Board of Directors selection process
Meet the 2024-25 IPWS Board of Directors
Theresa Hudzinski
president@ipwsconnect.com
For Theresa, it has always been about PEOPLE, and over 30 +years ago, she began her adventure in “People & Pixie Dust” at the Disneyland Resort, Anaheim CA. As her leadership responsibilities expanded, she realized building authentic relationships were the tipping point and critical success factor in achieving the goals and success of the overall organization.
In 2005, Theresa had the amazing opportunity to bring Hong Kong Disneyland to life and has been connected to the APAC region ever since! With a brief US stint, she returned to region in 2009 beginning her second phase of her APAC adventure. Theresa made her Mainland China debut as part of the Shanghai Disneyland Resort Opening team in 2013. With her knowledge and experience from other sites she built an organization unique to the China market focused on the “Right People, Right Place, Right Time.”
Encouraging, developing and motivating teams & communities is critically important to Theresa. She believes in creating an environment where people feel safe, seen and heard. Where they can USE their voice and face their fears so they find the courage to accomplish their goals.
Focusing on people, driving trust, transparency and respect to strengthen engagement allows them to create magic, inspire each other and drive effective business decisions and results.
Theresa is passionate about creating that same environment for women and their allies. She is an active mentor and believes that all women should make the time to share their stories, so we better understand each other, to support each other and inspire courage within each other! Together, hand in hand, we can always step into the next!
2024, she transitioned to gaming and hospitality with a new adventure in Macau that challenges her every day in a high paced environment with ever changing drivers to meet individual and company goals.
In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it. – Marianne Williamson
As President, Theresa’s purpose is to ensure the vision of IPWS lives on with over 30 years of Connecting, Growth, Inspiration, Leadership and Empowering female professionals to mold the future of leadership across the globe by creating an authentic platform where the Amazing Women of Shanghai can thrive!
IPWS’ strives to make sure that there is a space that women know they are not alone and they can learn and gather strength in each other. A space that is filled with humor, compassion, and is calm and welcoming. Starting with our leadership team, which consists of amazing and diverse women who all bring different strengths to the table.
She was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for both Disney Parks and Resorts and International Professional Women’s Society (IPWS).
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama
And she truly believes “If you cannot see the change … you MUST be the change!” and “You don’t “HALF-WAY” people!”
Theresa is also a wife to an extremely supportive husband who supports her (and IPWS) every step of her journey. In addition, she is a mom to two crazy but wonderful kids that ins pire every day to be better and to do better for all. She spends her spare time exploring her new home. reading, writing and getting lots of cuddle time in with her family and the “cattiest cat” in the world, Ella.
Co-Vice President
Soudamini Khurana
Soudamini is a creative leader with over two decades of digital experience across China, India, and the USA. With a background as a former Disney Creative, she has a proven track record of building and enhancing the digital presence of leading brands such as Giorgio Armani, Maserati, Hilton, Dyson, Hublot, and Topgolf, using platforms like WeChat, mobile apps, and social media.
Her areas of expertise include design storytelling, branding, UI/UX, tech innovation, generative AI, social media strategy, metaverse creative projects, and strategic design thinking. Having worked closely with both local and international teams, she has gained a deep understanding of the evolving creative and tech job markets in China, and the challenges that young professionals face in bridging the gap between academic training and real-world industry needs.
Soudamini is passionate about creating supportive, practical, and growth-oriented learning spaces for young designers and creative professionals. She actively mentors young talent through initiatives such as the British Chamber of Commerce’s Creative Industries and Marketing Committee, the World Academy for the Future of Women (WAFW) mentorship program in Mexicali, and the Shanghai Mentor Walks network for young female professionals.
Across all her work, Soudamini focuses on building strong teams, encouraging innovation, and helping individuals grow their creative careers in fast-paced and competitive environments.
Co-Vice President
Erica Oh
Erica is a seasoned Digital Project Manager with a background in overseeing mini-program and app development for the mainland Chinese market. Her proficiency lies in ensuring the timely delivery of projects, orchestrating cross-functional teams of digital experts, including engineers, designers, and strategists for some of the best brands in the world.
Her previous roles were in the fintech industry in New York City, where she served as a key player in operations and credit risk operations. Responsibilities included end-to-end management of risk-related product innovation and development, collaborating with Product, Engineering, and Legal teams for compliance-adherent processes, and relationship building with key players within the industry.
