Years of EMpower
This year, EMpower proudly celebrates 25 years—a quarter of a century of partnering with local organisations in emerging market countries and other change-makers to enable marginalised young people to transform their lives and communities.
Explore our major milestones over the 25 years and learn more about our unique funding model.
Committed to centring young people in our work, most of the photos on our website are by and of young people.
As part of our #25Eventsin2025 series, the third and final webinar, co-hosted by EMpower and the LSE Marshall Institute, was held on October 15, 2025. Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainty and a sharp decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA), the discussion centred on a pressing question: how can we move beyond rhetoric to meaningful, practical action?
Watch the WebinarIn a heartfelt conversation with EMpower’s Director of Development (USA), Robin Barnes, Leadership Council Member Alex Barcinski reflects on why EMpower’s model resonates so deeply with him. From his roots in Brazil to visiting grantee partner Abraço Campeão, Alex shares how EMpower offers a powerful solution to a common philanthropic dilemma—how to give meaningfully and with confidence. His story underscores the importance of proximity, trust, and a collective commitment to supporting youth-led change in emerging markets.
Read hereEMpower President and CEO Cynthia Steele recently spoke with Radhika Bharat Ram, Founder, KARM for Young Indian Women, Jt. Vice Chairperson, The Shri Ram Schools, and EMpower India Board Member, whose work is reimagining what it means to support adolescent girls as leaders in their own right. They discussed how Radhika's experiences shaped her belief in community-led change, why women-led philanthropy matters, and how long-term support can drive systemic transformation.
Read the full interviewWe’re thrilled to announce a major milestone in EMpower’s journey. On December 1, Nisha Dhawan will become our next President and CEO, succeeding Cynthia Steele, who will step down after 20 years of extraordinary service—including six remarkable years at the helm.
Learn MoreIn our latest blog, Marat Yu, EMpower’s Regional Director, East and Southeast Asia, draws from Pointillist art to reflect on what it truly takes to shift systems. Through powerful examples from Indonesia, he shows how local organisations and youth-led initiatives are creating change—not in sweeping strokes, but through trust, patience, and countless connected efforts.
Read Marat's ReflectionsSince 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.
Grants Made
Awarded
Youth Directly Impacted
Lives Touched

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.
Stay up-to-date on the latest EMpower news, highlights from our grantee partners, upcoming events, and more.
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.