HKUST values diversity and aims to reduce stereotypes for greater educational outcomes and a more balanced society. To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) and women’s empowerment, we have invited Professor Caroline WANG, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Management, and two alumnae – Stephanie LAM (MARK & OM 2014) and Lydia LAU (ECOF 2014), who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, to share their thoughts on embracing equity which is this year’s theme for IWD.
(Clockwise from the top) Professor Caroline WANG, Adjunct Professor of the Department of Management; Stephanie LAM and Lydia LAU, Founders of Homie Living
People expect a fair process with their voices heard and decisions made without bias. It is a starting point for a fair outcome. “To embrace equity through a fair process, a leader is not only accountable for openly setting clear standards, but also ensuring the implementation where all those who meet the standards regardless of different individual characteristics will be recognized,” says Prof. Wang, who was IBM’s highest-ranked Asian woman executive globally and was appointed as Adjunct Professor by HKUST Business School in 2003 and granted Honorary Fellow by HKUST in 2020.
“Each individual has an indispensable responsibility to fully understand and meet the standards, and also add incremental value to the team they belong to. Equality is the outcome of the joint and persistent endeavors by both leaders and individuals,” she continued.
The two founders of Homie Living, Stephanie and Lydia, are up against many challenges in the men-dominated startup world. A few years ago, they started their business venture in e-commerce for home products targeting new homeowners.
They defy gender stereotypes and believe that women can define their success with beautiful minds, souls, talents and ambitions. They also managed to blaze their entrepreneurial trail by upholding qualities shared by many women – resilience and compassion. To promote equality and foster an inclusive culture, they have built a holistic supporting system to provide opportunities, resources and rewards to the diverse talent in their company.
”No matter the circumstances, everyone is a contributor to gender equality and the first step should always come from our beliefs and effort,” said Stephanie and Lydia.