We are EMpower
We partner with local organisations in emerging market countries, and other change-makers, to enable marginalised young people to transform their lives and communities.
Learn About What We DoThe Latest from EMpower
A New Chapter begins at EMpower!
We are delighted to announce that Nisha Dhawan has officially taken on the role of CEO, succeeding Cynthia Steele, who stepped down after 20 years of extraordinary service — including six years at the helm. Nisha brings over a decade of deep experience at EMpower, having led across multiple strategic roles: India Country Director, Global Director for Adolescent Girls, and most recently, Vice President for Impact and Influence. As we mark this important moment in EMpower’s journey, we invite you to hear directly from Cynthia and Nisha in a special conversation that reflects on the past, celebrates the present, and looks ahead to the future.
Watch the conversations hereWhat Grounds Our Work: Cynthia and Nisha in Conversation
In this video, EMpower’s outgoing President and CEO, Cynthia Steele, and incoming CEO, Nisha Dhawan, reflect on what has always grounded EMpower—the belief that real change takes time and trust. They speak of girls leading with courage, women walking untrodden paths, and young people driving change in their communities. Both leaders remind us that when leadership is grounded in empathy and purpose, every ending also marks a beginning.
Watch NowNew Word with Cynthia Steele
In this special edition of A Word With, and to commemorate #InternationalDayoftheGirl, Tanvi Mishra, our Communications and Influence Manager, interviews EMpower's President and CEO, Cynthia Steele. Cynthia paints a vivid connection between her own evolution and EMpower’s, weaving the threads of past, present, and future together, and offering a glimpse into the heart and conviction behind two decades of purpose-driven leadership.
Read the Full InterviewEMpower’s Support for Girls’ Inclusion and Collective Impact in Türkiye: Suna’s Daughters
In our latest blog, Filiz Bikmen articulates that philanthropy’s most significant impact lies in co-creating equitable systems with youth, not just for them. She explores how collective impact approaches—anchored in shared values and outcomes—create truly inclusive spaces for young people. Drawing from Turkey, she highlights Suna’s Daughters as a compelling example of how inclusion and collaboration can shape lasting systemic change.
Read the blogNisha Dhawan Writes for IDR: Why Philanthropy Must Invest in Patient Capital
In her article for the India Development Review, Slowing down: Why Philanthropy must Invest in Patient Capital, Nisha Dhawan unpacks the transformative potential of time, trust, and flexibility with clarity and conviction, sharing evidence and insights on how funders can move beyond short-termism to help advance real change.
Learn MoreEMpower Impact to Date
Since 2000, we have worked alongside local organisations and young people to advance innovative programming and best practices to enable youth to live their full potential.
1,609
Grants Made
$58.4 Million
Awarded
1 Million
Youth Directly Impacted
3 Million
Lives Touched
Our Areas of Focus
Publications
Salud mental adolescente y joven en el sur del Perú: retos, brechas y oportunidades
El informe reúne las principales conclusiones y recomendaciones dirigidas a organizaciones locales y tomadores de decisiones, con el objetivo de impulsar la acción, aumentar los recursos y promover la colaboración intersectorial, así como otras estrategias prácticas para apoyar la salud mental de los y las jóvenes en Arequipa, Cusco y a nivel nacional.
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Make a Difference with EMpower
Our Board Directors and the Leadership Council underwrite all of our Management, General and Fundraising expenses, so 100% of your donation goes directly to empowering marginalised young people.
