This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the incredible women changemakers in our community. Meet the inspiring founders of Grassroots Future, BeautyFact App, Marigot Living, and Pippa Swap, as they share their unique perspectives on social change, women’s strengths, upcoming plans, and personal experiences overcoming inequality.
Our interviewees:
(TS) Tegan Smyth, Grassroots Future
(OC) Olivia Chan, BeautyFact
(VN) Vicky Ng, Marigot Living
(SN) Samantha Ng, Pippa Swap
How do you expect people will see women changemakers differently in the next 10 years?
Women changemakers will be recognized not only for their resilience and empathy but also for their innovative approaches to solving systemic social issues.
– Samantha Ng, Pippa Swap
TS: Hopefully we will not even need to use terminology such as ‘women’ changemakers as there will be enough examples of women doing impact driven work that they are no longer the exception.
OC: Rather than being viewed as exceptions or novelties, I expect women will be recognized as integral, powerful, and influential leaders in the social impact space. While currently, it may seem that people only regard women changemakers as strong, educated, and powerful, I hope the narrative will evolve to embrace the diverse backgrounds and leadership styles that women bring to the table.
VN: In the next decade, I envision a world where women changemakers are recognized as powerful role models, reshaping the business landscape by harnessing the potential of technology and AI, that support us who may have technical hurdle.
SN: We believe that in the next decade, women changemakers will be recognized not only for their resilience and empathy but also for their innovative approaches to solving systemic social issues. As more women step into leadership roles and create visible, measurable impact, society’s perception of leadership will evolve to become more inclusive and holistic.
What unique strengths do you think women bring to the changemaking and social impact space?
Our innate empathy and nurturing spirit empower us to build strong relationships and drive meaningful change in the social impact space.
– Vicky Ng, Marigot Living
TS: I think a lot of women who have the vision to create societal change tend to have grit and tenacity. Perhaps many of us have been told “no” or to “stick to the script” before. It takes courage to go off-piste, especially if you are a woman as this could also come in defiance of societal expectations – so those who are, I get the sense that they really fought to be where they are.
Belly dance workshop by Grassroots Future
OC: Our emphasis on empathy, collaboration, and holistic thinking can help us approach complex challenges with a more systemic lens, considering the interconnected needs of communities. Additionally, many women changemakers are adept at amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, which is crucial for driving sustainable, equitable change.
VN: Our innate empathy and nurturing spirit empower us to build strong relationships and drive meaningful change in the social impact space. I recall the experience of conducting home assessments for the elderly; we felt a deep connection as we listened to their struggles and emotions. By actively listening and providing practical support, we were able to uplift them.
Marigot Living home assessment for elderly
SN: Women bring an unparalleled ability to empathize and connect with communities on a deep level. This emotional intelligence enables us to design solutions that are not only effective but also compassionate and inclusive. Women also excel in fostering collaboration and building ecosystems that prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains.
What do you hope to achieve in this coming year?
TS: We have a large STEM program kicking off this year, for both children and adults from the asylum seeker and refugee community. We will be holding classes in Dream Impact’s space. Having access to the venue for our learning environment will be very meaningful for our stakeholders and give the program an element of stability.
OC: In the coming year, I hope to expand the reach and impact of my comedy training service, bringing it to the broader Dream Impact community. I see Dream Impact continuing to play a vital role in supporting me by helping me connect with potential partners and collaborators who can further the impact of this initiative.
VN: This year, my ambition is to establish systematic home improvement services in Hong Kong through the integration of multidisciplinary expertise. We aim to engage retired professionals as caring ambassadors in our community, expanding our services beyond visitation and assessments. Dream Impact will continue to support this vision by connecting me with recruitment partners and facilitating collaborations with social ventures to raise awareness about sustainable aging.
SN: In the coming year, we aim to expand our toy rental service and online training platform to reach more families across Hong Kong. We also plan to host additional inclusive workshops to bridge gaps between SEN and non-SEN children. Dream Impact continue to support us by providing access to event spaces, connecting us with potential collaborators, and helping us amplify our message through initiatives like this newsletter.
Pippa Swap toy rental service
How do you define success in your work? How has Dream Impact helped?
Success is not just about material rewards or recognition, but rather achieving personal growth and creating positive impact for others. Dream Impact has been instrumental in helping me reframe my definition of success.
– Olivia Chan, BeautyFact
TS: We have been able to host various programs for our charity at Dream Impact, including our Sustainable Fashion program, where students learnt both zero waste sewing and upcycling handcrafting techniques to make clothing from scratch or to upcycle donated items, while also learning about some of the sustainability issues related to the fashion industry. And we have partnered with other DIHK members to run activities for the refugee community. We also maintain our office at Dream Impact.
Sustainable fashion program by Grassroots Future
OC: For me, success is not just about material rewards or recognition, but rather achieving personal growth and creating positive impact for others. Dream Impact has been instrumental in helping me reframe my definition of success. Through community support, mentorship, and focus on sustainable change, Dream Impact has helped me cultivate a more holistic, meaningful understanding of what it means to be a successful changemaker.
