Volunteer network opens doors for ethnic minority women in Hong Kong

A volunteer network of business leaders, educators and professionals has joined forces to help ethnically diverse young women gain confidence and access careers in Hong Kong.

Founded in 2017, Empower by the Amber Foundation has grown into a citywide community of more than 250 mentors and coaches, earning the group a place as a finalist in this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the teamwork category.

The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, co-organised by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group, recognises the city’s unsung heroes, including those who strengthen communities and inspire others through their service and resilience.

“We started years ago providing young women [from ethnic minority groups] with scholarships,” foundation chairwoman Elizabeth Thomson said. “But we realised that they still lacked networks, connections, confidence and access to the corporate world. Empower fills that gap.”

The programme runs seven interactive workshops each year, teaching practical skills such as CV writing, interview preparation, workplace etiquette and financial literacy.

More than 250 volunteers, including mentors, counsellors, coaches and industry professionals, contribute their time and expertise.