OUR PEOPLE.

Laura has been involved in philanthropy for the last several years, working with various underprivileged populations in Hong Kong, including refugees and children. She helped to re-establish the Hong Kong chapter of the global crowdfunding platform 10x10 and continues to be active with them today. Laura became involved with the ACF after serving on its Programs Committee and currently helps run the 'Your Voice Speaker Series.' She has also served on various committees for The American Club, including Membership and Development.
When Laura is not dedicating her time by giving back to her community, you can find her trail running in the mountains of Tai Tam or spending time with her beloved son and husband.

R.J. Asher, a Miami University graduate with a BA in Political Science, began his career at Macy's. From 1990 to 1999, he excelled in various roles, including Store Management and Merchandise Planning. Transitioning to Human Resources, he established the Buying Line Recruitment Program, showcasing his leadership skills. Joining Avon Products, R.J. held positions in North American and Global Human Resources, ultimately serving as Head of Human Resources for Asia Pacific in Hong Kong. In 2010, he founded Tai Tai Pie Pies, supporting NGOs and children's causes. Although he sold the business in 2023, R.J. remains devoted to helping the underprivileged communities and supporting the ACF's mission.

Shirley is an Operations Governance and Management professional and has extensive
experience in large and strategic projects. In her career span of 25+ years, she has
worked for MNCs including McKinsey, PwC, Prudential, and also SMEs, with focuses on
Hong Kong and Asia. Her specializations are Insurance, IT Management and Management
Consulting.

Shirley actively volunteers at the ACF and is passionate about sharing her skills and
becoming stronger together. Her family has joined the American Club for 20 years and she
now serves on the Club’s Fitness and Programming Committee. Shirley enjoys going to
the gym as well as traveling with her husband and their two teenage children.

Mira is a venture investor specializing in cryptocurrency and alternative investments. Previously, she held the position of Senior Portfolio Manager at a top-tier asset management firm, where she was responsible for overseeing public equity investments throughout the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, she gained experience at a large hedge fund, focusing on investments in both private and public markets across various sectors.

Earlier in her career, Mira worked in investment banking, concentrating on leveraged finance and restructuring. She also established a meditation studio aimed at fostering mindfulness in the heart of Central Hong Kong.

Mira earned her BA in Economics and Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences from Northwestern University. She has also been a member of the American Club (AC) for over twelve years and serves on the AC Finance Committee. In her free time, you'll find her swinging a tennis racket or golf club and enjoying precious time with her three children.

Tatiana Sidneva joins the ACF with a wealth of experience in international private wealth management, financial services, and tax structuring for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Her expertise includes succession planning, trusts, and intricate corporate matters.

She launched her career at prestigious international law firms, such as Cleary Gottlieb, White & Case, and Mishcon de Reya in London. She has also served as General Counsel and Head of Compliance for a prominent asset management firm based in Hong Kong. Tatiana has participated on multiple boards offering strategic oversight, guidance on governance best practices.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Tatiana is admitted to practice in England & Wales and New York in the US. She is also a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She has two children and enjoys cultural activities, traveling, and cherishing quality time with her family. She is excited to contribute her efforts to further the success of the ACF.

Gwen brings 25 years of experience leading organizational transformation initiatives in Senior Executive HR roles across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America for multinational corporations such as WarnerMedia and the National Basketball Association (NBA). She is now running her own HR and Advisory practice.

A passionate advocate for strategic leadership, Gwen actively contributes her expertise to boards and committees. She serves in various capacities for the American Club in Hong Kong as member of the American Club Foundation Board.

As a graduate of the Financial Time Board of Directors certification, Gwen finds board service deeply fulfilling, both in expanding her leadership perspective and in fostering meaningful connections across industries.

Committed to professional and thought leadership, Gwen also engages in advisory roles for small businesses and NGO’s focusing on governance, talent strategy, and cross-cultural leadership and actively looks for speaking engagements around these topics.

Gwen holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master’s in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Gwen is also an IECL certified coach, a SHRM Global Human Resources Professional and a certified Prosci Change Management Practitioner.

Outside of work, Gwen is a mother to 7-year-old twins, Sophie and Max, and their poodle, Barkley.

Ashley Scher is a globally experienced financial professional whose career has taken her across the US, UK, and Hong Kong. Over the last 20 years, she has built a reputation for helping individuals and families navigate important life decisions with clarity and confidence. She is currently Director and CoFounder of MASECO Asia Limited, where she supports internationally minded families with their wealth planning needs.

Originally from Michigan, Ashley moved to the UK in 2009, working in both the financial and charity sectors before relocating to Hong Kong in 2016. Her international experience has given her a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by people living and working across borders, and she is known for her ability to simplify complex topics and provide thoughtful, practical guidance.

Ashley holds degrees from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Warwick, along with professional qualifications earned in the US, UK, and Hong Kong, including her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation.

She is a passionate advocate for women’s financial literacy and regularly speaks to women’s groups, helping demystify financial planning and empowering women to take an active role in shaping their futures.

Outside of work, Ashley is an active mom to three daughters. She is an avid traveller who loves exploring new cultures—a natural extension of her life across three continents. To recharge, she enjoys hiking, tennis, reading, and experimenting with sourdough, and she is currently challenging herself to learn piano.

She looks forward to contributing her experience to the ACF and supporting its mission in the Hong Kong community.

David Ketchum brings deep marketing and communications expertise to the ACF. His career in digital marketing and PR spans the US, Europe, and Asia. He arrived in Hong Kong in 1992 and has helped hundreds of companies build their brands and businesses in Asia Pacific.

He's CEO of Current Asia, a regional data-driven content marketing firm. Previously, he founded Upstream Asia, which grew into a regional marketing network and was acquired by Bite Communications. He also served as SVP, Marketing and Communications for Calvin Klein Asia, and held senior positions with PR agencies in Asia and Europe.

Named an 'Innovator 25' by PRovoke and one of Campaign Asia's "50 Over 50," David serves on the board of PRHK. He's the author of "BIG M, little m Marketing: New Strategies for a New Asia," and an adjunct faculty member at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School.

A husband and father of four, he's been a member of the American Club for 34 years.

Sarina Chau brings over 15 years of institutional real estate private equity experience and a deep commitment to community service to her role as Chair of the ACF Grants Committee. Sarina has overseen three grant-giving seasons, refined the foundation’s vetting processes, and served as an Account Liaison for partner charities

Previously, Sarina built a robust career in real estate private equity, working with both boutique and major institutional firms to manage commercial and residential investments across Asia, the UK, and the US. Alongside her work with ACF, she is an active member of the American Club Membership Committee and frequently volunteers with Hong Kong International School (HKIS) and the International Montessori School (IMS).

Sarina holds a degree in Economics from the University of Chicago and earned her CAIA Designation in 2016. Sarina has two children and enjoys playing tennis, mahjong, and traveling with her family and friends.