Empowering the Next Generation of Asian Women Leaders
At Project EmpowerHER, we are dedicated to helping young Asian women find their voices, lead with confidence, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through mentorship, leadership development, and hands-on entrepreneurship, we provide the tools and support necessary to break barriers and redefine leadership.
We’re paving the way forAsian women
Despite strong educational and professional achievements, Asian women remain significantly underrepresented in top executive and leadership roles. Navigating societal pressures, the "model minority" myth, and cultural expectations often teaches young women to excel quietly rather than lead boldly. Project EmpowerHER was created to change that dynamic—building an inclusive space where young Asian women are supported to take up space unapologetically.
Our Impact
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Fellows build confidence and skills alongside peers on the same journey.
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Direct guidance from experienced leaders who understand the unique cultural and professional intersections Asian women navigate.
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Practical tools designed to help fellows step into leadership roles and drive community change.
That realization became the foundation of Project EmpowerHER: creating the kind of space she once wished existed for herself and other young Asian women.
Today, Lisa is a speaker, advocate, and community leader passionate about helping young Asian women find their voices, lead with confidence, and create meaningful change within their communities.
Built by a girl who dared to dream
Lisa Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Project EmpowerHER, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of Asian women leaders through mentorship, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Lisa grew up balancing cultural expectations, identity, and ambition. While she was encouraged to succeed academically, she rarely saw Asian women encouraged to speak boldly, take risks, or view themselves as leaders.
Why We Need Change
Young Asian women are often taught to succeed quietly—but rarely encouraged to lead boldly. Despite being one of the fastest-growing demographics in higher education and professional spaces, Asian women hold less than 2.4% of C-suite leadership positions in the United States
(McKinsey and Co, 2022).
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Praises academic and professional achievement while simultaneously discouraging self-expression and vocal leadership.
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Cultural norms and societal portrayals often pressure Asian women to be passive or submissive rather than assertive.
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Barriers like the "bamboo ceiling," severe underrepresentation in executive roles, fetishization, and xenophobia continue to limit visibility and opportunity beyond standard stereotypes.
What makes us different?
Project EmpowerHER was created to change this dynamic—building an inclusive space where young Asian women feel seen, heard, and empowered to take up space unapologetically.
Intimate Cohort Model: Leadership skills are not built alone. Through our cohort structure, Fellows build confidence and learn alongside peers embarking on the exact same journey.
Targeted Guidance: Directly addressing the unique cultural and workplace challenges Asian women encounter in pursuit of their ambitions.
Action-Oriented Impact: Equipping the next generation with practical leadership, entrepreneurship, and mentorship resources to drive lasting community change.
Meet our team
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![A smiling woman with long, dark hair wearing a red dress with ruffled sleeves.]()
Lisa Cheng
Founder and Executive Director
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![A woman with long, wavy black hair and a bright smile, wearing a black sleeveless top with white trim, taking a selfie in front of a plain wall.]()
Heather Nguyen
Social Media Coordinator, Senior at Clements High School
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![Young woman in a burgundy dress holding a bouquet of red and white roses, standing against beige wall with glass window to the right.]()
Lisa Le
Former Strategic Marketing and Communications Lead
Undergraduate Freshman
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![A woman with black wavy hair, wearing a beige tank top, taking a selfie against a plain white background.]()
Michelle Ta
Board Member, Secretary
Interested in a volunteer role?
If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about you. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.
Take a step into Asian women leadership today
Whether you’re looking to build a project or enhance your leadership skills. ProjectEmpowerHER believes in creating a space for Asian women like you to start your journey today!