About

About HIP

We strive to foster meaningful connections between those charting new courses and those who serve as beacons of inspiration through their expertise and community contributions.

Our Mission

Our core mission is to cultivate an enriching space where ideas flow freely, experiences are openly shared, and skills are refined, all with the overarching goal of propelling both personal and professional trajectories forward. 

In alignment with our vision, we hold steadfast to a set of guiding principles:

  • Empowering the advancement of women
  • Fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development
  • Nurturing peer mentorship and support through vibrant networking
  • Infusing every endeavor with a spirit of joy and camaraderie
Our History

Founded in 2007 as an informal network of international women in the Rhein-Neckar region by Shuchi Sharma, who was soon joined by Fabiana Bianchi, Jennifer Watson, Frédérique Thiriet-Smith and Stefanie Gerlach, who believed in building a space for international professional women to connect, learn, and grow together in Heidelberg.

Many of these brilliant women are still part of HIP today — actively shaping, supporting, and cheering on the community they helped create.

Registered Association

The official establishment of HIP as an association in 2020 was made possible through the dedication and vision of Martina Knobloch, Wiebke Wetzel, Maria Barros Weiss, Frédérique Thiriet-Smith, and Pooja Mohnani who drafted the charter, registered HIP as an association, and set up the essential structures, processes, and accounts. They turned an inspiring idea into a recognised and dynamic entity.

Thanks to their efforts, HIP has grown into a welcoming and influential network within the Heidelberg region.

HIP Charter

Join our welcoming community for relaxed business networking and connections.

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Explore your professional ideas and dreams, and gain new skills in our supportive environment.

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Receive encouragement, support, and feedback while enjoying fun-filled events throughout the year.

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HIP Steering Committee

Natalia McGlinchey
President

I am Natalia McGlinchey from Hungary and happy to put my name forward for another term on the board. Working for small family-owned businesses has helped me to adapt to all kinds of situations and multitask when necessary ☺ Being part of steering committee as a board member and then as a president in the last three years has been a truly rewarding experience. I have loved watching our community grow, evolve, and thrive. What makes HIP so special is the incredible group of women behind it, supportive, inspiring, and always willing to contribute their time and energy. Together, I believe we can build on what we have achieved, create new opportunities for our members, and keep strengthening the sense of community that makes HIP such a wonderful association.

Kara Szczesna
Vice President & Communications Director

I’m Kara Szczesna from Poland, a brand strategist, designer and founder of Karakon Studio. Since joining HIP three years ago, I’ve somehow acquired a second unpaid full-time job building websites, newsletters, social media channels, event systems, visual identities, SOPs, and occasionally convincing people that deadlines are, in fact, real. I hope to continue helping HIP grow its visibility, strengthen its operations, and tell the story of our community in a way that attracts the right people, partners, and opportunities. My mission remains simple: keep HIP looking good, running smoothly, and occasionally pulling off things that should probably require a much larger budget and a much bigger team!

Gabriela Lejko-Ragan
Treasurer

My name is Gabriela Lejko-Ragan, I grew up in Czechoslovakia, Hungarian by heart, carrying German and Swiss passport. I am pleased to put myself forward for the role of Treasurer. I have been a committed member since moving from Switzerland to the Heidelberg area eight years ago. Having worked in finance and international corporate environments, including an assignment in the United States, I bring strong financial, organizational, and strategic skills to the role. As a multilingual European speaking six languages, I value connecting people across cultures and would be honored to support the continued growth and success of our community.

Ritu Patil
Social Media Coordinator

I am thrilled to be part of the Steering Committee for the Heidelberg International Professional Women's Network. For those I haven't met yet, my name is Ritu Patil from India. Professionally, I work as a communications lead within the Cross Delivery Unit at SAP, backed by a background in event management, stakeholder engagement, and community building. I will be focusing on shaping and elevating HIP's social media strategy, with a special emphasis on LinkedIn. Working alongside Saba and Xixi, my goal is to build a vibrant online space to highlight our members’ achievements, amplify our events, and strengthen our professional network.

Bethany Reichenmiller
Workshop & Professional Development Coordinator

My name is Bethany from the USA. With experience in international organizations and steering committees, I am hoping to bring this experience and energy to benefit HIP. As a small business owner, I am locally rooted but globally minded through my many moves and will bring these perspectives and ideas to the steering committee.

 
Tabea Isabelle von Grünewaldt
Public Relations Coordinator

My name is Tabea Isabelle von Grünewaldt. I’m a writer, producer and creative director based in Heidelberg, with a strong focus on storytelling, visibility and community-building. I have been supporting HIP with PR and communications, and I’m excited to continue helping amplify the club’s voice, events and mission. Through my work, I want to contribute to making women in Heidelberg more visible, connected and empowered.

 
Maria Boux Morganti
Newsletter Editor & Digital Support

My name is Maria Morganti Boux, I am a marketing proessional with more than 20 years of experience, currently serve as Head of Marketing & Communications for a biomedical research innovation hub based in Heidelberg. Originally from Milan, Italy, I have been living in Germany for the past 14 years and I am also a monther ot two teenagers. HIP has been a valuable source of inspiration and connection for me, and I am excited to contribute by managing the HIP newsletter, supporting the digital infrastructure, and helping with website management.

 
Saba Mehari
Events Coordinator

My name is Saba Mehari, and I live in Heidelberg. As someone with Eritrean roots, community has always been an important part of my life. Professionally, I work as an Employment Advisor at the Jobcenter and as a Certified KinFlex® Practitioner. Within HIP, I will coordinate community events and activities that bring people together, create meaningful connections, and strengthen our community through shared experiences.

 
Sandra Vollmer
Membership & Community Platform Coordinator

Hi, I’m Sandra from Heidelberg, Germany. I am a married mother of two daughters and work as an IT Project Manager in the Financial Services sector. As a woman in IT consulting, I am passionate about female empowerment and strengthening the role of confident women in traditionally male-dominated industries. I look forward to fostering meaningful connections and creating a strong sense of community within the HIP network.

 

HIP Events

Discover what's on the agenda—explore our event calendar for a lineup of Nights Out in Heidelberg, online and on-site workshops, and other networking opportunities!

Check Out the Calendar

HIP Networking Brunch

Here for the famous HIP Networking Brunch? Our annual event on October, 19th was a blast! Follow our social media channels for coverage and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date for the next year's edition!

Join the Club

HIP Membership

Join the HIP family today and unlock a world of opportunities to thrive both professionally and personally. Connect with like-minded women, gain valuable insights, and embark on a journey of empowerment and growth. Ready to grow?

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