Membership Executive
Ellen Koo
Ellen is a seasoned international executive with 17+ year multi-faceted experience across function, industry and region. Her areas of expertise include strategy & planning, business development and cross culture team management. She is passionate and writes about self-growth, entrepreneurship and diversity. Originally from Seoul, Ellen has spent over 23 years in overseas and is currently based in Shanghai raising two kids. She holds an undergraduate master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Oxford and a Global EMBA from China European International Business School (CEIBS).
Xolisile Sithole
Xolisile grew up in South Africa. From a young age she was raised by two cultures (African and European) which instilled her love and appreciation for multiculturalism. Xolisile’s childhood inspired her curiosity about different cultures. In her gap year, she was awarded a scholarship by the local Rotary Club to be an exchange student in Canada. During her amazing Canadian exchange, her duties revolved around being an ambassador for South Africa throughout the year.
Her China adventure began when she first touched down in Anhui in 2017. Xolisile now calls Chengdu her home where she is currently an EYFS teacher at Malvern College Chengdu. Outside of work, she is the creative director of ”Hello南非” where she organizes edutainment events about South Africa’s Intangible Culture for guests in Chengdu.
In addition, Xolisile contributes articles about Mental Health for Kindergartners to Venture Education’s Newsletter, taking complex psychological ideas and experiences and translating them suit kindergarten teachers (or caretakers with young children). She is also on her second-year duties as a WAWF (World Academy for the Future of Women) mentor.
Internationally, she is the Director of Khula Sithole Consulting Services, a consulting company focusing on mental health strategies, cognitive development planning, and communication for caretakers with young children and divorced co-parents.
Beatrice Cecchi
Beatrice, originally from Italy, studied in Ireland and France before finishing her master in China where she has been living since 2015; after graduation she has started her career in automotive, first in Italian companies such as Pirelli and Pininfarina then in NIO, one of the most important players among Global EVs.
Fluent in four languages – Italian, English, Chinese and Spanish – her friends and colleagues state she has an outstanding ability to network people , for work and friendships, and can easily bridge the gaps between different cultures.
While working in automotive yoga has became her true passion and she tries to spread it as much as she can teaching that yoga is and can be for everyone.
Teaching for her is sharing the importance of wellbeing and loving yourself, not just your physical body but also mind and soul.
Beatrice started to teach after several retreats and trainings in south east Asia as an Indian teacher pushed her to become an instructor telling her “we need more teachers like you in this world”. Sometimes we just need someone to give us that additional bit of confidence to step forward; and so it is with IPWS! Her mission is to actively keep on contributing to create a community of women , a supporting system, who positively empower each other!
We are all little drops in the ocean yet each one of us can really make a difference.
With her passion and enthusiasm which are contagious, Beatrice is also active member of the Rotary Club of Shanghai and always willing to support and help people, to make this world a better place.
Beatrice started to teach after several retreats and trainings in south east Asia as an Indian teacher pushed her to become an instructor telling her “we need more teachers like you in this world”. Sometimes we just need someone to give us that additional bit of confidence to step forward; and so it is with IPWS! Her mission is to actively keep on contributing to create a community of women , a supporting system, who positively empower – or IN- power – each other!
We are all little drops in the ocean yet each one of us can really make a difference.
Initiatives Executive
Marie Chavanon
Marie Chavanon is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in marketing and digital innovation, currently serving as the Head of Digital Health and Partnering for a major pharmaceutical company.
With over 15 years of experience at the forefront of global organizations, Marie has led numerous transformative initiatives that blend digital strategies with innovative marketing practices, driving growth and operational efficiency. Fluent in French, English, and Mandarin, she is passionate about leveraging her diverse expertise to create impactful, purpose-driven solutions.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Marie is deeply committed to empowering women to develop their leadership skills. She has dedicated herself to fostering an environment where women can thrive and excel in leadership roles. She actively works to inspire and guide emerging female leaders, believing in the importance of nurturing confidence, courage, resilience, and a growth mindset.
Through her involvement with IPWS and her broader career, Marie aims to champion women’s leadership development and contribute to a future where more women hold influential roles in business and beyond.
WLA Executive
Franka Gulin
Franka got published her first interview at the age of 13in local newspapers, knowing even than that journalism and photography could help her travel the world.
