In a pioneering move to support and uplift women in the hospitality industry, Rosewood Hotel Group, alongside its philanthropic arm, Rosewood Foundation, has unveiled a new annual initiative: Rise to the Table. This fully sponsored, global programme is crafted to empower the forthcoming generation of female leaders within the food and beverage industry.

Opening its doors beyond just Rosewood’s own associates, Rise to the Table invites women from the worldwide food and beverage sector to participate in a week-long immersive educational residency at Rosewood Hong Kong in early March 2026.

This will be followed by a year-long mentorship pairing each participant with a senior leader from Rosewood, fostering sustained professional growth. The application window closes on 13 October 2025.

Women remain notably underrepresented in leadership roles within the food and beverage industry. With fewer than 7% of the world’s top restaurants led by women, numerous obstacles still block advancement—from chef to sommelier, bartender to service manager—stalling careers and obscuring talent.

The Programme in Focus
Rise to the Table aims to spark systemic change by establishing a global community where talent meets support—and every woman’s success is celebrated. The programme will select ten women worldwide to join the residency in Hong Kong.

Participants will engage in leadership training, business skill workshops, and professional coaching addressing personal branding, financial literacy, and innovation rooted in sustainability. Beyond classroom learning, they will enjoy curated experiences including wine tastings, visits to local markets and farms, and group dining at establishments helmed by Hong Kong’s acclaimed food and beverage professionals.

The subsequent mentorship year forms the heart of the initiative, designed to translate community support into tangible career momentum. The programme will rotate annually across Rosewood Hotel Group’s international portfolio, expanding its global reach and influence.

Voices from Rosewood
“By championing the extraordinary women shaping the future of food and beverage, we are not only supporting individual careers but also creating systemic change. This programme aims to cultivate equity, innovation, and leadership in an industry that inspires and unites. We’re not just changing the narrative; we’re creating a new one that highlights the diverse talent shaping the future,” said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group.

Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Rosewood Hotel Group, added: “Rosewood Foundation has worked behind the scenes since 2022 with the singular focus of making our communities more accessible, equitable, and sustainable. With the official launch of Rise to the Table, we are proud to extend that mission even further—empowering women with the tools, expertise, and opportunities they need to thrive, fostering a more inclusive future in hospitality and beyond.”

The Rosewood Foundation
The Rosewood Foundation stands as the philanthropic beacon of Rosewood Hotel Group, devoted to making the places it touches more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable.

Its mission is articulated across two pillars: one aimed at Women and Young People in Employment, breaking barriers via upskilling, scholarships, mentorship, and childcare; the other focusing on Innovation in Circularity, accelerating eco-conscious entrepreneurship through support and visibility.

Since its establishment in 2022, Rosewood Foundation has supported over 300 women and young people across 13 countries and aided 60+ entrepreneurs driving the shift to a circular economy. As Rosewood evolves with a clear purpose, the foundation is committed to amplifying positive community impact well beyond the Rosewood hotel footprints.

Application Details
For those women in hospitality eager to seize this transformative opportunity, the full details and application portal for Rise to the Table are available at: rosewoodhotelgroup.com/risetothetable.

This initiative sets a new benchmark in fostering female leadership within hospitality, perfectly aligning with Rosewood’s values of community, sustainability, and empowerment.