What happens when women from finance, philanthropy, and the next generation come together to break taboos? Powerful conversations. Bold ideas. A collective push for change. On March 26, at EMpower’s Women’s Lunch and Panel, we opened a conversation that young people everywhere should have access to: sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender equity—this time with a focus on Colombia. With an inspiring panel featuring Mariana Sanz de Santamaría Franco, Founder & Director of our grantee partner, Poderosas Colombia, Cynthia Steele, President & CEO of EMpower, and moderator Patricia Ahn, Board Director at EMpower US, we explored how locally led NGOs, the EM finance sector, and EMpower are working together to dismantle stigma, empower young women, and bring boys and men into the conversation as allies. A huge thank you to Basak Yavuz, Board Director at EMpower US, for making this gathering possible and to every woman who showed up, not just in presence but in purpose. Your voices, networks, and leadership are driving the open dialogue and collective action needed for a more equitable future. 👉 Swipe through for glimpses from the day! ✨ (fb)

The past two weeks have been nothing short of extraordinary as we celebrated EMpower’s 25th anniversary at our Annual Dinners in Hong Kong and Singapore! 🎉 These milestone gatherings were more than just events. They were powerful reminders of the impact we’ve created together and the boundless potential of young people in emerging markets. Hong Kong set the stage with an intimate evening of reflection and generosity. We welcomed over 60 guests and raised an incredible $628K in support of our mission. We were deeply moved by the words of Gede Sudarma and Wayan Doyok, alumni of the East Bali Poverty Project, who shared their journeys of resilience, growth, and hope. Just days later, Singapore carried the momentum forward, bringing together 80+ guests and raising $507K! We had the privilege of hearing from luchi flores, Country Director of Passerelles Numériques Philippines, and nanit katipunan, a PNP alumni, whose heartfelt stories underscored the transformative power of opportunity. As Wayan Doyok so beautifully put it: “My hope for the future is that EMpower will continue believing that we hold the potential to be something that we ourselves could not always see.” These Dinners hold a special place in our hearts—not just because they marked 25 years of impact, but because they reminded us why we do this work: to stand alongside young people as they rewrite their futures. A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible speakers, dedicated EMpower staff and Board members, generous table hosts, and every supporter who made these unforgettable nights possible. Your belief in our mission fuels the change we strive for every day. 🙌 Swipe through for some incredible moments from the celebrations. ✨ (fb)