WiFA People Spotlight Series The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day during International Women’s Year in 1975. By 1977, the UN and its member states proclaimed 8 March would be an official day for women’s rights and world peace. It’s now observed all over the world. This year WiFA is conducting a Spotlight Series that highlight a woman each day in March, which extends far beyond 8th March. The idea is to celebrate and provide the spotlight to showcase different diverse range of talents and contributions across women in the financial services industry. More importantly to remind ourselves to share responsibilities, play our part and support one and other. Check out the total of 50 inspiring stories from strong leaders and trusted decision makers we spoke to recently. Kudos to everyone who contributed and participated, and for launching and leading this initiatives. WiFA Book Club “Future Proof: Reinventing Work in an Age of Acceleration” by Diana Wu David We will host events to elaborate on the 2020 WIFA theme of 'Creating the Workforce of the Future'. It is an event to celebrate women’s achievements by taking this world in our own hands and shaping its future. The first Book Club is scheduled to be held in mid-May! It will focus on the book “Future Proof: Reinventing Work in an Age of Acceleration” by Diana is a former Financial Times executive, and an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School's EMBA Global Asia. She is a board director, strategist and storyteller with a focus on helping companies and executives to be more entrepreneurial, resilient and successful in the face of constant change. In the session, speakers and panellists will share stories and discuss how to have a productive, fulfilling career in the disruptive globalised world. We are in the process of finalizing details and will include alternative digital arrangements in the event this cannot take place at a venue in person. Please lookout for our updates soon. If you have any suggestions, please reach out to our WiFA Networking Committee Co-chairs and . It is decided: EmpowerU and HER Fund! WiFA works with two local charities that align with our organizational values. Last year, WiFA helped to advance Resolve’s aim to create a group of young changemakers dedicated to building a more inclusive Hong Kong. WiFA's network provided attendance at fundraising events, contacts for venue sponsorship, and critical insights into corporate engagement. If you are keen to continue supporting Resolve, consider becoming a . In 2020, the Philanthropy Committee, backed by the WiFA leadership, has decided to continue our partnership with EmpowerU, which provides weekend finance and business skills lessons to approximately 600 domestic worker women. Over the last year, WiFA has recruited 40+ volunteers who contributed 300+ hours to deliver and facilitate these sessions. We will be extending our EmpowerU partnership to offer more classes in-person and through online channels that will reach additional migrant workers. We’re also delighted to announce that our second charity partner for 2020 is HER Fund. HER Fund is a community fund that provides funding and training to local women’s organisations. It provides small grants to grassroots groups who rarely have access to funding, and also provides leadership training and training in governance, fundraising and communications. We’re looking forward to working with EmpowerU and HER Fund this year. Please look out for more information and help us to support these wonderful organisations in 2020. For further information, please reach out to and . Coming Attractions – WiFA Networking Dinner 2020! The 2020 edition of the WiFA Networking Dinner is currently being planned for the end of May Those who braved a typhoon last year to join the Networking Dinner may remember talking over a three-course menu of curated conversation topics based on the book ’100 Years of Life’, while enjoying a three-course dinner. The 2020 edition of the WiFA Networking Dinner is currently being planned for the end of May, this time with conversation topics to be based on the book ‘Future Proof’ by Diana Wu. As always, we hope the evening will build and strengthen your connections with much 'big talk' past the usual 'small talk'. Stay tuned for more details soon! WiFA Steering Committees got together Plenty of good stories, energy and ideas were exchanged, along with wine and laughter, at the WiFA Steering Committee (Steerco) Drinks last month. We now have a bucket list of To-Dos and are so excited for what's ahead in this year of resilience. We'd love to hear from you! If you have any suggestions or ideas, please post them in the LinkedIn Group for further discussions Coronavirus, flu, cold? How are you protecting yourself? Let’s Get Social: Follow Us on Social Media Follow us for latest projects, blogs, news and WiFA People Spotlight As active professionals in the financial service industry, we understand the importance networking not only at in-person events and face to face, but online as well. Why not share your experiences, tag and follow us and keep up with the latest news, advice, tools, tips, events and blogs: LinkedIn Page: LinkedIn Discussion Group: Facebook: WiFA Support Elderly centres, families who are living in subdivided flats, disabilities and NGOs are in great need of supplies. Please consider to donate: Masks, Hand Sanitisers, Toilet Papers, Rice, Canned Food etc. Kudos to for drawing up the list. Please click Read More to access the full list of Emergency Needs