A Word with Patricia Ahn

Patricia, you have affiliated with EMpower across several different firms, which gives you a really interesting perch. I'm keen to know what you think attracts people in finance to EMpower? 

Well, as you know, I work in emerging markets finance, and much of my day revolves around identifying opportunities and potential in developing economies. My clients invest in these markets because they see growth opportunities for returns. They see a lot of potential. Around 15 years ago, I went to my first EMpower dinner with James Donald, and it really stuck with me how this organisation also approaches emerging markets through the same lens of potential and opportunities, yet focusing on something much more powerful. It gives us an opportunity to give back, letting us invest in the people side of the regions, the next generation of changemakers. 

I think this is why it resonates so strongly with finance professionals, because we're wired to seek out growth opportunities, and we look for continued returns. With EMpower, we don't just get to help a company or its share price. We get to invest in a 12-year-old girl in India accessing education or a youth leader in Brazil building a safer community. You know the saying, “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” If I recall correctly, since our founding in 2000, EMpower has directly impacted over 1 million young people. This is incredibly powerful. And for many of us in the finance world, this is more rewarding than watching a 5% move in our fund. 

Those numbers matter so much when you think about each of the individual lives whose lives are somehow better because of our investment. Let me segue by also recognising that we're in a time when some are calling into question “international development.” What makes you think now is an important time to invest in young people globally? 

As you said, we're witnessing a moment where international development is seeing a shift in the wind. We're seeing funding being cut, global attention shifted more inwards, and long-term investment in youth, especially from various backgrounds and cultures, is being deprioritised. So, the fact is this is exactly when we're needed most and why we need to double down on investing in young people globally. Otherwise, we're not just overlooking their missed opportunities but also the risks involved. In many emerging markets, young people make up the majority of the population. If they're empowered with education, skills, safety and a voice, we could see them fuel social and economic progress. But if you leave them behind, we'll see a lot of consequences and loss of potential and possibilities. That's why it's so essential, especially right now, for organisations like ours to not just put a band-aid on something. We look for long-term change, supporting organisations that understand their own communities and what is needed to help young people overcome hardships. I think investing in youth development, whether it's reproductive health, education or leadership, is not just the right thing to do, but it's the smart thing to do. The ripple effects are enormous. A girl who stays in school is more likely to earn a living, delay marriage, invest in her family, and give it back to the community. And this is why I think EMpower’s work is so critical, especially now. 

Could not be said better - thank you.  This is real for you, with two adolescent girls in high school. How does deeper exposure to global youth development influence how you think about raising your daughters? 

Well, you know, we all know teenagers aren't easy, no matter where they are. But being a parent really changed the way I viewed a lot of things. You start to see young people everywhere a little differently, whether it's your own kids or the ones that EMpower supports around the world. And you realise how much of a difference it makes when a young person feels supported, seen, or believed in. When I hear stories through EMpower, young people in countries like Brazil, India or South Africa, navigating really difficult situations, yet still finding the courage to lead and speak up and want to create change, it just blows my mind. It reminds me that at this age, resilience is everywhere, but the opportunity isn't. As a parent, this really hits home. 

My kids have a lot of resources. They have a good education and a strong support system. They're confident. They're not afraid to speak up. They have the opportunity to be anything they want. But this shouldn't be a privilege. This should be a base for every young person everywhere to have. Being a part of EMpower makes me want to raise kids who not only appreciate their fortune but also feel a sense of responsibility and empathy. The truth is the world is getting smaller with technology and everything, and this generation will all be connected. And this generation is going to inherit all the challenges that we're seeing now, whether inequality, climate, or displacement. The more we can invest in the young people around the world, not just our own, the better future we can build for everyone. 

What a beautiful note to end on. Thank you. Your daughters must be so proud of you.
I hope so! Thank you.