‘When we had some of our darkest moments, I know we all had some comfort knowing that we were there for each other, finding strength in the unexpected. Through it all we were brave TOGETHER.’
How did it get to be mid-March already? Is anyone else still tiptoeing around a little … just to be sure this is all still real?
We’re halfway through this IPWS season and I just wanted to finally take a moment to reflect on where we have been and where we are going! I can’t believe I have this incredible privilege in leading this community and now with an immeasurable amount energy and hope, we are redefining our lives!
It was just about a year ago, that for most of us, our worlds turned upside down. I always think I can try to put into words what 2022 was … but to me, it is still indescribable. And for now that is ok, because it is the past, and there is too much to look forward to hold on to that ridiculousness.
What I can put into words is the spirit of this IPWS community. When we had some of our darkest moments, I know we all had some comfort knowing that we were there for each other, finding strength in the unexpected. Through it all we were brave TOGETHER.
And what we have been through, well it has empowered all of us to make changes that we might not know we needed. Thank you for your support and your commitment to IPWS and to all of US!
When things were falling apart, I think that as a community, we grew stronger. I know I can personally say that ALL of you gave me energy, light and inspiration to keep pushing through. YOU still do!
Through all of this, we realized even more that we as women need other women in their lives who will support them unconditionally.
Women need other women who:
• Cheer us on
• Love us for us
• Know our value
• Be a mirror
• Stand in our corner no matter the storm
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”
– Amy Poehler
Now, as we enter our 30th year this month, we are committed more than ever to be that platform that connects the amazing women of Shanghai. From the beginning IPWS has brought women together through shared experiences, common interests and the desire to be the best versions of themselves. With this “restart,” we have the fantastic opportunity to both reconnect AND welcome new faces!
IPWS will continue to build a community where all women can:
• Communicate freely
• Support and take care of each other
• Create a space where women know and use their own strength
• Are empowered to use their voices to share their stories
And while that doesn’t always mean we agree on everything, we have the environment to be authentically ourselves. That is power of this community.
In order to do this, I am so excited to be able to finally announce our amazing Board who are taking us to the next level as we emerge from this three year journey. They are full of passion, new ideas and a commitment to all of you!
In addition, we will shine a bright light on the women that are creating our “New Shanghai.” We will continue to try new things, relevant topics and difficult discussions. Some will
work, and some won’t.
However, we are taking advantage of this chance to start our next chapter!
I am SO excited to announce the return of our Women Leadership Awards. The WLA recognizes women (and men) who have made a difference in our community and have forged paths for others to follow. We can’t wait to honor amazing women and men who play a critical role in creating the future we envision.
And finally, we will have a yearlong 30th anniversary celebration spotlighting the powerhouse women who built our community through the years as well as writing the new chapter for the next 30 years! There will be so many ways for us to grow stronger so we can be the change we demand.
And profound change can happen when women simply support each other. In a society where we are often undermined, undervalued and unsupported, we need each other more than ever. Don’t ever underestimate the power of women connecting, inspiring, growing and leading together.
