Filipina transwoman and mental health coach Paulie Dürig received the LGBTQI+ Leadership Award during the Women Changing the World Global Awards in London, United Kingdom from April 2 to 3, 2025. 

Paulie is the founder and chief executive officer of Sacred Space Suisse, a Switzerland-based mental health service offering innovative, personalized coaching programs for individuals and organizations. Drawing from methods like clinical hypnotherapy and rapid transformational therapy, she is making waves in the field of mental health and wellness in Europe and beyond.

Paulie established Sacred Space Suisse at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when mental health services were desperately needed. She offered pro-bono group therapy programs to help individuals cope with the stresses of the pandemic and made mental health services accessible to more people.

“Healing is not just a personal journey—it’s a collective awakening. As we learn to hold space for ourselves, we also create room for others to rise. This award is a reminder that when we honor our truth, we give others permission to do the same. May it inspire us all to keep shining our light—because in doing so, we help others find their way,” said Paulie.

A graduate of Silliman University with a degree in Biology and originally from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Paulie has become a powerful voice for mental health accessibility and LGBTQI+ inclusion. Together with partners and collaborators from the LGBTQI+ community as well as some members of the Filipino community in Europe, Paulie led other initiatives such as podcasts to continue raising awareness on the importance of mental health and well-being.

Earlier in 2025, she was also recognized as one of 12 global finalists for the Young Woman of the Year award—chosen from over 750 nominations representing more than 50 countries.

The Women Changing the World Awards celebrate trailblazing women across business, education, leadership, innovation, and health, with ambassadors such as the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson and author Dr. Tererai Trent, Oprah Winfrey’s all-time favorite guest.

Paulie’s achievement stands as a testament to the global impact of Filipina excellence, and her voice continues to uplift the LGBTQI+ community on the international stage.