Hong Kong – 25 October 2024 – 100 Women in Finance (100WF), a global, non-profit organization that serves professionals in the finance and alternative investment industries, announced that it successfully raised just over HKD 3 million in gross proceeds in support of 100 Women in Finance Hong Kong Foundation. The 12th Annual Hong Kong Gala, hosted on October 17 at the Four Seasons Hong Kong was a sold-out event with 260 industry professionals in attendance.
The 100WF Hong Kong Foundation is dedicated to advancing the 100WF mission specifically to benefit women and girls in Hong Kong. All net proceeds raised are used to fund local proprietary pre-career programs, hosted by 100WF and our collaborative efforts with local program partners, that prepare and encourage women of all backgrounds to pursue pathways into the finance industry.
Carol Kim, Senior Managing Director and Head of the Institutional Client Solutions Group in Asia at Blackstone, and co-founder of 100WF, delivered opening remarks that celebrated the organization’s impressive growth and achievements. She acknowledged the dedicated team and supporters who make these successes possible and underscored the ongoing commitment to empowering women in the finance industry.
The event featured the presentation of the annual 100WF APAC Industry Leadership Award. This year, Cindy Yan, Senior Managing Director of Direct Investing at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, was honored for her exceptional contributions and leadership in the financial services sector. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding professional skills, ethical business practices, and a strong commitment to elevating standards of excellence in the investment industry.
To view past 100WF Industry Leadership Award honorees, please click here.
Pictured Denise Hu, Co-Chair of the 100WF Hong Kong Education Committee (left) and Cindy Yan (right)
At this year’s Gala, the 100WF APAC Industry DEI Award was presented for the second consecutive year, with Openspace Ventures claiming this year’s commendation. Among the formidable competition, Openspace Ventures stood out for its holistic approach to DEI, demonstrating thoughtful implementation of policies that led to significant progress in female representation within senior investment and executive roles. Their commitment extends beyond gender diversity, encompassing mental health support, the 2X Challenge for gender-smart investing, pay equity, flexible working arrangements, and parental leave. Through tailored mentoring programs and a supportive workplace culture, Openspace Ventures is driving meaningful change within the firm and fostering greater opportunities for women in the investment sector.
“Openspace is honoured to receive this award, especially as we find ourselves in the company of other such amazing businesses. Whilst our firm is relatively small, we have worked disproportionately hard to achieve the right diversity of background, thought and gender. We now stand proud as a team that is 50% women and made up of 12 different nationalities. Equally, we also recognise the uniquely central position that we hold as a VC, where our experience, knowledge and capital can be used to influence our wider ecosystem to tread the same path. Whilst we acknowledge each positive step taken towards a genuinely equitable finance sector, we won’t rest for as long as there is still more work to be done.”— Jessica Huang Pouleur, Partner at Openspace Ventures.
In addition to Openspace, PineBridge Investments was a finalist for the APAC Industry DEI Award. We applaud all applicants for their steadfast dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the finance sector.
The goal of the Industry DEI Award is to recognize those organizations that are driving forward and shaping the future of women in the finance industry. The hope is to make these organizations’ efforts and positive results more visible to other companies and individuals, inspiring others to be catalysts of change. To learn more about the Industry DEI Award, please click here.
“We are delighted with the success of this year’s Gala,” said Gala co-committee chairs Connie Phillips and Candice Yip. “As longtime members and volunteers of 100WF, we are committed to the mission and Vision 30/40. The Gala not only serves as a vital source of funding for 100WF’s programs and initiatives but also as a pivotal platform for enhancing the visibility of senior women in the industry. We congratulate the recipients of the APAC Industry Leadership Award and the APAC Industry DEI Award. Our thanks go to the Gala sponsors whose support is crucial to our progress in realizing Vision 30/40.”
2024 Hong Kong Gala Committee
If you were not able to attend the gala, but would like to show your support for 100WF’s mission and Vision 30/40, please click here.