A Word with Sneha Kohli

I'm thrilled to interview you. You've made a big move from Hong Kong back to Mumbai after many years away. What excites you about engaging with the dynamic philanthropic sector in India?  

Thank you for inviting me, Cynthia. I am Indian. I was born in India and lived in Mumbai until 1996—I'm returning after nearly 28 years. India has changed a lot. Mumbai—where I am based currently—has changed dramatically, but it's still the same in many ways. What I love about India is its diversity. You have different religions, languages, cultures, social norms- urban vs rural, food habits, etc. That is very interesting but also creates some challenges. I have observed that India has developed a lot while I've been away, yet there is a long way to go. Inequality has increased tremendously, especially in the last five years post-covid. Addressing this inequality within India’s vibrant mosaic of cultures and religions opens opportunities for creativity and innovation in our field, such as using technology and partnerships with the corporate sector and governments to reach deeper into communities when it comes to creating sustainable and holistic solutions regarding education, healthcare, rural development, gender equality, financial freedom and general well-being. I also strongly believe in the importance of financial independence and empowering adolescent girls and young people with the skills to unlock it. That is what excites me about India’s philanthropic sector. 

I want to share a personal anecdote, Cynthia. I am a product of free education for girls until high school, a government initiative in Mumbai in the 80s/90s. This education has truly transformed my life and is one reason I am passionate about educational opportunities for adolescent girls—a key focus area for EMpower.  

Thank you for sharing your personal story. It illustrates the relatability of what many young people need and value—we have seen the transformative power of education, mentorship, and peer support in our own lives and want to see this generation have those, too.  

Switching gears, you occupy a unique space, balancing a successful career in finance with a strong commitment to doing good through EMpower and beyond. How do you see the Finance community being leveraged to create opportunities for disadvantaged young people? 

There are a few ways: One is to leverage the financial community as a source of fundraising. In discussions with colleagues in my industry, I’ve noticed a strong desire to give back to the community at an individual and firm-wide level.  We need to figure out how to harness that desire. Financial professionals are inherently numbers-driven; they appreciate an explicit use of their funds and a clear multiplier effect. The impact is undeniable when results are visible, and it becomes apparent how supporting a charity can have a ripple impact on the community. Compounding is an essential concept in Finance and in your work. This is where EMpower’s model shines—I appreciate how the operational costs are underwritten so that 100% of donations directly support local organisations, creating opportunities for young people with measurable and actionable outcomes.

The second is leveraging the Finance community as a partner. One potential approach is exploring mentorship opportunities—such as arranging internships at banks, funds, or other financial institutions—where young talents can learn and experience. Thirdly, we could leverage these financial partners to invest in social enterprises and youth-led startups through seed funding, venture capital, or microfinancing, perhaps even by involving grantee partners. Summing up, I see three mechanisms, each capable of having dedicated champions in Finance. 

We can do much more to capitalise on such ideas, and I am excited about your energy.  Thank you so much, Sneha.