From the roof of the world to the heart of South Africa, Angela Yeung’s Everest journey became far more than a personal triumph. It became a mission to change lives.
Standing at 8,849 metres above sea level, where the air is thin, the cold is unforgiving, and every step demands extraordinary determination, Angela Yeung made a promise that transformed an already remarkable expedition into something far bigger than herself.
For every metre she climbed on Mount Everest, one bra would be donated to a woman or girl affected by gender-based violence or vulnerable living conditions somewhere in South Africa.
Fifty days after beginning her ascent via Everest’s technically demanding North Side route, Yeung reached the summit. More importantly, she honoured her commitment.
A year later, all 8,849 bras pledged through the Impilo Collection Foundation’s #EmpowerHer campaign have been distributed across all nine provinces, reaching women through shelters, support organisations and frontline community services.
Now, Johannesburg audiences will have the opportunity to hear the full story when Angela Yeung takes centre stage at Workshop Wednesday on 24 June 2026 at Workshop17 The Bank.
More Than a Mountain
While summiting Everest is often viewed as one of the world’s greatest physical achievements, Yeung’s upcoming talk is not a mountaineering masterclass.
Instead, it offers a deeply personal exploration of resilience, leadership, purpose and self-discovery.
Drawing on her childhood experiences, entrepreneurial journey and philanthropic work through the Impilo Collection Foundation, Yeung reflects on what happens when people are pushed beyond their comfort zones and forced to confront their limits.
Her story examines what remains when conditions become extreme, when doubt creeps in, and when turning back is no longer an option.
The lessons she shares are not confined to mountain climbing. They apply equally to leadership, business, personal growth and community impact.
At its core, the conversation explores a powerful idea: ambition becomes most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others.
Turning a Summit Into Social Change
The impact of the #EmpowerHer campaign extended far beyond Everest itself.
During the 2025 16 Days of Activism campaign, the initiative took on a powerful visual form at Constitution Hill, where all 8,849 bras were displayed alongside the historic Women’s Jail.
The installation transformed a site associated with hardship into a symbol of dignity, empowerment and hope.
The campaign has since become one of the Impilo Collection Foundation’s most visible examples of how individual acts of determination can create meaningful community impact.
The foundation, whose name comes from the Zulu word meaning “life”, continues to focus on educational support, mentorship and community upliftment through its three flagship programmes: #EmpowerHer, #EmpowerHim and #EmpowerThem.
A Story of Courage, Commitment and Purpose
For Workshop17, Yeung’s appearance perfectly embodies the spirit of the popular Workshop Wednesday series.
According to National Marketing Manager Penelope Meniere, the platform exists to showcase people whose experiences offer meaningful lessons and authentic inspiration.
“We bring people to Workshop Wednesday who have something real to say,” says Meniere.
“Angela summited Everest, made a promise at the top and kept it. That kind of story about courage, following through and using your platform for something bigger than yourself is exactly what this series was made for.”
Importantly, every ticket sold will directly support the work of the Impilo Collection Foundation, ensuring the evening contributes to meaningful change beyond the event itself.
An Evening That Goes Beyond Inspiration
For those attending, the event offers more than an opportunity to hear an extraordinary adventure story.
It is a chance to explore leadership under pressure, understand the power of purpose-driven action and witness how one ambitious goal evolved into a nationwide act of giving.
Whether guests are entrepreneurs, professionals, students or simply individuals looking for fresh perspective, Yeung’s journey promises valuable lessons about perseverance, responsibility and the impact one person can have when they decide to keep climbing.
Event Details
Workshop Wednesday: Angela Yeung
Date: 24 June 2026
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Venue: Workshop17 The Bank
Tickets: From R50 for Workshop17 members and R100 for non-members via Quicket
With every ticket helping fund ongoing community initiatives, attendees will not only hear one of South Africa’s most inspiring modern stories—they will become part of it.
Sometimes the greatest achievement is not reaching the summit.
It is what you choose to do once you get there.
