenges. Embrace the journey and enjoy every minute of it. You will meet amazing women who can be lifelong friends. Also remember that winning is not everything. It is the only thing. But winning with integrity is priceless.
Copa: What were you platforms?
Evelyn: My advocacy, even before joining Mrs. Tourism, has always been about “Increasing the Number of Women in Technology and Increasing the Number of Women in Executive Leadership. I’ve been coaching and mentoring women in technology for the last 25 years. I came to the US with only a $100 in my pocket, to now one of the top technical female leader for a technology company, an industry that is primarily male dominated. Despite all of these accomplishments personally and professionally, I wanted to do more, and that, 25 years ago is when I started coaching and mentoring women. My passion to increase the number of women in technology and in executive leadership was inspired by my two daughters. I joined the Mrs. Tourism pageant to raise awareness that women are still underrepresented, underpaid, and often discriminated against in the tech industry. I had been advocating for women for the last 25 years, but this journey is far from over. In fact, I am just getting started. I want all the women out there to know that we need to support each other so we can all reach our full potentials. I want them to be authentic! BE YOU! TOGETHER, we can change the world, one woman at a time!
Evelyn: My advocacy, even before joining Mrs. Tourism, has always been about “Increasing the Number of Women in Technology and Increasing the Number of Women in Executive Leadership. I’ve been coaching and mentoring women in technology for the last 25 years. I came to the US with only a $100 in my pocket, to now one of the top technical female leader for a technology company, an industry that is primarily male dominated. Despite all of these accomplishments personally and professionally, I wanted to do more, and that, 25 years ago is when I started coaching and mentoring women. My passion to increase the number of women in technology and in executive leadership was inspired by my two daughters. I joined the Mrs. Tourism pageant to raise awareness that women are still underrepresented, underpaid, and often discriminated against in the tech industry. I had been advocating for women for the last 25 years, but this journey is far from over. In fact, I am just getting started. I want all the women out there to know that we need to support each other so we can all reach our full potentials. I want them to be authentic! BE YOU! TOGETHER, we can change the world, one woman at a time!
Copa: What does the future hold for Evelyn Talatala and her world of Pageantry?
Evelyn: For me pageantry is a “One and Done” thing. I never dreamed of being a pageant queen, but I am glad that I did. I will continue to expand my advocacy to help women out there to find their passion and follow their dreams. If I can do it, anyone can.
Evelyn: For me pageantry is a “One and Done” thing. I never dreamed of being a pageant queen, but I am glad that I did. I will continue to expand my advocacy to help women out there to find their passion and follow their dreams. If I can do it, anyone can.
