As part of a commitment to women in employment, Rosewood Hotel Group and Rosewood Foundation are proud to announce a new annual program – Rise to the Table. A first-of-its-kind, fully sponsored global program, Rise to the Table, is designed to empower the next generation of female hospitality leaders. Extending beyond Rosewood’s associates, the program will welcome women from the global food and beverage industry for a week-long immersive educational experience, hosted by Rosewood’s leaders and experts at Rosewood Hong Kong in early March 2026, followed by a year of mentorship aimed at fostering career growth. Applications for the program will close on October 13, 2025.
Women remain significantly underrepresented in food and beverage leadership. Fewer than 7% of the world’s top restaurants are led by women. Across roles from chef to sommelier, bartender to service manager, barriers continue to limit advancement, stalling careers and preventing talented women from fulfilling their potential.
Rise to the Table Program Overview
Rise to the Table was launched to drive systemic change by building a global movement where talent meets community, and every woman’s success is celebrated. Designed to strengthen pathways for female leaders across the globe, it will bring together 10 women across the food and beverage industry. Participants will be selected from around the world to take part in a weeklong residency at Rosewood Hong Kong in early March 2026.
The residency experience will combine relevant leadership and business skill development through professional coaching and strategy workshops that focus on personal branding, financial literacy, and sustainability-driven innovation. The participants will also gain exposure through wine tastings, local markets and farms, and group dining at restaurants and bars led by Hong Kong’s renowned talent.
Following the residency, participants will embark on a one-year mentorship journey, as each is paired with a senior Rosewood leader. This serves as a cornerstone to the program, ensuring community and guidance translate into career momentum. The program will recur annually, with the residency rotating across Rosewood Hotel Group’s global portfolio.
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 program 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. Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group
Rosewood Foundation
Rosewood Foundation, Rosewood Hotel Group’s philanthropic arm, is dedicated to making the places it touches more accessible, equitable, and sustainable. It is guided by two core pillars. The first, Women and Young People in Employment, aims to break down barriers to livelihoods and unlock potential through upskilling, mentorship, scholarships, and childcare support. The second, Innovation in Circularity accelerates sustainable solutions by connecting entrepreneurs to expertise, funding, and visibility, helping drive the shift toward a circular economy.
Operating since 2022, Rosewood Foundation has upskilled more than 300 women and young people across 13 countries and empowered over 60 entrepreneurs with tools to drive circularity. As the brand evolves on a purpose-driven path, Rosewood Foundation is dedicated to extending positive impact to communities and places beyond the Rosewood Hotel Group ecosystem.
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. Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability, Rosewood Hotel Group
For more information on Rise to the Table, or to apply to the program, please visit: https://careers.rosewoodhotelgroup.com/risetothetable