Although she has double master degree in Humanities, it was her media work that brought her to China back in 2013. She freelanced in media, photojournalism and marketing related industries, was part of China Media Group for nearly six years and reported for Croatian News Agency and Croatian Radio and Television among others.
In the 2018, Franka was appointed as a first ever Croatian National Tourist Board Shanghai Representative Office’s Director focusing on destination promotion on China and broader SE Asia markets. And in 2021 she was unanimously voted for position of European Travel Commission China Chapter chairwoman.
While regularly sleep deprived, Franka has a great passion for feminism, friendships, dogs, cats, travels and brunches. And most importantly, she strongly believes change is possible ONLY when women stick together.
Partnerships Executive
Xixi Wang
Xixi Wang has an adventurous and curious soul. In her youth, she performed with her school band at distinguished venues including Schönbrunn Palace in Austria, The Shanghai World Expo, and various music halls in China, Japan and Korea. She then pursued an academic path across Canada, Norway, and the Netherlands, earning degrees in gender studies with a unique blend of interdisciplinary and theoretical perspectives.
Currently, she is focused on founding CUE, a transformative learning company that supports individuals through life’s key transitions. CUE designs research-driven e-learning solutions and in-person events to enhance personal well-being and life course development.
As part of her volunteer work at IPWS, she takes the lead in establishing and managing partnerships with a wide range of organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, Consulate Generals, corporations, SMEs, international schools, communities, and individuals. She truly enjoys the mental stimulation when people from all walks of life come together and bring to the table their authentic stories, voices and laughter.
Business Operations Executive
Vanessa Herdade
Vanessa is a digital transformation leader with 14 years of experience in the financial industry across France, Portugal, and the USA. Having worked in client-facing roles for a Fortune 500 company, Vanessa developed a strong ability to build relationships and navigate complex business environments. Recently, she transitioned into retail, where she leads automation projects focused on operational efficiency using low-code and RPA. Her studies at MIT, where she explored the impact of AI on business, have shaped her approach to driving innovation and
efficiency in every project.
Her expertise spans project management, digital transformation, governance, and automation,
with a strong focus on delivering results. Beyond her professional career, Vanessa is committed to championing women’s advancement in finance and tech. With her firsthand experience navigating these industries, she is an
advocate for breaking down barriers and opening doors to leadership opportunities.
Apart from her professional background, Vanessa also worked with NGOs focused on addressing social inequality and empowering children’s creativity, experiences that shaped her commitment to social responsibility. As a proud ex-New Yorker with a love for bagels, Vanessa
also holds a special place in her heart for Boston, thanks to her MIT experience.
As Business Operations Executive at the International Professional Women’s Society (IPWS), Vanessa aims to streamline operations and support the organization’s growth, fostering an inclusive space for women to thrive.
Bibigul (Bika) Abdulkarimova
Community Development Manager
Lisa Liu
For Lisa, the essence of her journey revolves around learning, development, and growth.
As an educational professional, she has ignited her passion for training and inspiring others. Her previous experiences as an entrepreneur have provided her with a unique opportunity to engage with remarkable individuals from diverse backgrounds around the globe. Lisa believes in the uniqueness of every person. Her working experience at New York University Shanghai has reinforced her conviction that continuous learning and development are fundamental to progress.
Currently, Lisa is focused on training and digitalization at a German company. She is also an accredited and certified coach by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential and reach their aspirations.
Through her experiences with various challenges, Lisa has learned that each setback presents an opportunity for growth. She recognizes lifelong learning as an ongoing journey that transcends traditional education. It encompasses the joy of inquiry, the excitement of gaining new insights, and the fulfillment that comes from personal development. This journey of self-discovery encourages individuals to evolve continuously, striving to become the best versions of themselves. Lisa emphasizes taking one step at a time, enjoying the process, and practicing patience.
As a board member of IPWS, she looks forward to exploring passions and broadening perspectives within the community!
Events Manager
Bella Lee
Bella is a versatile professional with a passion for languages and visual storytelling. As a language teacher, she enjoys helping others communicate effectively across cultures. Her skills as a photographer and videographer allow her to capture and share the beauty of the world through creative and engaging visuals.
Additionally, Bella serves as a tour guide, offering insightful and immersive experiences to travelers. With her background as a team leader and translator, she brings people together and facilitates seamless communication, ensuring that every project she undertakes is both dynamic and impactful.
