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

HIP SteerCo President Natalia McGlinchey
Natalia McGlinchey
Head of HIP Steering Committee

Natalia moved to Germany in 2013 after living and working in several countries, including Hungary, the USA, France, South Africa, and Switzerland. She is a Hungarian citizen, is married with two children, and holds a master’s in finance & business administration. Outside of working part-time for a family-owned import-export company in the region, Natalia enjoys sports and social activities, including being a swimming teacher for young children. With her open mind and engaging personality, Natalia hopes to attract new members to the community.

HIP Steer Co Kara Szczesna
Kara Szczesna
Member of HIP Steering Committee

Kara is a brand designer, #change-catalyst, and a visionary with a bias for action. She helps future-focused companies to create strong brand experiences, to design visual communications, and to develop an inspirational brand culture. Her creative journey thrives in Heidelberg’s community, where she actively participates in local life, currently re-branding HIP itself and re-designing our website. With roots from Poland to the world, she aims to embody a cross-cultural perspective, infusing each creation with a unique blend of influences.

HIP Steer Co Houda Hallay
Houda Hallay
Member of HIP Steering Committee

Houda is French, living in Heidelberg since 2012. She is a versatile professional with a dynamic career that seamlessly bridges the realms of scientific research and strategic marketing within the biotech sector. With a PhD in molecular biology and a mini-MBA, Houda brings a unique blend of scientific acumen and business strategic thinking to her current role as a Marketing Program Manager. Houda is multi-passionate and likes to mentor young professionals, create digital content, photography, videography and other creative activities.

HIP Steer Co Dragana Hoeser
Dragana Hoeser
Member of HIP Steering Committee

Dragana works as a process engineer and project manager in the chemical and automotive industry. Her largest passion is optimization of processes in order to improve stakeholder satisfaction. She is implementing principles of various methodologies like Design Thinking, Business Analytics, Toyota Industries Business Practice, etc. She holds a master’s degree in Chemical & Process Engineering (University of Belgrade) and PhD in Mechanical engineering (ETH Zürich). Also, she enjoys being creative, working with kids and dealing with technical challenges from toys to chemical reactors. Her origins are from Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia, but since 2008 she has been gaining experience throughout Europe. Dragana has lived in Germany since 2020.

HIP Steer Co. Manuela Toteva
Manuela Toteva
Member of HIP Steering Committee

Manuela is a marketing and communications professional with +20 years of practice who was born in Bulgaria and has lived in Heidelberg since 2017. She has managed multiple projects for companies from Germany, Eastern Europe, UK and US in the software industry, metals, banking and finance, and wholesale. As an adjunct professor, she teaches strategic communications, digital marketing and intercultural management in a few prestigious European universities. She supports multiple causes dedicated to women’s empowerment, equal education opportunities, and cancer research. Her volunteering for HIP is focused on uplifting women professionals who are catalysts of positive change, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

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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Join HIP: Connect, Engage, Thrive - Happy women connecting and networking

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