Shifting the Narrative

At EMpower, we often say that it’s local organisations that power real change. Over my years here, I’ve seen just how true that is—how the wisdom, passion, and deep community roots of our partners drive transformation in places that are often overlooked or underserved. These organisations are not only delivering critical services to young people, but they’re also holding space for hope, resilience, and leadership.

Have you ever paused to think about the legacy you want to leave behind? Not just in terms of possessions or accomplishments—but the values you stood for and the impact you made. Legacy giving offers a powerful way to ensure your values live on and continue to make a difference in the world, long after you're gone.

I recall a panel of alumna during last year’s International Women’s Day celebrations at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, where I teach. After the panelists had responded to the moderator’s questions, the session was opened up to the audience. Suddenly, a man rose from the audience and aggressively started questioning why only women had been included in the panel.

A few weeks ago, I was catching up with an old colleague from my for-profit days. After exchanging updates, she said, with genuine shock, “I can’t believe you’ve survived two years in a nonprofit. And you’re still there?” I laughed, but her comment stuck with me. Two years into this transition, I realised I had indeed “survived”—and, more importantly, I had learned so much.

The impact and influence team at EMpower may be just over a year old, but our journey spans more than 25 years of learning, innovating, growing, and evolving. When we began our programmes, we were humble in our approach, uncertain of our role in the larger ecosystem. Over time, we’ve realised that we not only have a role to play but also a responsibility—to amplify what we’ve learned, to share the insights we’ve gathered, and to contribute to shaping a more just and equitable world.

At EMpower, we believe in the transformative power of bringing people together—to forge connections, inspire action, and catalyse change. Donor-led events are central to our community, helping deepen and widen our collective impact.