Membership Manager
Sarah Zupancic
Sarah is a finance professional who believes in the power of connections and diversity to inspire both personal and financial growth. Originally from France, she’s lived and worked across Europe and Asia, embracing new cultures with ambition and an open mind. Since her first visit to Shanghai, she knew it would become a home.
With a background in Business Administration and Finance, and a certification in International Wealth Management (CISI), Sarah supports expatriates in China and across Asia by helping them make smart and confident financial decisions that align with their global lifestyles. What truly drives her is building trust and creating connections that go beyond numbers.
Sarah is also passionate about empowering women in finance, raising awareness about their underrepresentation in the industry—both as professionals and clients—and encouraging them to take an active role in their financial lives. Through her work, she strives to help women gain the confidence to make financial decisions that will secure their futures.
In her free time, you’ll find Sarah exploring the city on foot, discovering new cafés, and always on the hunt for the best matcha in town. She’s passionate about sports—especially boxing—and values balance, well-being, and staying curious.
Marketing Manager
Maria Szadkowska
Maria is a passionate researcher and strategist, curious about how people interact with technology and commerce in rapidly evolving digital landscapes. With over 5 years of experience across e-commerce, product development, and user research in Asia and Eastern Europe, she currently leads user research for 14 emerging markets at a global e-commerce platform. Maria has worked with Shopee and Parfums Christian Dior and holds a Master’s degree in E-Commerce from Wuhan University.
Driven by a desire to create positive impact and learn from inspiring stories, Maria joined IPWS to further develop both personally and professionally.
Marketing Manager
Sara Huang
Sara has over a decade of experience in the creative field, with a strong background in multi-channel design, including packaging, store visuals, and social media content, she brings a holistic approach to brand storytelling.
She has been contributing her photography skills to IPWS for over a year, capturing events and moments that bring the community to life. Passionate about using her strengths to support and connect with others, she looks forward to any potential opportunities for further cooperation in photography and creativity.
Marketing Intern
Wendy Chang
Wendy has graduated from SIAS University. She is now working in marketing in the skincare industry. She is also a member of WAFW(World Academy for the Future of Women). Through studying leadership at WAFW, She has also discovered her potential and become more confident. She is honored to be a member of IPWS and continue to be inspired and inspire others. She also wishes live a meaningful and fully expressed live.
Linda Lian
Linda received her Bachelor of Arts in English Translation from Zhengzhou University in Central China. After her graduation, she worked for different international corporates as Executive Assistant & Office Administrator. Linda has rich experience in improving office working vibe, organizing activities/events, and communicating with all stakeholders.
While she was in college, she joined a bold and daring leadership program World Academy for the Future of Women (WAFW), committed to developing women for leadership roles and achieving the United Nations’ Millennium Goals. As a WAFW member,
Linda joined project teams working on different aspects of community improvement, including Sunshine Angels Project which helps mentally and physically challenged children in Zhengzhou. Her IPWS journey started in 2017.
In Linda’s leisure time, she is fond of dancing and doing yoga. She is very passionate about social events and activities, especially for those ones related to empowering women.
Meet the 2024-25 IPWS Board Advisors
Board Advisor
Anna Lukina
Anna is a keen China observer with an entrepreneurial approach to business. Passionate about helping companies thrive in China, she specializes in market entry strategy, investment strategy, business deal structuring and negotiation.
As a cross-cultural communicator, part of the Chinese corporate law firm A&Z, she helps companies to identify crucial aspects of building a successful international business and the legal framework to support it. Anna has worked with numerous European and American clients, assisting multinationals, international SMEs, and groups to enter and expand in the Chinese market, and to navigate complex legal issues locally. A dynamic public speaker, Anna enjoys topics related to legal and business developments in China.
With an experience of 7 years in China, prior to working at A&Z, Anna was employed at one of the biggest Chinese corporate law firms. A University of Oxford alumna with a multicultural background, her professional experience also includes work at companies in the UK and in France.
Passionate about professional development and equal opportunities, Anna has been an IPWS board member since 2019. She wants to participate in making a positive change together with the entire IPWS community.
Curtis Baker
Regional Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) and Employee Experience (EX) Lead, Asia Pacific for Dow.