VN: Success for Marigot Living is centered on transforming the lives of seniors by creating accessible and enabling spaces. We empower the elderly to engage in meaningful activities, fostering independence and vitality. Dream Impact has been crucial in this journey, providing a collective network that encourages creative partnerships and innovative approaches to delivering high-quality services for our seniors. I also value the opportunities to connect with venture partners who champion the mental and physical well-being of society.
SN: Success for us at PippaSwap is measured by the tangible impact we create in reducing educational inequities. Whether it’s seeing children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) thrive through our rental services or empowering families through inclusive workshops, our success lies in the smiles, growth, and engagement of the communities we serve. Dream Impact has been instrumental in this journey by connecting us to a network of like-minded changemakers.
What is one lesson you’ve learned from the Dream Impact community that has shaped your approach to leadership?
TS: Leadership comes in many forms and having diverse people running impact driven organisations is good for the sector.
OC: One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned from the Dream Impact community is the importance of synergy and collaboration. I’ve come to understand that bringing about meaningful impact requires working together, leveraging our collective knowledge and resources, and finding ways to complement each other’s strengths. The Dream Impact community has reinforced the power of synergy in driving change, and this has greatly shaped my approach to leadership.
Olivia Chan at TEDx ChaterRoad
VN: Being part of the Dream Impact community has taught me the power of social bonding and collaboration. I’ve learned that true leadership is about uplifting others and providing a clear vision accompanied by realistic plans. This approach empowers everyone to work towards a common goal. I enjoy mutual support but physical and online, that I witnessed a greater leader make
SN: One key lesson we’ve learned from the Dream Impact community is the power of collaboration over competition. Being part of a network where knowledge, resources, and opportunities are shared openly has reinforced our belief that collective action is the most effective way to drive meaningful change.
Have you encountered any inequality as a women changemaker? How did you approach resolving the situation?
As women changemakers, we’ve sometimes faced challenges in being taken seriously in conversations about financial sustainability and scaling social enterprises. To address this, we focus on letting our results speak for themselves—showcasing data, stories, and testimonials that highlight our impact.
– Samantha Ng, Pippa Swap
TS: I was once interviewed by a now-defunct local magazine and they asked what qualifications I had to work with the community I serve and what right I had to be here. In fact, I am an Australian trained lawyer and started my career assisting refugees and migrants in a community legal centre. I have noticed that the same questions about ‘qualifications’ are not squared at every male NGO founder, who may not all have a background in their area. I have found it important to surround myself with a supportive network, to have perspective and to uplift each other.
OC: As a woman changemaker, I have faced instances of inequality, such as heightened expectations around my image and the need to project extra confidence to demonstrate my capabilities. This is something I’ve personally experienced. I’m still learning how to navigate these situations effectively. Perhaps through continued self-assurance, building supportive networks, and advocating for more inclusive environments, I can find ways to address gender-based inequalities in my work.
VN: During my voluntary service in South Africa and Zambia, as a fresh graduate navigating a foreign land, I encountered challenges related to harassment based on my gender and age. Instead of viewing myself as a victim, I embraced these experiences as a call to action. It is vital for women to raise their voices and advocate for justice, demonstrating that we will not be silenced in our pursuit of equality. Furthermore, we are no longer alone; together, we can unite and amplify this message loud and clear.
SN: As women changemakers, we’ve sometimes faced challenges in being taken seriously in conversations about financial sustainability and scaling social enterprises. To address this, we focus on letting our results speak for themselves—showcasing data, stories, and testimonials that highlight our impact. Additionally, we lean on supportive networks, including Dream Impact, to amplify our voices and create opportunities to present our work to diverse audiences.
Pippa Swap mobile site demonstration
If you could sum up your experience with Dream Impact in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
TS: Collaborative – the team and other partners are open to reaching out to discuss opportunities for collaboration
VN: “The best is yet to come!” Together, we are a diverse group of passionate individuals, each contributing unique ambitions to shift cultural paradigms. I am grateful for the opportunities to engage in support groups, workshops, and networking events, all of which have enhanced my capacity to refine my business model.
SN: “Empowering.” Dream Impact has empowered us by providing opportunities, resources, and a community that believes in our mission. This empowerment has fueled our confidence to take bold steps in creating social change.
About Dream Impact
Dream Impact is Hong Kong’s leading network of social enterprises and impact ventures. We support changemakers from different sectors through transformative experiences and community building initiatives that lead to more sustainable business models.
We envision a world where nurturing relationships with ourselves, each other, and the environment will create a harmonious, sustainable future. Through our network membership, coworking spaces, and event venues, we foster a close-knit, supportive community of social entrepreneurs and changemakers. This allows our partners to collaborate, connect, and upskill together. Additionally, our flagship Transformative Retreat is designed to help purpose-driven professionals integrate sustainability into both their personal and professional lives, achieving greater alignment in their own journeys as well as within their organizations.
Interested in becoming our member? Sign up here and come visit with a free day pass.
