A purpose-driven life: Sherill Cutin’s story of service

Sherill Cutin was born and raised in Tacloban, Leyte, in a family of five siblings. Her father passed away when she was only seven, leaving her mother to raise them alone. 

From a young age, she learned about integrity, resilience, and the value of hard work by watching her mom. Her mom’s dedication pushed her to become responsible early on, thinking, “I have to be independent to help my family.” This drive to build a better future became her foundation.

Growing up, Sherill dreamed of becoming a nurse. “Sa slambook no’ng elementary, even in high school, palagi kong sinasagot na aspiration ay ‘to become a nurse someday’.” But limited resources meant she had to take a different path, eventually earning a degree in commerce.

In college, she felt drawn to community work, joining volunteer groups and learning how to empower people through education and advocacy. Her first job was with an NGO focused on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, a challenging role that taught her valuable skills and cemented her desire to help communities.

For Sherill, one thought always guides her in community work: “Feeling ko no’n we are left behind sa probinsya. Kung hindi ka magtyatyaga, magpupursigi, walang mangyayari.” That is why every time she is in the field, she strives to ensure that communities are not just present but fully engaged. “Kasama dapat sila,” she emphasizes, recognizing that real change happens when communities themselves are involved in shaping their own solutions.

A calling to serve: joining Zuellig Family Foundation

In 2021, she joined the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF). After the pandemic hit, Sherill had to prioritize her family, especially her child and her mother.  ZFF’s work-from-home option allowed her to stay close to her loved ones while continuing her passion for social work.

Sherill reflects on her journey with gratitude. The concept of Bridging Leadership in ZFF—Ownership, Co-Ownership, and Co-Creation—is especially meaningful to her. Working closely with communities and stakeholders, she sees how ZFF fosters collaboration and innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. 

She is deeply grateful for the support she’s received from her ZFF project team. Their guidance through coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance has been invaluable throughout her journey. She appreciates the trust they’ve shown her, making each challenge a worthwhile learning experience. “Sa ZFF, may support at may puso,” she says.

Sherill has faced her share of obstacles, from unstable internet in the field to the constant learning curve in a demanding environment. Working with diverse stakeholders also adds to the challenge, as each has different needs and perspectives. But she sees these hurdles as growth opportunities.  ZFF has shown her the bigger picture, helping her go deeper into healthcare’s role in uplifting communities. 

Continuing the advocacy

Sherill closes with a sense of purpose: “Kahit hindi ako naging nurse, I have contributed to and will continue improving the conditions of children and women. My goal is to empower them. I aspire to help create a society where no one is left behind, at ramdam ng bawat isa, especially the vulnerable population, ‘yung impact ng health services.” For her, true empowerment means making a difference in the lives of others by addressing inequities and improving access to healthcare.

Looking to the future, Sherill hopes to continue making a positive impact within ZFF, while sharing her advocacy for health and community empowerment even outside the organization. Her guiding philosophy is simple: “Approach life with purpose.” To her, working in the development sector may be tough, but knowing she has helped others is worth every challenge.