These are the individuals driving the progress of women in Hong Kong. But who are the people who inspire them? We ask the nominees of the Front & Female Awards Hong Kong 2023 who their role models are and why
From education to mental health, and from law to women's rights, aviation, charity and finance, our Front & Female Awards Hong Kong 2023 nominees are championing, supporting, encouraging and inspiring women and girls in all sorts of ways. But who are their role models? Who has inspired them on their journey? Who serves as inspiration for them every day? Ahead of the live ceremony for the Front & Female Awards Hong Kong 2023, which is supported by headline sponsor Standard Chartered Private Bank, this year's nominees share who their heroes are and why.
Libby Alexander, co-founder and CEO, Splash Foundation
“Splashers are the obvious choice. There is such an enormous fear factor when learning how to swim and yet they put their heart and soul into this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. On top of that, they give so much back to Splash so that more people can learn. It is true that often those who have the least, give the most.”
Cristy Almeida, founder and CEO, Bizibuz
“Other women that are closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship by building successful businesses, accessing institutional funding, innovating in technology and by their very existence as role models, are changing the opportunity set for other women.”
Nicole Denholder, founder, Next Chapter Raise; co-founder, Sophia
“Catherine Fox. Her speech inspired me when she visited Hong Kong. She is the author of Stop Fixing Women and I was inspired by her clear articulation and insights around gender inequality.”
Taura Edgar, founder, TALK Hong Kong
“The women who come to our support group for survivors of sexual abuse / violence inspire me to my core. Asking for help, working on coping skills that will change their futures—that stuff is intense. The resilience of these women blows my mind.”
Virginie Goethals, managing director, RUN Hong Kong
“The women with whom I work inspire and humble me every day. When you have lost your livelihood and loved ones, and are still able to smile and be resilient, you are very inspirational.”
“It is true that often those who have the least, give the most”
Catherine Gurtin, CEO, Pathfinders
“Without doubt, my mum. Until you become a parent I think it’s impossible to truly understand just how much your parents sacrifice to ensure you have the best possible start in life. Dad was still at university when I was born and those early years must have been incredibly tough. In desperate need of a second income, I know Mum felt terribly guilty starting work again when my brother was still very little. She’d always do the early shift so she could be home when we got in from school, which meant having to be up and out of the house by 5:30am. She must have been exhausted, especially having to contend with the constant bickering of my sister, brother and I after an already long day at work.”
Christina Ho, airline pilot
“Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and she is the woman who inspired me to pursue my aviation career.
“'The most effective way to do it is to do it,' she said. The courage she had in her times is rare. Amelia turned her dream into action. She realised her dream and inspired many others to follow her example. I hope my life story can do the same for those who have a dream and who are willing to take that first step. If Amelia Earhart had her courage at her time, I have mine at my time. And I will pay it forward to our new generation.”
Patricia Ho, lawyer; lecturer; founder, Hong Kong Dignity Institute
“I’ve been inspired by many… my dad for his nonchalant wisdom, my mum for her dedication to always care, Jesus for leading by serving, and just anyone who lives passionately while staying true.”
Judy Kan, executive director, HER Fund
“HER Fund’s founders, Linda To and Lin Chew. They inspire me on what a women’s fund is, why it is important for gender equality work and the communities, and how to walk the talk on being a feminist.”
Marie Kretz Di Meglio, founder and CEO, Uplifters
“I am inspired by the strength and resilience of the women we support at Uplifters. Our students are migrant domestic workers who have often endured a lot of hardships in their lives while they live abroad, far from their children and families. Yet, they take the time to educate themselves at the end of their long working days. They selflessly give back to the community and become peer leaders to support fellow domestic workers in our programmes. I often tell myself that if they find the energy to do it, then I have to put all my heart into building the tools and the systems to make it possible.”