Melissa “Sally” Dimalanta has built a career in empowering people and creating thriving organizations. Now, as UNAWA’s co-founder and HR Director, she’s using her expertise to shape human-centered legal tech solutions. Sally’s approach prioritizes the seamless integration of technology with the people who use it, ensuring every innovation reflects UNAWA’s commitment to trust, simplicity, and empowerment.
Her journey from HR expert to co-founder is a story of leadership, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the human side of technology.
From BPO Leader to UNAWA Pioneer
Sally’s career began in the highly competitive BPO industry, where she spent 16 years rising through the ranks from an entry-level agent to Senior Director of Operations. During this time, she gained invaluable insights into team dynamics and the importance of effective communication.
One defining moment came when Sally faced a struggling team. Through skip-level meetings and training programs, she identified gaps in collaboration and morale. Within a year, her interventions transformed the team, significantly improving employee retention, engagement, and performance.
These experiences sharpened her ability to solve organizational challenges, a skill she brought to UNAWA when she joined in 2021 as a consultant. Initially focused on client management, Sally quickly transitioned to a full-time role as Senior Account Manager and eventually took on the mantle of HR Director. In this role, she focused on creating an inclusive workplace culture that nurtures innovation and teamwork.
Why People-Centered Tech Matters
Sally’s approach to legal tech is simple: technology should work for people, not the other way around. She believes that tools like UNAWA’s SignSecure and UCheck should prioritize usability while maintaining the highest security and compliance standards.
Her background in human resources gives her a unique perspective on adopting new technology. Many users, especially in industries like finance and real estate, can be hesitant to embrace digital tools due to their perceived complexity. Sally ensures that UNAWA’s solutions are intuitive, making them accessible even to those unfamiliar with legal tech.
“Compliance and security are essential,” she says, “but they don’t mean much if the people using the tools find them too complicated. Our goal is to make compliance effortless.”
By emphasizing simplicity and practicality, Sally helps bridge the gap between technology and its users, ensuring that UNAWA’s solutions are as effective as they are user-friendly.
The Shift from HR Director to Co-Founder
Becoming a co-founder has expanded Sally’s responsibilities and influence within UNAWA. While her role as HR Director focused on internal operations, her position as co-founder allows her to shape the company’s strategic direction.
Sally views this transition as an opportunity to advocate for both UNAWA’s team and its clients. Internally, she champions initiatives like team retreats and skill-building workshops to foster a collaborative culture. Externally, she brings her people-first perspective to product development, ensuring that every solution aligns with users' needs.
She also embraces her newfound role as the company's public face, representing UNAWA’s commitment to accessible, reliable legal tech. For Sally, this shift is about personal growth and reinforcing the company’s core values of integrity, teamwork, and innovation.
Creating Solutions That Empower
Sally’s contributions are particularly evident in developing UNAWA’s flagship products, SignSecure and UCheck. These tools simplify complex processes like document signing and AML compliance, making them more accessible to businesses of all sizes.
SignSecure, for example, integrates biometric authentication through UNAWA Face Recognition (UFR), allowing users to sign documents securely with a selfie. Sally’s influence ensures that this solution isn’t just legally enforceable but also easy to use. Similarly, UCheck streamlines compliance by enabling businesses to conduct name-screening checks against global sanctions and watchlists, reducing the risk of fraud and penalties.
For Sally, the success of these products lies in their ability to solve real-world problems. “Our solutions are designed to meet people where they are,” she says. “We take the complexity out of compliance so our clients can focus on what they do best.”
Championing a Culture of Excellence
Sally’s leadership extends beyond product development. As an advocate for employee engagement, she ensures that UNAWA’s team operates in an environment where innovation thrives. She believes that a strong organizational culture is essential for creating solutions that resonate with users.
This commitment to excellence has earned her the respect of her peers and positioned UNAWA as a leader in legal tech. By fostering a culture of collaboration and adaptability, Sally ensures that the company is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
Looking Ahead: Sally’s Vision for UNAWA
As UNAWA continues to grow, Sally envisions a future where the company becomes a household name in legal tech. She is particularly passionate about making compliance solutions like UCheck and SignSecure indispensable tools for businesses across the Philippines.
Sally’s ultimate goal is to ensure that UNAWA’s impact goes beyond technology. By creating solutions that empower people and simplify processes, she hopes to inspire a broader movement toward accessible and human-centered innovation.
“Technology is only as good as the people it serves,” she says. “At UNAWA, we’re not just building products; we’re building trust, confidence, and opportunities for growth.”
Melissa “Sally” Dimalanta’s journey from HR leader to co-founder underscores the power of a people-first approach in driving meaningful change. With her at the helm, UNAWA is poised to set new legal tech standards that prioritize innovation and humanity.
