Left: Li Li, Stewart J. Greenleaf, Mei Fang Zhang, Shao Jun Yao, Guo Ying Qin, Santana Mecca

Women leaders in politics, business, and design from the United States and China voiced their different opinions on how to empower women and move ahead in the workplace at a recent symposium held at the United Nations in New York.

A symposium and charity gala dinner was hosted by the China Women’s Development Foundation (CWDF), the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA) and the Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation (SACAF), at the United Nations Headquarters.

The international list of distinguished speakers, panelists, and attendees included Ann De La Roche, Chief of Operation UNOP; Qin, GuoYing, Vice Chairwoman & Secretary General of China Women's Development Foundation; Kristin Hetle, Director of Strategic Partnerships Division UN Women; Zhang, MeiFang, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in NY; Yao, ShaoJun, Chief of the Social Affairs of the Permanent Mission of China to UN; Stewart J. Greenleaf, State Senator of Pennsylvania; Peter Zhang, President of Sino-American Friendship Association; Li, Li, President of Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation; Cindy Ye, President of ANL Express and other special guests.

 
Stewart Greenleaf, State Senator of Pennsylvania, gives a speech

 
Qin, Guoying gives a speech

The event started with a leadership symposium between leaders in business, fashion, and international affairs. “In the context of globalization, this exchange between cultures and countries has benefitted women greatly and has expanded and given them more rights," said Qin, GuoYing, Vice Chairwoman & Secretary General of the CWDF. The symposium not only allowed leaders to meet and discuss important societal issues, but also helped to connect China with other organizations and promote development, philanthropy and future projects. The role of women was certainly made clear and their role is now more important than ever.

 
Qin, Guoying gives a speech at the charity dinner

  
Qin, Guoying, Ann De La Roche and Lili take a photo together

The symposium was followed by a charity dinner supported by Tiffany & Co., ANL Express, Frallain Inc., CREALAB Studios LLC, MODU, and RABLABS to benefit the “Water Cellar for Mothers” Project, which supports poverty stricken women and families in both China and Kenya. More than 40 exquisite works from well-known artists from Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa were auctioned off. All proceeds from the auction were donated to the charities. Speeches were given by industry leaders and officials, highlighting the importance of the event and congratulating organizers on the success of the day. The evening was a memorable night as guests dined together and shared ideas with each other to show their support of empowering women everywhere.

Exquisite works from well-known artists display