Magna Cum Laude Graduate Shares What Helped Her Succeed in Benilde’s REM Program
Magna Cum Laude Graduate Shares What Helped Her Succeed in Benilde’s REM Program
17 June 2025
Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management graduate Sophia Stefanowitz finished her college journey strong, earning magna cum laude honors during the June 14, 2025 Commencement Exercises. Her success came not only from years of disciplined study, but also from a strong support system and a learning environment she described as encouraging, well-paced, and built for growth.
“My family motivated me to pursue Real Estate Management due to our history in the build-and-sell business,” she said. “I had limited knowledge about the field, but as I went through the program, I started to see the bigger picture.”
Sophia entered Benilde in the middle of the pandemic and spent her first two years in online classes. Finally stepping onto campus felt meaningful to her. “It was a surreal moment,” she said. “Coming from a family of Benildeans, it felt special to walk the same halls as my siblings.”
As the semesters went on, she became more confident and independent. She credits her professors, classmates, and family for helping her stay focused. “Whenever I struggled with academic requirements or needed help, I could always rely on the REM faculty,” she said. “Dean Joana Diñoso and Sir Mark Jayson De Jesus played a big part in helping me stay motivated.” Both professors helped her understand the real-world demands of the industry and guided her through key moments in the program.
At Benilde, the strength of the Real Estate Management program extends beyond classroom instruction. Sophia shared that having mentors like Dean Diñoso, who is a licensed Real Estate Consultant, Appraiser, and Broker, meant that students received practical insights from professionals who understand the industry firsthand. Since joining the REM faculty in 2017, Dean Diñoso’s leadership has shaped the program’s direction. Her appointment as Chairperson in 2021, followed by her current post as Dean of the School of Management and Information Technology in Academic Year 2024-2025, shows the strong mentorship students receive from the faculty up to the school’s leadership.
“The professors at Benilde are very patient and supportive,” Sophia said. “They created a space where we felt safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn from them.”
She also shared how the school’s learning spaces helped her stay productive. “I’ll definitely miss the libraries at The Atrium@Benilde Campus and Design + Art Campus,” she said. “They became my go-to spots during vacant hours, and the discussion rooms really made group meetings easier and more productive.”
Like many students balancing school, family, and personal commitments, Sophia relied heavily on structure and prioritization. “Time management was key,” she said. “I made sure to focus on what would have the biggest impact and give myself time to rest when needed.”
After graduation, Sophia plans to gain work experience in the real estate industry and prepare for the board exam. “My degree gave me a strong foundation,” she said. “I’m excited to build on it in the real world.”
To incoming students, her advice is simple: “You don’t have to be the best. What matters is that you gave it your best. Everyone moves at their own pace. Be open to challenges, ask for help, and use every opportunity to grow.”
Benilde’s Real Estate Management program combines economic analysis, property valuation, brokerage training, and business strategies with a focus on ethics, creativity, and community impact. Students graduate prepared to serve clients, manage property assets, and provide professional recommendations for land use and real estate development.
At the April 2025 Real Estate Brokers Licensure Examination, Benilde’s first-time passers achieved a 76.92% passing rate, with an overall passing rate of 75 percent. The program continues to produce graduates ready to earn licensure and lead in the field.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
