Clarisse Le Guernic
Founder and CEO
Arcade Experiences Shanghai
Clarisse Le Guernic is a 29 years-old French entrepreneur in Shanghai. She began her journey with the Chinese language at the age of 12 when her junior high school in France first offered Chinese courses. In 2015, Clarisse came to Shanghai to study at Fudan University. Her love for the city and its culture grew stronger during her time there.
After completing her studies, she decided to stay in Shanghai and pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. In 2020, she founded Arcade Experiences Shanghai, a company that specializes in organizing city tours and cultural outdoor activities. Her tours are designed to provide unique and immersive experiences for local residents and visitors, showcasing the best of Shanghai’s culture, history, and modern lifestyle.
Since 2024, she was appointed as an ambassador for international tourism promotion by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism. In this role, she has been actively involved in promoting Shanghai to a global audience through videos and TV-shows shootings, articles, and book publications.
Outside of her professional life, Clarisse has been an active board member of La Ruche, an association dedicated to supporting the professional and personal growth of French-speaking women in Shanghai. Over the past three years, she has led the association’s Entrepreneurs Group, helping women launch and grow their businesses in the city. She served as Vice President in 2023 and 2024 and currently serves as President of the association. In addition, she collaborates with Chambers and IPWS to organize Mentor Walks.
Cotton Ding
Cotton’s
Founder and CEO
My story started in 1994 when I was 17-years old. Finished high school, I began shining shoes in the street of my hometown in Hunan province. In 1997 I worked as a factory worker in the assembly line in a shanghai factory. In 1998 I traveled to Guangzhou worked as a waitress in the evening and I went back to university during the day.
At 23, I graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art majoring in design. In 2001, I moved back to Shanghai; couldn’t get a job in the design; l got a job as a bartender.
The experience as a bartender uncovered a genuine passion for people and hospitality. At 26 in 2003, I launched my very first restaurant bar named “Cotton’s” on Yue Yang Road. In 2005 Cotton’s An Ting rd opened its door. Cotton’s Xin Hua Rd opened in Oct 2008 just 3 year after. Hunan House opened July 2010. “Lychee” an Asian Fusion concept opened in sep 2017. My latest F&B adventure is Cotton’s Shimei bay. A brand opened in 2024, at a beautiful beach seaside In Hainan.
Cotton’s is one of first western restaurant and bar opened in Shanghai. It is a place for a community to come together and to exchange. From weddings to birthday parties, farewells to proposals, Cotton’s is a backdrop for all of life’s milestones, as well as press conferences, brand launches, movie festival, shanghai pride, black expo and regular meet-ups for a world of Shanghai consulates. We have a team of 50 employees and serve over 146,000 guest per year. Over 2 years, Cotton’s become a landmark and institution in shanghai’s F&B industry.
Industry Awards:
Best New bar in Shanghai 2006 Best Happy Hour 2007
Best Al-fesco Drinking Award by “City weekend” 2008 Best group Dinner
Personalty of the year 2009
Education
The Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art Graphic Design and education (1999-2002)
Community
Member of Toast Master Shanghai
Member Of EO ( Entrepreneur Organization) Shanghai
Daniela Sena
CEO
Continental Corporation
Daniela Sena is the CEO of Continental Corporation, an international consulting firm connecting Brazil, China, and the world through trade, innovation, and global business development. With over a decade of experience in Asia, she has built a strong career in international relations, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural leadership. Since moving to China in 2010, Daniela has led initiatives that bridge markets and foster partnerships between Latin America and China supporting hundreds of companies in expanding their global reach. She is also the founder of SheUp, a women’s empowerment platform that supports over 3,000 entrepreneurs from 65 nationalities across China.
Recognized for her impact and influence, Daniela has represented Brazil at major international forums, including the BRICS Summit in South Africa, and served as an Ambassador for the Asian Games in Hangzhou. She has been featured by global media such as the Wall Street Journal and invited to speak at the Alibaba Group’s “The World She Made” Conference. Her mission is to build bridges between cultures, empower businesses to thrive globally, and inspire the next generation of women leaders in international trade.
Natalie Lowe
The Orangeblowfish
CEO & Founding Partner
Natalie Lowe is CEO & Founding Partner of The Orangeblowfish, an award-winning creative and branding agency with its headquarters in Shanghai, China.
Born and raised in Australia, Natalie booked a one-way ticket to Singapore on the last day of her university exams and never looked backed. With both a client and agency background, Natalie has led high-profile projects across Asia Pacific, Europe and the US.
After working on the client and agency side for over a decade, Natalie and her business partner co-founded The Orangeblowfish in 2012, from their home-study. Fast forward to today, The Orangeblowfish has teams spanning China, South- East Asia and Australia. The Orangeblowfish comprises a talented team of strategists, designers and artists who solve business problems, leveraging storytelling, art, space, and technology. Natalie and her team work with Fortune 500 and local brands wanting to build a stronger brand equity in China and APAC. Clients include Hilton Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, Cartier, LinkedIn, lululemon, L’Oreal Group, Anta Sports Group, Chow Sang Sang, and more.
Renowned for her thought leadership, below is a list of Natalie’s recent achievements and community involvement:
2024 Women to Watch by Campaign Asia
2024 TEDx Speaker
Chair for the Creative Industries and Marketing Committee for The British Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai
Board Advisor to University of New South Wales Business School Alumni
Guest mentor and lecturer
Content That Works Coach for L’Oreal
We can’t wait to see you at the WLA Ceremony!
Join us for an afternoon of celebration at The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan, where we will honor this year’s remarkable winners and nominees over a sumptuous buffet lunch with free flow of house wine and beverages.
1. Champion a Meaningful Cause
IPWS is dedicated to empowering women professionals to lead the future. The WLA recognizes the achievements of outstanding female professionals (and supportive men) who are shaping their fields. Let’s change the narrative around women’s accomplishments and inspire others by celebrating those who stand tall for their causes.
2. Build Connections
An afternoon of meaningful conversations and new connections. Meet professionals from diverse industries, finalists, jury members, and the vibrant IPWS community in an atmosphere of inspiration and collaboration.
3. Celebrate with Friends
Celebrate a meaningful occasion with friends and colleagues. Book a group ticket for 5 or 10 people at a special rate and enjoy reserved seating together for an afternoon of connection and inspiration.
4. Gain Inspiration and Leadership Insights
Discover the winners across six categories and hear from our keynote speakers about their journeys to leadership. Their stories are sure to motivate and empower you!
Event Agenda
11:30 – 12:00
Registration
12:00 – 12:10
Welcome Address
12:10 – 13:20
Keynote Speech & announcing winners in 3 WLA categories
13:20 – 14:10
Buffet Lunch & Mingling
14:10 – 15:30
Keynote Speech & announcing winners in 3 WLA categories
15:30 – 15:45
Lucky Draw / Quiz
15:45 – 16:00
Closing Remarks & Group Photo
*IPWS reserves the right to alter the above agenda at its sole discretion.
Don’t miss this memorable evening! We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the WLA ceremony.
Scan the QR code to secure your ticket!
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