Celebrating
Years of EMpower
This year, EMpower proudly celebrates 25 years—a quarter of a century of partnering with local organisations in emerging market countries and other change-makers to enable marginalised young people to transform their lives and communities.
Explore our major milestones over the 25 years and learn more about our unique funding model.
Committed to centring young people in our work, most of the photos on our website are by and of young people.
The Latest from EMpower
A Word with Cynthia Steele
For this Anniversary Special, we decided to switch things up! Tanvi Mishra, EMpower's Communications and Influence Manager, caught up with Cynthia Steele, our President and CEO. Cynthia spoke about her journey at EMpower, the organisation's impact over the past 25 years, and her vision for the future.
Read the full interviewWhy We Influence
In this month's blog, Nisha Dhawan, EMpower's Vice President for Impact and Influence, tells the story behind why we influence the field at large and why it matters. Reflecting on EMpower's 25-year journey, she highlights how we amplify local innovations, centre young people, identify and share best practices, foster collaboration, and shape global conversations on the issues that matter most.
Read the blogOur 2025 Commitments
For 25 years, EMpower has believed in the transformative power of young people. Now, we’re expanding our impact with five bold commitments—built on the lessons of our past and a vision for a thriving future for all young people.
Learn more about our journey and commitmentsEMpower at 25: Driving Change, Shaping Futures
Jeremy Llewelyn, Chair of EMpower’s Global Executive Committee, pens a letter reflecting on EMpower’s mission, our adaptations over time, and our vision for a brighter future with young people at the centre.
Read the letterWelcoming Our New Board Members
We are delighted to welcome Soji Nora Adewumi (USA), Nicolette Naylor (UK), Aparna Uppaluri (Hong Kong), Radhika Bharat Ram and Sneha Shah Kohli (India) to our Board of Directors. Their diverse expertise and regional perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate globally.
EMpower Impact to Date
Since 2000, we have worked alongside local organisations and young people to advance innovative programming and best practices to enable youth to live their full potential.
1,650
Grants Made
$61 Million
Awarded
1 Million
Youth Directly Impacted
3.6 Million
Lives Touched
Our Areas of Focus
Publications
Learning Together
Our Adolescent Girls Learning Communities in Mumbai and Delhi—safe spaces where girls can come together and be in the driver’s seat—recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. This toolkit features the voices and expertise of these girls and includes practical and actionable guidance for individuals and organisations planning girl-centred programmes. It includes fresh ideas on how to create and sustain programmes that enable girls to lead, in their own lives and in their communities.
Connect with EMpower
Stay up-to-date on the latest EMpower news, highlights from our grantee partners, upcoming events, and more.
Make a Difference with EMpower
Our Board Directors and the Leadership Council underwrite all of our Management, General and Fundraising expenses, so 100% of your donation goes directly to empowering marginalised young people.
