Victoria, the founder of Resolve, has made significant strides in fostering community leadership and addressing social inequalities in Hong Kong. With a diverse background and extensive experience in the non-profit sector, she has dedicated her life to empowering marginalized communities. Recently, she was selected as one of the finalists for Community Business Awards 2024. In an insightful interview, Victoria shared her journey, the mission of Resolve, and her vision for a more inclusive society.
A journey through diversity
Victoria’s life has taken her across various continents, yet it is Hong Kong that she calls home. “Like many who come to Hong Kong, I was immediately struck by its vibrance and diversity,” she reflected. However, her work in the non-profit sector revealed stark contrasts beneath the surface. After spending four years assisting refugees and asylum seekers—some of the city’s most vulnerable populations—she recognized the urgent need for initiatives that empower individuals from traditionally disenfranchised backgrounds.
In 2017, driven by this realization, Victoria founded Resolve. Initially focused on fostering solidarity among community leaders, she has since come to understand the importance of intersectionality in social justice work. “What makes Resolve special is that it is an intersectional platform,” she explained, aiming to unite leaders from diverse backgrounds to tackle shared issues.
The Fellowship Program
At the core of Resolve’s mission is its fellowship program, which annually brings together 20 emerging community leaders around a specific topic related to diversity and inclusion. Over the past six years, more than 100 leaders have participated in this transformative initiative.
- Year 1: Racial equality and inclusion
- Year 2: Ending gender-based violence
- Year 3: Disabilities and empowerment
- Year 4: Well-being reimagined
- Year 5: Closing the learning gap
- Year 6: Dignified aging (current year)
Victoria emphasized that these topics are chosen not only for their relevance but also for their potential to shine a light on issues that often go unaddressed. For example, the decision to focus on disabilities arose from conversations with thought leaders who noted a lack of dialogue surrounding the topic.
Understanding inequality
Victoria’s perspective on inequality is comprehensive, extending beyond financial disparities. “Inequality isn’t just about income; it’s about social inclusion,” she asserted. With Hong Kong ranking among the highest globally for income inequality, she believes that addressing these issues requires collective action. “This is a choice we can improve together,” she stated, underscoring the importance of community-driven solutions.
A 2019 public perception survey conducted by Resolve revealed a growing understanding of equity, particularly among younger generations. According to Victoria, “While there is a consensus around equal opportunities, the concept of fostering equal outcomes is still developing.” This awareness is crucial for shaping a more equitable society.
A holistic approach to leadership
Victoria’s vision for Resolve extends beyond project outcomes; it encompasses the holistic development of each fellow. The program encourages self-reflection and personal growth, allowing participants to connect with their own stories. One of the standout activities involves visualizing their life as a river, helping fellows recognize their personal journeys and the strengths they bring to the table.
Self-care is an integral part of the fellowship experience. “Many fellows have lived experiences that fuel their passion,” Victoria noted. This understanding informs the program’s structure, which includes mentoring and workshops designed to foster resilience and leadership skills.
In her commitment to fostering community leadership, Victoria emphasizes the power of lived experience in addressing social issues. During the inaugural year of Resolve’s fellowship program, a pilot group focused on racial equality co-created a compelling public campaign showcasing stories of everyday racism. Featuring a series of seven videos, the campaign included narratives from fellows and individuals they recruited, capturing experiences in everyday settings like shops and schools.
This initiative resonated widely, garnering over half a million views and making headlines in the South China Morning Post. The impact continued with active bystander intervention training videos, which incorporated scenarios based on the fellows’ real-life encounters. Through these efforts, Victoria illustrates how personal stories can catalyse change, fostering empathy and understanding in the community. By amplifying these voices, Resolve educates and empowers individuals to confront and dismantle various systemic issues around discrimination.
A call for empathy and action
Victoria emphasizes the importance of empathy in her work, particularly when discussing aging and social inclusion. “Aging is just another word for living,” she proclaimed, urging society to appreciate the dignity of older individuals. The motto for this year’s fellowship, “It’s not about adding years to life, but adding life to years,” reflects this expansive view.
Through Resolve, Victoria advocates that everyone can take action to drive inclusion. “Understanding your own identity, including your privileges and disadvantages, is essential,” she stated. This self-awareness empowers individuals to become effective allies in the fight for social justice.
As Resolve continues to grow, Victoria remains committed to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering an inclusive community. “Every action matters, whether big or small,” she asserted, embodying the spirit of empowerment that defines her organization.
Through her inspiring work, Victoria and her team at Resolve, is paving the way for a more equitable future in Hong Kong, one where diverse voices unite to create meaningful change. Her journey serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges, the potential for transformation lies within every individual willing to act.
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