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.