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| Cynthia has been at the helm of MFMW since it was set up 45 years ago |
This year, as we mark the 45th anniversary of our migrant workers serving institution, we also celebrate the enduring leadership that has shaped this mission.
For almost half a century, the work has stood on a simple premise: every migrant worker deserves respect, dignity, and access to resources that empower them to thrive.
Since its inception, the mission has grown from a humble walk-in centre and temporary shelter into a lifeline for tens of thousands of migrant workers in Hong Kong.
The organization now reaches more than 380,000 people, with women comprising the vast majority of those served. It offers information, case support, shelter, rescue, and emergency assistance, all anchored by a core belief: you are not turned away.
The journey has not been easy, but the purpose remains clear: to stand in solidarity with those who arrive seeking opportunity and safety.
Cynthia Tellez: Four Decades of Leadership
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| A young Cynthia spent a year helping set up MFMW in 1981 |
This milestone also honors our General Manager, Cynthia Tellez, whose 45 years of service as a founder and leader inspire us all. She began in 1981, a year before the Mission was officially established, with a small team and a “grand dream.” What started as a walk-in centre and a temporary shelter evolved into a beacon of support for migrant workers.
“I didn’t realise that 45 years had passed,” she reflects, almost astonished by the longevity of a calling she thought would last just a few years.
She has witnessed thousands of faces from many backgrounds—Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, Sri Lankan, Nepali—who arrive in Hong Kong seeking work and find themselves navigating exploitation, underpayment, or confinement.
In her mind, she often asks, “Am I going to reveal myself to these people I’ve never met? But where else do I go?” That question—where else do I go?—is the Mission’s reason for being.
Lessons from a Long Journey
A Know Your Rights seminar early in 2026 is a core project of the MFMW
After 45 years, the work remains demanding, even exhausting. Yet there are moments that illuminate the path: a newcomer who is offered a meal before she asks for help, or the office filled with laughter as colleagues lighten the mood with a shared joke about the pantry.
“Already that,” she says, “makes our heart feel happy.” The resilience of the community and the team’s willingness to improve together keep the spirit alive.
Cynthia’s perspective on misconceptions about migrant workers is powerful. “Migrant workers are undeniably part of Hong Kong society,” she says, noting that while cultures and faiths differ, they “breathe the same air, and walk the same ground.” Her message is a call to see beyond differences and recognize shared humanity in every person who seeks a better life.
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| Chinese New Year fellowship among MFMW clients, staff and volunteers |
(Looking Ahead: A Series of Celebrations:As we honor this 45-year milestone, we are excited to announce a series of anniversary events. The first act of celebration was singing a song at the Sunday service, a simple homage to the church and its supporters who have sustained us. For future events, we invite everyone to join and support our mission. Your involvement—whether through volunteering, donations, or participation in programs—will help ensure that this work endures for generations to come. We welcome all to stand with us as we continue to serve, uplift, and empower migrant workers across our community.)
