Marriott International has partnered with Asian University for Women (AUW) in Bangladesh to offer mentorships and work experience opportunities in Hong Kong and across south Asia.
Starting this year, the partnership will see over 50 Marriott volunteers serve as mentors to AUW students.
Six AUW students will also be given the chance to experience working with Marriott in Hong Kong and locations across south Asia.
Peggy Fang Roe (left), chief sales and marketing officer for Marriott International Asia Pacific and executive sponsor of the Marriott Women in Leadership Initiative, said: “As a business that prides itself on its diverse talent, we’re honoured to help the next generation of women leaders achieve their full potential.
“Having seen first hand how the Asian University for Women transforms the lives of its students, we’re thrilled to help even more young women gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed. By working together, Marriott International and AUW aim to create a world of opportunity for Asian women on a mission.”
See Marriott’s visit to AUW in Chittagong to meet the students
Professor Nirmala Rao (right), vice chancellor of AUW, said: “We are delighted to partner with Marriott International, which shares our vision for a world where all young women of promise can excel.
“Our students are eager to work alongside the female leaders at Marriott and learn from their experiences. Together we can help these extraordinary young women gain not only the education but the career opportunities they deserve.”
Further pledges
Marriott will also launch a global fundraising drive for AUW, targeting internal associates and partners.
Marriott properties across Asia Pacific will educate customers in-room about AUW and its mission, inviting them to support the institution.
Marriott International will also support AUW Hong Kong Support Foundation’s first benefit gala, “In Honor of Daughters,” at the JW Marriott Hong Kong on June 13.
Gala attendees will hear from current and former AUW students, like Choney Dema.
Dema’s story
One of eight siblings, Dema is the first to make it to university. “Both of my parents are farmers yet they educated all of us. But in many rural parts of Bhutan, many children are not in school as their parents cannot afford school expenses and they have to help their parents at home,” she said.
Dema is studying public health and strives to improve the public health of Bhutan.
Daphne Tan, vice president development planning/feasibility and owner franchise relations, Marriott International, Asia Pacific, has been mentoring Dema for the past six months.
“It has been incredibly humbling for me to share my professional experience and personal journey with Choney, a smart and ambitious woman with a very bright future,” she said.
”She reminded me of the challenges that many young women face today and their relentless courage in overcoming adversity through education.”
The majority of AUW students are the first in their family to attend university and nearly all students are on full scholarships.
