In the spirit of positive impact, philanthropy and community engagement, our team members devote their time and talent to a myriad of social causes. Discover the heart behind Tatler's vibrant community as we showcase our ‘People of Tatler’ series, where colleagues share their inspiring journeys and their commitment to making a difference.
Today's spotlight is on Tara Sobti, Tatler Hong Kong's Head of VIP Content and Community, who recently volunteered with The Amber Foundation, a remarkable initiative supporting ethnically diverse university women in Hong Kong and South Asia.
Join us in conversation -
What inspired you to volunteer in a programme that supports ethnic minority university women and how has this experience impacted you?
Tara: The Amber Foundation, led by chairwoman and founder Elizabeth Thompson, is a charity whose mission is to provide support for a variety of under-served communities in Hong Kong and South Asia.
I am particularly inspired by the work of Empower by The Amber Foundation which aims to ensure career success for young ethnically diverse women in the programme, enhancing their visibility to financial institutions, schools and professional corporations.
I have a long line of women who have mentored me since the beginning of my career and I have always felt incredibly lucky to have this community of people behind me. I want to do what I can to support others who are starting their journey in the corporate world. It is important to pay it forward by providing guidance, support and mentorship to help these women navigate challenges, build confidence and achieve success. It has been a transformative experience for me.
In what ways do you believe initiatives like the one you volunteered for contribute to breaking down barriers and promoting diversity and inclusion?
Tara: On March 6, I participated in the Empower programmes’ Financially EMPOWERed workshop, facilitated by the team from Girls Just Wanna Have Fund$. Girls Just Wanna Have Fund$ empowers women in their money journey by encouraging them to prioritise their financial futures. It is 2024, and let me tell you— it is still not common to see women gather in a room to talk about money. What The Amber Foundation is doing is incredibly important work.
Simply put, financial inclusion is a critical indicator for development and well-being for any society. Initiatives like EMPOWERed are making it a priority to give access to knowledge and resources for ethnic minority women who face unique challenges and systemic barriers. These women are often underrepresented in leadership positions and decision-making processes. This kind of education equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate fully in public life and increase their representation in various sectors.
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The women I met had big dreams for their future, but were looking for clear steps and actions towards financial freedom. By providing resources and mentorship, EMPOWERed is creating opportunities and instilling confidence and self-esteem in these women. The workshop helped give them tools they needed to navigate money — which, let’s face it, even the best of us struggle to manage efficiently. For these young girls, time is on their side. There is no downside to learning how to manage money properly and I wished financial wellness workshops like this were taught when I was in school. I left the session humbled and excited to see what the foundation has planned for these women next.
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For more information on The Amber Foundation, click here.
For more information on Tara Sobti, Tatler Hong Kong’s Head of VIP Content and Community, click here.