In this combined role, Curtis is responsible for driving and implementing the Inclusion & Diversity + Employee Experience strategy and providing expertise, consultation and support to business, functional, and ERG leaders and EX change champions in the region. Curtis advocates elevating the voices of Asian talents in Asia and globally.
After a 7-year career in the music industry in Nashville, TN, he relocated to Orlando, FL shifting careers to private education and international student programs. In 2013, ready for a new adventure, Curtis relocated to China to work with The Walt Disney Company China within the HR Talent Acquisition team.
His diversity and inclusion journey started as Curtis was the founder of the DisneyPRIDE Greater China (LGBTQ+ ERG) at both The Walt Disney Company Greater China and at Shanghai Disneyland Resort while also an active member of the Diversity & Inclusion Team for North Asia.
This was the first ERG for Disney in the Asia Pacific region. He later moved to Shanghai Disney Resort as the Diversity & Inclusion lead prior to joining Dow.
Curtis previously served on the ShanghaiPRIDE Executive Leadership team and continues to serve on the Out & Equal China Business Council. Curtis has been living in China for the past 9 years and finds the Asia Pacific region his home away from home.
Industry Advisor
Jessica Gleeson
CEO of BrighterBeauty
Financial Advisor
Jason C. Plas
Jason is a dynamic and results-driven professional with nearly two decades of leadership experience across operational and project management disciplines at The Walt Disney Company. Known for his collaborative leadership style and passion for empowering teams, Jason excels at transforming complex business processes and delivering measurable outcomes in highly matrixed, multicultural environments.
Throughout his career, Jason has held a range of strategic roles at Shanghai Disney and Walt Disney World Resorts. As Manager of Special Projects in Industrial Engineering at Shanghai Disney Resort, he spearheaded key initiatives to enhance both business operations and guest experiences, delivering comprehensive business requirements and leading the launch of innovative digital solutions such as the Integrated Reservation Platform. His tenure as Manager of IT Operations for Walt Disney Imagineering in the APAC region further showcased his ability to manage complex technology deployments and foster cross-regional collaboration.
Previously, Jason led the End User Services team at Shanghai Disney Resort, architecting a $3M+ annual operating plan and transforming IT support services for over 17,000 employees. His foundational expertise in workforce management technology was showcased through his work with Kronos system implementation and SAP integration, playing a pivotal role in preparing for the Shanghai Disney Resort grand opening.
Jason holds an MBA from Stetson University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Walt Disney Technology Vibrancy Award for Globalization. Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, Jason continues to lead with vision, integrity, and a focus on building empowered, high-performing teams.
In addition to managing IPWS financial accounts, Jason currently spends his time at home in Macau, supervising a fast-paced household with two young children, while exploring new professional opportunities in the financial sector.
Daria Krasnoperova
Daria is passionate about developing brands with 12 years of experience in China.
Based in Shanghai. With a diverse professional experience, as she worked in the areas such as Brand & Marketing, Business Development, Category Management and International Trade, in both B2C and B2B international companies with entrepreneurial environment.
She has international background working for European companies with international presence and strong focus on China and Asia markets. Daria enjoys working within multicultural environment.
For the past 2 years, she has worked at Nordisk, premium Danish outdoor brand with more than 120 years of history.
Daria took the leading role in setting up Nordisk Sales & Marketing office in Shanghai, building the brand and marketing activities from 0, including the development of Nordisk Social Media accounts, trade shows and offline events, established collaborations brands like Audi and Arc’teryx, and now leading the team on 3.
Daria speaks fluent English, Chinese (bachelor degree in Chinese language), Russian and basic Spanish.
Her desire to contribute to the community for women leaders led Daria to IPWS, where she has served as Marketing & Communications Executive and now the role of Membership Executive.
Cristina Tang
Founder & Director at Mei YaZHo
Board Advisor
Barbar Ex
Founder and CEO of WhiteSpace
Barbara Ex is the Founder and CEO of WhiteSpace, a PropTech startup that offers on demand team space – professionally operated external space for regular meetings, town halls, presentations, trainings sessions, and seminars.
Before launching WhiteSpace, Barbara had a long career in operations management and strategic consulting. She served as Executive Director of Business Transformation at Lenovo in Beijing. In the 1990s, she was a Principal Consultant at IBM, where she pioneered B2B e-business models in the manufacturing industries.
Barbara holds an MBA from London Business School and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from MIT.
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