Rosewood Hotel Group and Rosewood Foundation Conclude Rise to the Table Residency in Hong Kong
- EDITOR
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
Rosewood Hotel Group, along with its corporate philanthropic arm, Rosewood Foundation, proudly announces the successful completion of the Hong Kong residency for Rise to the Table, a purpose-driven global program designed to champion female leadership and shape the future of hospitality. More than a development program, Rise to the Table stands as a cultural platform. It reflects the Group’s vision and belief that hospitality is a force for good, shaping a future where people and place enrich one another.
Held from March 2-6, the residency was hosted at Rosewood Hong Kong, the No. 1 Hotel in The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025. The week-long immersive experience brought together eleven next-generation female hospitality leaders from eight regions, culminating in a finale dinner on March 6.
“Rise to the Table embodies our vision to inspire systemic change in the hospitality industry by creating a global movement that honors women's success and enhances leadership opportunities by uplifting female talent through mentorship and exposure,” said Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group and Chairperson of Rosewood Foundation, during the opening keynote of the finale dinner.
The finale dinner centered on connection and community and provided the stage for the program’s 2026 cohort to share their experiences and key learnings from the residency.
Meet the 2026 Cohort
Selected from a global pool of distinguished applicants, the 2026 cohort is a vibrant collective of 11 dynamic women from eight regions, representing a wide spectrum of restaurant disciplines, from culinary, bartending, and sommelier to private clubs and service professionals. For the 2026 cohort list, please refer to the Editor’s Note.
Immersive Hong Kong Residency
The residency program commenced the first week of March 2026 in Hong Kong. As the Group’s home city and one of hospitality’s most creative cultural hubs, the city serves as the ultimate destination for the inaugural cohort to gather for a week-long immersive residency. From March 2–6, 2026, participants engaged in interactive workshops, private restaurant visits, strategy sessions, and additional creative exchanges with leading figures in culinary and beverage innovation, reflecting an ideology that professional growth flourishes at the intersection of cultural exchange, business insight, and inspired dialogue.
Leveraging the Group’s extensive network of industry experts, the residency included guest speakers and excursions hosted by several pioneers in hospitality and food and beverage, including Emily Wines, one of only 290 Master Sommeliers in the world. With lifetimes of triumphs, lessons, and resilience, they have been brought into the journey to inspire, empower, and ignite the passion of the mentees during this transformative week.
For the full list of guest speakers, please refer to the Editor’s Note.
Year-Long Bespoke Mentorship
Following the residency, participants will embark on a year-long mentorship journey, each paired with a senior leader from the Group’s global portfolio. From tenured Managing Directors to innovative Heads of Bars and Executive Chefs, each mentee has been hand-matched with the Group’s professionals whose unique skill set and experiences suit their specific aspirations. Through personalized guidance, leadership coaching, and curated learning opportunities, the program has been meticulously designed to equip participants with the skills, confidence, and connections required to advance their careers.
"Rise to the Table was conceived to transcend mere inspiration and cultivate enduring, meaningful opportunity. This inaugural cohort represents the extraordinary talent and rich diversity that define the future of our space. By uniting them with distinguished global mentors, immersive learning experiences, and a powerful constellation of support, we are not only nurturing individual careers but also fostering a more equitable and resilient industry for generations to come," said Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability, Global and Rosewood Foundation Board of Directors.
Arriving at a pivotal moment for the hospitality industry, Rise to the Table responds to the need for bold voices and visionary leadership shaping how dining, culture, and hospitality converge on the world stage. By elevating emerging talent and creating new pathways for development, mentorship, and visibility, the program establishes a foundation for purposeful impact, ensuring that the next generation of leaders embodies the diversity, dynamism, and forward-looking spirit of the communities they serve.
Editor’s Note:
The 2026 cohort:
Alexia van Breugel, Sous Chef at Sem, an inventive zero-waste restaurant in Lisbon
Caitlin Hall, Sommelier at The Perlant, a private social club in Atlanta, shaped by a deep appreciation for food and wine
Feyikewa Animashaun, Chef and Entrepreneur behind Ajoje Social and Kewa's Kitchen, showcasing contemporary Asian and Nigerian cuisine in Lagos
Joyeta Ng, Sous Chef at Poon's, presents refined modern Cantonese comfort cuisine in England
Karla Cardoso, CEO of Drinktivity, a Brazilian bartending community transforming cocktail culture into memorable storytelling
Leigh-Ann Luckett, Co-Founder of Crushed Wine Bar + Retail, a progressive sustainable wine destination in the heart of Hong Kong
Lelani Lewis, Founder and Creative Director of Nyam and Atelier Code Noir, Amsterdam-based experiences weaving Caribbean heritage with immersive dining
Marie Mitchell, Entrepreneur, Chef and award-winning Writer, elevating British-Caribbean cuisine in the United Kingdom
Rochelle Lawrence, Coffee Entrepreneur behind Brew, a flourishing coffee brand in the British Virgin Islands
Stephanie Bonnin, Owner and Chef of Patio Tropical in New York City, renowned for vibrant Caribbean-Colombian culinary artistry
Tania Yabra, Executive Pastry Chef at Restaurant Wils, Wils Bakery Café and Restaurant Rijks in Amsterdam
Industry speakers:
Arturo Sims, a globally recognized expert in food and beverage concept development and hotel asset management, Arturo Sims has helped shape the vision and operations of hundreds of hotels, restaurants, bars, and catering venues worldwide.
Emily Wines, one of only 290 Master Sommeliers in the world and the only two women ever to receive the Remi Krug Cup on the first attempt, Emily is a leading voice in wine known for cultivating memorable experiences and the next generation of wine professionals.
Lindsay Jang, a Hong Kong-based restaurateur and creative entrepreneur, is the founder of some of the city’s most influential dining concepts, including Yardbird, RONIN, Sunday’s Grocery, and ALWAYS JOY. She is widely credited with redefining modern casual dining in Hong Kong.
May Chow, an award-winning chef and founder of Little Bao, Happy Paradise, and Second Draft in Hong Kong, is globally celebrated for her neo-Cantonese style, which bridges Chinese culinary heritage with Western influences. She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Michelle Garnaut, an Australian restaurateur who pioneered independent fine dining in Greater China, Michelle Garnaut is the founder of iconic restaurants including M at the Fringe and M on the Bund, and also founded the Shanghai International Literary Festival, cementing her influence on the region’s culinary and cultural landscape.
Richard Ekkebus, an award-winning culinary leader and pioneer of ethical gastronomy, has influenced global operations at Mandarin Oriental to champion sustainability and zero waste.
Shane Osborn, the first Australian chef to be awarded two MICHELIN stars, is the founder of the Arcane Collective, a family of independently driven, ingredient-focused restaurants. His work emphasizes strong social and environmental values, including his Hong Kong restaurants Moxie and Servo. Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
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