We caught up with Rebecca Zistel from the Expatriate Professional Women's Society (EPWS) to find out a little bit more about the not-for-profit club. We found out that it's a woman's world out there.

What is the Expatriate Professional Women’s Society?
It’s a networking organization for women in Shanghai targeted at helping us enhance our careers. Anyone who is female and foreign can become a member, and it doesn’t matter what stage of your career you’re in. We have around 200 members whose ages range from under 30 to 50-plus. We’re self-employed, freelancers, directors and CEOs and come from across the world.

And how did you get involved?
Actually it was through a club fair hosted by this magazine that I attended when I first moved to Shanghai from Germany in December 2008.

What does EPWS offer its members?
We have a three-month mentoring program, WoMentoring, in which you get paired up with someone who works in your field. When I was looking for a job in marketing, my mentor helped me explore my options. We also have monthly Women of Vision meetings where members can share their thoughts on various topics. Our last one was entitled “Change,” and was facilitated by our president, K. Beate Richter. We also have breakfast, dinner and drink events featuring speakers and networking and social mixers like our recent beer tasting at Boxing Cat Brewery. Events cost RMB150-200 for members and RMB250-400 for non-members and extra funds are donated to local charities.

Best part of EPWS?
It’s a great way to establish a network. I’ve built a foundation with EPWS’ help and have made close friends who are very encouraging. Together we provide each other with a great support system.

Want to get involved? Check out the EPWS website for more details or send an email to info@epws-shanghai.org.