Empowering Women in Hospitality

About Rosewood

Rise to the Table
Empowering Women in Hospitality

More than a program, Rise to the Table, from Rosewood Foundation aspires to become a movement

video

The hospitality world is rarely still. Kitchens hum with energy, cultures are woven together through cuisine, and the best experiences require a heavy dose of creativity—and determination from those willing to challenge the status quo.

At the vanguard of this progress is Rosewood Foundation’s inaugural initiative, Rise to the Table, a program designed to spark systemic change by investing in the female talent carving the creativity and future of the industry. In an industry where females are underrepresented, the program invites 11 participants, from around the world to embark on a yearlong training and mentorship program, kicking off on March 2 at Rosewood Hong Kong.

Participants will partake in a weeklong residency, hosted by Rosewood Hong Kong, that includes a series of workshops, industry roundtables and exceptional culinary experiences with some of the biggest names in Asia. The week culminates in a graduation dinner, where mentors and mentees come together forging a partnership for the year ahead. The ambition: to help these individuals thrive and grow, to take their rightful place in the fast-moving world of hospitality.

The vision for Rise to the Table came from Rosewood Hotel Group CEO Sonia Cheng and Rosewood Foundation, both longstanding advocates for creating space at the table for visionary female voices.

“True leadership isn’t just about occupying a seat at the table, it’s about expanding that table so others can rise alongside you. With Rise to the Table, our vision is to cultivate an ecosystem where talent meets opportunity—empowering a new generation of women to not only navigate the hospitality industry but to redefine its future with purpose and resilience,” shares Sonia Cheng.

“With Rise to the Table, our vision is to cultivate an ecosystem where ambition meets opportunity—empowering a new generation of women.”

Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer, Rosewood Hotel Group and Chairperson, Rosewood Foundation

Rise to the Table is a celebration: not only of what women have achieved in kitchens and boardrooms, but of their next, bolder chapters. Through immersive mentorship, hands-on leadership training, and access to a powerful global network, the program offers far more than professional development.

It promises a reimagining of what success looks like, sharing stories, advice, and ambition from one generation of innovators to the next. “When we invest in female leaders, we aren’t just closing a gender gap—we are fostering the diverse perspectives necessary to solve the industry’s most complex challenges,” says Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Rosewood Hotel Group and Board of Directors, Rosewood Foundation.

What sets this initiative apart isn’t just its resources, but the culture of camaraderie and curiosity it hopes to ignite. Each step on this journey is designed to unlock new possibilities: for the women selected, for their workplaces, and for anyone who dreams of a more inclusive hospitality industry.

FACES OF THE FUTURE

Introducing the Class of 2026

Rise to the Table 2026 features a line-up of both rising stars and seasoned mentors, each poised to leave a distinctive mark.

The stories of these leaders—how they honed their craft, overcame challenges, and are now ready to lift others—will become the heartbeat of this initiative.

Our First Cohort

A group of 11 determined women from eight different countries in the world, each on an individual mission to create change within the world of hospitality.

Meet the class of 2026 and learn about their ambitions with Rise to The Table.

ALEXIA VAN BREUGEL

Sous Chef at Sem, Lisbon Portugal

CAITLIN HALL

Sommelier at The Perlant, Atlanta, United States of America

FEYIKEWA ANIMASHAUN

Chef and Entrepreneur, Ajoje Social and Kewa's Kitchen, in Lagos, Nigeria

JOYETA NG

Sous Chef at Poon’s, United Kingdom

KARLA CARDOSO

CEO, Drinktivity, Brazil

LEIGH-ANN LUCKETT

Co-Founder, Crushed Wine Bar and Retail, Hong Kong SAR, China

LELANI LEWIS

Founder and Creative Director, Nyam and Atelier Code Noir, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

MARIE MITCHELL

Entrepreneur, Chef and Award-Winning Writer, United Kingdom

ROCHELLE LAWRENCE

Entrepreneur, Brew, British Virgin Islands

STEPHANIE BONNIN

Owner Chef, Patio Tropical, New York, United States of America

TANIA YABRA

Executive Pastry Chef, Restaurant Wils, Wils Bakery Café, and Restaurant Rijks, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Expert Voices

Our 2026 industry speakers are a powerhouse of expertise, featuring world-class sommeliers and three Michelin-starred chefs. Drawing on the lessons learned during their own careers, they aim to inspire, empower, and ignite the passion of our 2026 participants during their time in Hong Kong.

EMILY WINES

Vice President of Wine Experience, Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants

RICHARD EKKEBUS

Culinary Director, Mandarin Oriental The Landmark

MICHELLE GARNAUT

Founder and CEO, M Restaurant Group

SHANE OSBORN

Chef Patron and Co-founder, The Arcane Collective

MAY CHOW

Founder, "May Chow"

LINDSAY JANG

Entrepreneur

ARTURO SIMS

Managing Partner, VHC Global

Rosewood Mentors

From managing directors to culinary leaders, our mentors embody the very essence of hospitality at Rosewood. Each of the 11 participants is paired with a dedicated mentor for a full year—creating a rare opportunity to gain insight, guidance, and perspective from the very best. Through shared experience and thoughtful coaching, these relationships will shape what promises to be a truly dynamic and transformative year.