Jenny Lin Maano, Co Founder & President, SunSmart Solar Power Technology Inc.
We are often told that our lives must follow a linear path, that we must choose one road and walk it until the end. But what happens when someone dares to defy that notion, to weave together seemingly disparate threads into a tapestry of extraordinary purpose? This is the story of a woman who dared to change the narrative, and use her platform not for personal gain but for the betterment of her people. This is the story of Jenny Lin Maano.
From the dazzling spotlight of high fashion to the deeply impactful work of electrifying communities, Jenny’s journey transcends the ordinary. It’s a story woven with threads of personal evolution and unwavering commitment, a narrative that speaks to the power of transformation. It’s about redefining influence, proving that true impact lies in empowering others to rise and crafting a more just and sustainable world. A recent highlight in her life is being recently crowned as 2024 Noble Queen Universe Regality and Compassion. Miss Jenny is truly diverse: a style icon, beauty queen, artist, leader, businesswoman, philanthropist, and an intellectual woman with a cheerful vibe. Her unwavering dedication to helping marginalized communities, regardless of their circumstances, has garnered her support from local to national government, paving her way onto the global arena.
From Pampanga’s Heartland to a Global Stage
Jenny Lin Maano’s story begins on a farm in Pampanga, a region in the Philippines known for its rich culinary heritage. Here, she developed a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the value of hard work. Raised by her grandmother, and as the only granddaughter among a large family, she grew up alongside 12 boys, learning resilience and independence. These traits proved invaluable in her later endeavors. This foundation, combined with her diverse experiences as a model, student leader, and trader, equipped her with a unique blend of adaptability and strategic thinking – qualities that set her apart in social entrepreneurship.
At 16, she was discovered as a model, quickly becoming involved in commercials, print ads, and billboards. This early exposure marked the beginning of her journey into high fashion, where she graced magazine covers and captivated audiences. Despite her success, Jenny consciously decided not to pursue an acting career, recognizing its potential to be all-consuming. She is also a Board of Council of LUSTRE and METRO FASHION, working alongside top designers and fashion magazines in the Philippines, maintaining her connection to the industry. She was a dedicated student, graduating with honors and as a consistent dean’s lister. This commitment to her education led her to pursue a career where she felt she could make a more lasting impact. During her college years, Jenny was exceptionally active, serving as the university government’s vice president, participating in youth politics, and contributing as a writer and journalist for the college newspaper. Simultaneously, she continued her modeling career and participated in pageants. She leads many beauty queens who, with her guidance, have garnered national and international titles. Interestingly, most women working at SunSmart are also beauty queen titlists! This period of her life was marked by a whirlwind of activities, balancing her academic pursuits with her involvement in various campaigns and community meetings.
Her academic achievements opened doors to the professional world, and her first job was as a junior trader for the Philippine Stock Exchange market. Working in finance, she honed her skills in numbers, an experience she found engaging due to its dynamic nature and the opportunity to interact with many people. Her intellectual depth is also evident in her public appearances, where she consistently shines even when facing tough questions from critics like Ben Kritz of The Manila Times, making her panels highly anticipated and applauded.
A Call to Serve
Beneath the veneer of glamour, a deeper calling was stirring, a sense of unease with a world marked by inequality. Her exposure to the stark realities of energy poverty, particularly in the remote mining communities of the Philippines, became a turning point. She witnessed firsthand the profound inequalities that left communities disconnected and underserved. This ignited a fire within her, a burning desire to use her influence for meaningful change, to be a voice for the voiceless.
Jenny pursued her higher education, graduating with a degree in Business Management from the University of the East in Manila. Her choice of study reflects her belief in the importance of business acumen in making a meaningful impact. Despite her success in modeling and pageants, she recognized the transient nature of that industry and sought a more enduring path. Her extensive work in helping marginalized communities has led her to receive widespread support from local and national governments, propelling her onto the global stage. She is very active in revamping developments alongside the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police).
SunSmart: Bringing Power to the People
Driven by a desire to bridge this divide, Jenny founded SunSmart Solar Power Technology, a company dedicated to bringing sustainable energy solutions to the “zero grid” – the rural, often neglected areas beyond traditional power infrastructure. SunSmart is more than a technology provider; it’s a vehicle for delivering hope, opportunity, and a sustainable future.
