The event was opened and welcomed by Ms. Sherry Fu, Director of UoM China Centre. She introduced on UoM and how the university was supporting on women in leadership and entrepreneurship.  The first guest speaker was Ms. Siming Wang, who founded Soiree Xiaoheiqun (Little Black Skirt) which only sold black dress and skirts online. It soon got popularity and fast sales shortly after it was launched. ‘23000 black skirts sold out in 120 days’ was an astonishing record by Soiree. It’s innovative selling model attracted increasing public attentions. The Founder Ms. Wang shared with our alumni the stories behind the establishment of Soiree and what pushed her to startup own businesses. Ms. Yuanhong Zhou was our second guest speaker. She used to be a reporter in China Central Television Corp (CCTV). She was a senior leader in a leading Chinese enterprise before she founded her own company ‘Ayilaile (Housekeepers are coming)’, an online housekeeper reservation and payment platform. She shared with us her stories on how she evolved to be a leader as well as an entrepreneur. Both guest speakers gave wonderful speeches. There were no shortcuts or coincidence to be a successful leader and an entrepreneur. The speeches were followed by a panel discussion, joined by both speakers, Ms. Sherry Fu and Mr. Timo Lei, who was invited to join for on-site comments from a man’s point of view on women in leadership. Mr. Lei is our newly elected Chairman of UoM Alumni Association Shanghai as well as our alumni Entrepreneurship Mentor. Alumnae were actively engaged in the discussions. They raised questions, discussed with our guest speakers, and shared with all their own thinking and learning.

The event received positive feedback and the second Women in Leadership Forum would follow up soon in Shanghai. ‘Women in Leadership’ Alumni Group was held by UoM China Centre, to encourage more alumnae interested in the topic or already in leadership positions to share views and points.