International Women’s Day Event: Speaker Introductions

Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi are looking forward to hosting a special event in honour of International Women’s Day in just under two weeks, on Tuesday, 8 March.

International Women’s Day 2022 is based on the theme ‘Break the Bias’:

Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women's equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

In honour of this theme, our event titled Perspectives on Systems, Culture and Equality in the 21st Century will bring together a range of exciting speakers who will explore how systems, organisations and culture impact on equality.

Tuesday, 8 March 2022
Middle House, 366 Shi Men Yi Road, Jing’an, Shanghai
6:00pm to 9:00pm

Due to strong demand,  we have opened several more spaces for this event. This is a free event, but due to capacity limits attendance is by RSVP only. To register your attendance, scan the QR code at the bottom of the article, or click ‘Read More’ at the bottom of the page.

Proceeds from the event will benefit 
Educating Girls in Rural China.
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Let’s meet our special guests for the evening:

Panel Chair
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Lena Gidwani, Urban Family

A ‘fourth culture child’, Lena Gidwani brings over 20 years of experience in education and business development.A native of Singapore, Lena left the island at the age of 2 and lived in several countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, USA and Australia, before moving to Guangzhou in 2002.

A lifelong learner, Lena has an undergraduate degree in International Business from the University of Technology Sydney, a Master’s degree in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Southern Queensland, a Diploma in Early Years Education and a Post-graduate Degree in Primary Education from the University of Sunderland, a Certificate in Leading Schools (CSML) from Harvard University, a Post-graduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and a Certificate in College Advising from Columbia University.

Lena is currently the Director of Community and Communications at the Canadian International School of Guangzhou (CIS). In addition to her role at school, she is also Editor-in-Chief of Urban Family magazine, a China-wide, English publication that falls under the That’s Shanghai, GBA and Beijing umbrella. Lena currently writes for various magazines and quality publications in China and around the world such as Nihao (China Southern’s inflight magazine), South China Morning Post, China Daily, Golf Digest, Expat Living, Beyond, Her Magazine, Vogue, Conde Nast, Asian Hotel and Catering Times, CEI Asia, TTG, Jetstar, and several others.

Guest Speakers
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Mattie Bekink: The Economist

Mattie Bekink is responsible for the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network’s China strategy, including programme development and client engagement across China.

Ms Bekink has extensive experience in the public, private and policy sectors. Prior to joining The Economist Group, she was the Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in the Netherlands. She also ran an eponymous consulting business, advising businesses, universities and non-profit organisations on China policy, strategy, public affairs, and CSR. Ms Bekink practiced law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, has worked with the US-Asia Law Initiative at NYU Law School and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative China Program, and served in the legal department at General Motors China.

Ms Bekink has a BA in International Relations from Stanford University and a JD from the Georgetown University Law Center.

Sharon Tsui: naked Group

Sharon Tsui has more than 20 years of professional experience in Brand consultancy and Public relations. Her area of expertise includes brand positioning, brand communications, brand management and rich experiences in public relations. Over the years she has worked closely with many MNCs, local companies as well as multiple government organizations. She has more than 15 years of leadership experience, which makes her management skills on par with her professional knowledge and experience.

Sharon worked at many different companies under the WPP Group, one of the largest communication groups in the world, where she focuses on advertising, PR, brand consultancy, social media etc. Prior to naked Group her roles include MD of MSFAA Consulting, GM of SAC PR (Ogilvy/ Shanghai advertising), GM of Mind Vision Brand Communications, Director of The Brand Union, Senior Consultant of Ogilvy PR, Account Director of Framework Advertising etc.

Sharon current role is Chief Brand Officer of naked Group, leading naked Retreats marketing as well as in charge of branding and public relations at naked Group level. Sharon earned an EMBA degree from Antai /Kedge Business School, she is also actively involved in many non-profit organisation to support communities.

Julie Stern: Education to Save the World

Julie Stern is passionate about synthesizing the best of education research into practical tools that support educators in breaking free of the industrial model of schooling and moving toward teaching and learning that promotes sustainability, equity, and well-being. She is a four-time, best-selling author of Learning That Transfers: Designing Curriculum for a Changing World, Visible Learning for Social Studies, and Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding, Elementary and Secondary. She is a James Madison Constitutional Fellow and taught social studies for many years in Washington, DC and her native Louisiana. Julie moves internationally every few years with her husband, a US diplomat, and her two young sons.

Sherry Fu: University of Manchester, BritCham Shanghai

Sherry is the founding director of the University of Manchester China Centre. She manages China Centre’s business strategies, alumni relations and partnerships in the region. Sherry was appointed as an envoy to Manchester China Forum in 2013 and awarded ‘Pilot of Chinese business education’ and other influential awards at municipal and national levels in recent years. She holds Masters’ degree in Contemporary literature in London as well as MBA degree from the University of Manchester. She sits on the board of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (2012, 2014, and 2016) and currently serves as vice chair of the Education Focus Group. She published a few books such as overseas Chinese corporate reputation and Preparing for multiple challenges on the Belt and Road. She lives in Shanghai with her family.

Linian Li: Modern Water, BritCham Shanghai

Linian Li is managing and developing Modern Water's business in China and formulating company 's strategy. She has double master degrees, MBA in Natural Resources Energy & Environment from University of Alberta, Canada and Master in Management, Grande Ecole Programme from EDHEC Business School, France. An executive with more than ten years of management experience in sales, marketing, business development, project management, corporate strategy, personnel, P&L and general management in international companies, including JCDecaux, GM Europe GmbH, Carat, Rouse & Co., International. And a self-motivated strategic thinker with determination and effective leadership skills possess extensive real life experience in the business and social cultures of Asia, Europe and North America. Linian got Women Leadership Awards—Innovator of the Year in 2021. 

Verona Zhu: Educating Girls in Rural China

With multi-industry working experience, began from Physician of Ruijin Hospital, stepping into life insurance industry (AXA & Allianz) with roles of underwriting, claims and business development, worked for Citibank China as Product Head, responsible for P&L and Strategy, now fundraiser of EGRC. A lifelong learner with curiosity to explore the changing age.

Due to strong demand,  we have opened several more spaces for this event. This is a free event, but due to capacity limits attendance is by RSVP only. To register your attendance, scan the QR code at the bottom of the article, or click ‘Read More’ at the bottom of the page.