Jenny’s approach is defined by her ability to connect with people, a skill honed during her time in the spotlight, which allows her to deeply understand the multifaceted challenges faced by marginalized communities. It’s also defined by a commitment to developing and deploying cutting-edge, sustainable technologies tailored to the specific needs of each community, ensuring their effectiveness, long-term viability, and local ownership. And it’s driven by a recognition that true progress requires genuine collaboration and community empowerment. SunSmart works hand-in-hand with local stakeholders, empowering them to take control of their energy future, fostering a sense of pride and self-reliance. Through her efforts, numerous City Government Projects have solarized their facilities using a niche business model she crafted, which has been widely embraced by local officials, including Paranaque City Mayor Eric Olivares. She also spearheaded the powering up of Isla Verde, a significant achievement in rural electrification.
SunSmart focuses on creating multi-service hubs that offer not only clean power but also access to potable water, sustainable water recycling, and enhanced connectivity. This integrated model addresses the interconnected challenges faced by these communities, fostering sustainable development. SunSmart’s use of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contracts underscores its commitment to long-term impact, ensuring the ongoing maintenance and operation of these vital systems and fostering local capacity building. Jenny is a fearless and confident advocate, actively engaging with the Administrator of the National Electrification Administration of the Philippines, supporting Electric Cooperatives and Direct Utilities in establishing their own power generation.
Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives
Jenny’s vision extends beyond simply providing electricity; she’s igniting a spark of hope. She is establishing integrated hubs that address the interconnected needs of these communities, recognizing that true empowerment comes from addressing the whole person, the whole community. These hubs offer clean, reliable power, the catalyst for economic growth; access to potable water, a fundamental human right; sustainable water recycling systems, promoting environmental stewardship; and enhanced connectivity, bridging the digital divide. She is well-known for her Mission of ELEMENTS (Elevating Livelihood Empowering Mankind Engaging Nature Towards Sustainability), especially in the agricultural sector.
This holistic approach reflects Jenny’s profound understanding that sustainable development requires addressing the complex web of challenges faced by these communities. SunSmart’s use of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contracts further underscores her unwavering commitment to long-term impact. Her programs are closely aligned with NetZero Goals, focusing on fossil fuel mitigation, poverty reduction, bringing down the cost of power, and decarbonization, as evidenced by her collaboration with the Office of the President’s CCC Climate Change Commission Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Jenny’s vision for the future is ambitious. She is working tirelessly to establish domestic manufacturing capabilities, positioning the Philippines as a leader in sustainable energy innovation. She also aims to replicate her model in other developing nations, sharing her expertise and contributing to the global transition to clean energy. Her ultimate goal is to elevate “Made in the Philippines” as a symbol of quality, innovation, and social responsibility.
Her influence extends to high-level collaborations, including discussions with The Manila Times President, COO, and Management, alongside Senator Grace Poe. She is one among the few private Filipina businesswomen to receive the national Gawad Filipino award, held yearly with the AFP Armed Forces of the Philippines, alongside many government leaders, including Senator Pia Cayetano. Her work in Smart City development is also gaining international traction, as seen in her partnerships with the Israel Embassy in the Philippines Ambassador Ilan Fluss and SunSmart partners in AIOT development for Smart Cities in the Philippines. She secured the very first Smart City Development Project in the Philippines under a major tourism city, Baguio, with Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Her global recognition is further cemented as the first woman to be hailed as Ambassadress in the well-known and government-supported NGO of UAE, Nabdh Al Emarat, with its Chairman Dr. Khalid and Dr. Kabir from Abu Dhabi, by His Excellency MZN. She has also been recognized by the Vice Governor of Benguet for supporting the youth in Rural Artisans, an organization patronizing Local to Global Luxury goods. Her network includes key figures like DOE Undersecretary Rowena, ICCPI VP, and BDO Capital President Sir Ed, and Benguet Governor Diclas, underscoring her broad impact. As magazines often attest, her story is one of profound influence and dedication.
Jenny Lin Maano’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible when driven by a passionate heart and a clear vision. It’s a story that purpose can emerge from unexpected places, and that our past experiences can shape our future. True success lies not in personal gain but in using one’s influence to make a meaningful difference, to leave a legacy of empowerment. She is not just lighting up homes; she is lighting the way forward for a more just and sustainable future.