June is an exciting month for PathFinders as we will be launching our very first in a series of Fireside Chats!
This series will provide us with a wonderful opportunity to initiate meaningful conversations about the issues faced by the Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) community in Hong Kong.
The speakers for our inaugural conversation will be renowned storyteller Joanna Bowers, keen advocate Kate Wood and child champion Marcella King. They will share compelling stories of the MDW Aunties in their lives, and through them inspire us to celebrate the incredible contribution of these women in our city.
We are truly honoured to be able to express our gratitude and pay tribute to the extra-special MDW Aunties ahead of International Domestic Workers Day (16 June)!
This FREE Fireside Chat series is kindly supported by WLAB | Club Wheelock x The DO: https://wlabcommunity.com/
More information
- Date: Thursday 13 June
- Time: 6:00-8:30 pm
- Venue: WLAB, Quarry Bay
- Registration link: https://bit.ly/PathFindersFiresideChat
About the Speakers:
Joanna Bowers, Filmmaker, Screenwriter & Author, Cheeky Monkey Productions
Based in Hong Kong, Joanna is focused on telling inspiring, international stories featuring ethnically diverse casts including strong women and unique perspectives. Originally from the UK, after earning her degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Leeds, Joanna began her career working in television commercial production in Los Angeles. She worked her way up in the film and television industry with roles including content developer and casting director for independent films. She began directing in 2009 filming throughout Asia for commercial and documentary clients including brands such as Cathay Pacific, HSBC and The North Face.
In 2017 Joanna released her critically acclaimed feature “The Helper” documentary, chronicalling the trials faced by Hong Kong’s migrant domestic worker community. Joanna has subsequently written a children’s book entitled “My Extra Special Aunty” in collaboration with migrant domestic workers art collective Guhit Kalay to continue her work advocating for migrant women.
Her second feature documentary film “reFashioned” was released in 2021. Joanna believes in the importance of nurturing the next generation of women in film and is a keen mentor and supporter of women in the creative industries.
Kate Wood, Diversity, Equity & Inclusiveness Leader, Financial Services Asia Pacific, EY
Kate is an experienced corporate wellbeing professional, leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness at EY for Asia Pacific Financial Services. Kate has over 10 years of experience in financial services across EY and HSBC and also sits on the board of local charity WISE, promoting sports in women and girls in Hong Kong. Aside from her work in the corporate arena, Kate is a qualified personal trainer and mental health first aider. Outside work, Kate enjoys strength training, running and Muay Thai and is happiest when bringing her daughter CJ, and miniature dachshund Beau on hikes and runs, in Hong Kong where she has lived for 12 years.
Marcella King, Paediatric Nurse, PathFinders & The Baby Hub HK
Marcella joined PathFinders in January 2020 as part of the Healthcare team to support women and babies not eligible for healthcare in Hong Kong. It is a role she finds hugely rewarding yet challenging, as every day presents varied situations that require her to ‘think outside the box’ to find solutions for the vulnerable children who deserve the best start in life.Marcella studied at King’s College London in the UK as a Paediatric Nurse and later acquired a BsC in Children with Long Term Conditions. She then enjoyed working in various teaching hospitals in London and then in Australia, caring for children and their families.In 2014, Marcella moved to Hong Kong with her family and started working in a private healthcare setting as a practice nurse and running baby clinics. In this role, she helps new parents navigate the early days with their newborn, a role she continues to do alongside her work at PathFinders.Marcella is also a Registered Sick Children’s Nurse on the Hong Kong Nursing Register – a rarity for an overseas health professional. She has also recently started The Baby Hub HK, to provide expert support especially for new parents beginning their parenting journey and all from the comfort of their own home. Support can be around lactation and reassurance of babies reaching developmental milestones.