We asked 4 women we admire to candidly share what they are doing to accelerate change in their community. The aim of this on-going series is to share resources for women on topics and themes that might resonate deeply today or down the road. We encourage you to reach out to any of the women below and follow their stories. If their mission can help you or a woman you know in any way, connect - after all, that's what community is all about.
Isabelle Daza
Manila | Hong Kong
TV Host & Actress, Mom of 3, Founder of Sexy Time Podcast and Advocate & Supporter of Makisaya
IG: @isabelledaza
Why did you start your SEXY TIME Podcast?
Belle Daza: My sister and I created the SEXY TIME Podcast to offer a safe space for discussing sex and sexual health. In our culture, these topics are often taboo, and we aim to destigmatize the shame associated with them. It's all about open, honest conversations and empowering women to embrace their sexuality without fear or judgment.
What made you start hosting the MAKISAYA events?
Belle Daza: I wanted to give back to the Filipina community in Hong Kong by providing free classes like Zumba. It's all about giving them (Filiipina Community in HK) access to exercise without any cost, inspiring them, and motivating them to live a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it's a fun way to bring everyone together!
Yen Lim
Singapore
Founder of Madam Partum & International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
IG: @yenlim_
How do you accelerate action in your community?
I believe that empowering women starts with providing them with the right care, knowledge, and support. Through my work, I advocate for health and wellness, particularly in women’s health, and my mission is to bring the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine closer to the community, promoting healing and wellness in a way that is both accessible and impactful.
Whether it’s guiding new mothers through their perinatal journey, supporting them as they care for their families, or encouraging them to prioritize self-care, my goal is to foster a community where women feel supported, confident, and empowered at every stage of their journey.
Sarrah Strimel Bentley
New York
Breast Cancer Survivor & Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Surrogacy Champion and Former Broadway Showgirl
IG: @sarrahstrimelbentley
I accelerate action in my community by my advocacy for both breast cancer in young women, as well as fertility preservation and surrogacy assistance for survivors. I launched “A Chance For Life” three years ago, a 501c3 nonprofit that fully funds surrogacy journeys for breast cancer survivors. I am a survivor and mama via surrogacy to my miracle baby, Chance Whit Bentley. I also share my story online to help inspire hope that miracles can and do happen, and that beauty can be found even amongst the darkest of times. I want my work to empower women to know their normal when it comes to their breast health and their reproductive options when it comes to building a family.
Anisha Ramanathan
Hong Kong
Divorce & Family Lawyer, Partner at Withers Hong Kong
IG: @anishar852
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anisha-ramanathan-4a1a9b20/
As a family lawyer, I have acted for wives who have given up their careers to take on the role of the primary carer and homemaker. At the point of separation or divorce, these women are worried that as the financially weaker party, they may be left worse off because they did not contribute financially to the same extent as their spouse. Many of these women lack financial knowledge and feel overwhelmed, lost and anxious when it comes to dealing with finances. I am a strong advocate for female financial empowerment. I organise seminars, speak at events and collaborate with financial advisors who can assist women to feel confident and more secure with their financial future. Some of the success stories from female clients give me validation that I am able to help them move forward with their lives in a positive and meaningful way.
