2026 Spring President's Letter

“Blossom by blossom, the Spring begins.”  ~ Algernon Charles Swinburne

Greetings,

I am Jirbie Go, and it is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your new AIA President.

This January marked my first Executive Committee meeting as President. These meetings are held twice a month, or more when needed, where your leadership team: the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and COO; works collaboratively to manage and guide the organization’s ongoing operations and strategic direction. We also conducted a highly productive January and February General Board meetings, setting a strong tone for the year ahead as we celebrate AIA’s 20th Founding Anniversary.

I would like to sincerely acknowledge Denise Joswiak for her outstanding leadership and dedication during her presidency. Her thoughtful stewardship has created a smooth transition, allowing me to continue building on the strong foundation she and the board have established.

I feel truly fortunate to work alongside such competent, compassionate, and resourceful board members. Their passion and commitment are evident in their dedication to advancing AIA’s mission, vision, values, and goals while continuously strengthening and growing our professional community for the benefit of our members.

Our 20th Anniversary Conference Has Kicked Off
AIA proudly celebrates two decades of professional leadership, education, and community. As part of our 20th Anniversary Conference, which officially launched January 14, 2026, we introduced a fresh and dynamic conference format, unveiled the attendee prospectus and program highlights, and offered an exciting preview of what awaits you at Kanuga this September. We look forward to sharing our exceptional lineup of speakers as the conference approaches.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize and sincerely thank our dedicated Conference Committee members: Tresa Staeven, Melissa Holman, Carol Scheidel, Nancy Lubin, Joni Carroll, Denise Joswiak, and our Conference Chair Meredith Murdock. Their tireless efforts, thoughtful planning, and unwavering commitment over the past year are shaping what promises to be a truly exceptional conference experience this September 25–27, 2026. We are thrilled to bring this milestone event to life and invite you to join us at Kanuga for inspiration, connection, and learning like never before. Registration is now open. Visit the AIA website today to secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable celebration.

The Journey That Brought Me Here

I’d love to take a moment to introduce myself and share a bit more about who I am. I graduated from one of the top business schools in the Philippines, finishing at the top of my class. Before finding my true calling in aromatherapy, I spent several years working in multinational companies beginning my career in Finance and eventually transitioning into Brand Management and Marketing. These experiences shaped my strategic thinking, leadership style, and passion for building meaningful connections through purpose-driven work.

In 2014, I started rescuing cats, a journey that unexpectedly led me into the world of aromatherapy. Today, our private-led animal sanctuary care for over 40 rescued cats and three dogs, and this deep connection with animal welfare has profoundly influenced my approach to holistic wellness.

Over the past five years, I have immersed myself fully in aromatherapy, conducting workshops and trainings, collaborating with farmers in the field, and supporting Filipino aromatherapy entrepreneurs by sharing knowledge and best practices. I am also proud to be the owner of the first aromatherapy certification school in the Philippines and the founder of a professional aromatherapy association dedicated to advancing the industry locally.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time at the Pilates studio, cultivating my varied hobbies, and nurturing my garden—activities that keep me grounded, creative and inspired.

I first joined AIA as the Philippine Representative, then served as Media Chair, and now, here I am stepping in as your President. My primary goal in this role is to strengthen our sense of community within the aromatherapy world. I believe in fostering meaningful collaboration where we openly share ideas, research, and experiences so that we grow together rather than working in isolation.

I also want to bring in more efficiency; making sure our initiatives, our conference, and other projects run smoothly so that our energy goes into what truly matters: education, advocacy, and member support.

One thing that’s really close to my heart is mentorship. I want to create more opportunities for new or aspiring aromatherapists to learn from those who’ve been practicing longer. Everyone starts somewhere, and having the right guidance early on makes all the difference-- not just in skills, but in confidence and professional integrity.

Ultimately, I believe leadership is an act of service, creating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to contribute their best. If we can cultivate that together, I am confident that our organization will continue to grow stronger, making a meaningful impact by promoting aromatherapy both inclusively and internationally.

  Aromatically Yours,

 Jirbie