She Leads: A Night of Mentorship and Empowerment
The 2025 She Leads event, co-organized by the French Office in Taipei, the French Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, and French Tech Taiwan, with the support of L’Oréal, was a remarkable evening dedicated to celebrating and supporting women’s leadership across various industries. Held at Opera Bar in honor of International Women’s Day, the event brought together inspiring leaders, mentors, and professionals for a night of insightful discussions, mentorship, and networking.
Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Empowerment
Designed to foster dialogue and mentorship opportunities, the event created a platform for women to share experiences, receive guidance from accomplished mentors, and build meaningful professional connections. The discussions emphasized the importance of representation, mentorship, and collaboration in advancing gender equality.
Women in Politics Panel
The evening opened with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring influential female leaders who are driving change in the political sphere:
- FAN Yun – Legislator and advocate for social justice and gender equality
- MIAO Po-ya – Taipei City Councilor and human rights activist
- LEE Yen-jong – Director of the Gender Equality Department at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
- KUO Chia-yo – President of the Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association
These speakers shared their journeys, the challenges they have faced, and their vision for a future with greater female representation in leadership roles. One of the key moments of the discussion was when a participant asked, “They don’t think I do things women do and expect men’s standards from me. How should I get them to focus on my politics and not gender orientation?” This question sparked a meaningful conversation on overcoming gender biases in leadership.
Mentorship Sessions
Following the panel, participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive mentorship sessions led by seven accomplished professionals from diverse backgrounds:
- Cynthia Chang – Asia Director of Tweener (French agency specialized in eco-design and eco-enginery)
- Ming Lung Chang – Director at EDF Renouvelables Taiwan
- Melody Chen – Data Analyst Air Liquide and Board Member of La French Tech Taiwan
- Victoria Huang – Section Chief at NSTC
- Eva Leihener-Stefan – CEO l’Oréal Taiwan and Chairwoman French Chamber Taiwan
- Cerise Phiv – Co-Founder of Symaps.io (French AI Software) and Co-President of La French Tech Taiwan
- Dr. Cho Hsin Su – Professor of International Relations at NCCU
These mentors provided career advice, shared personal experiences, and guided participants in navigating challenges within their respective industries. The small-group format allowed for open discussions and meaningful exchanges between mentors and attendees. As one mentor insightfully shared, “Don’t wait for permission to lead; take the first step and own your journey.” This powerful statement underscored the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating professional spaces.
Networking Session
The evening concluded with a dynamic networking session, where participants had the opportunity to continue conversations in a relaxed setting. This final part of the event facilitated new connections, collaborations, and a strengthened sense of community among women professionals.
Key Takeaways from She Leads 2025
- Representation Matters: The panelists emphasized the importance of women in leadership roles and the impact of visibility in politics and decision-making positions.
- Mentorship is Transformative: Personalized advice and shared experiences from mentors helped participants gain valuable insights into career growth and overcoming challenges.
- Networking Strengthens Community: Connecting with like-minded professionals fosters collaboration, support, and opportunities for future partnerships.
- Empowerment Through Knowledge: The event highlighted the role of knowledge-sharing in breaking barriers and promoting gender equality in various industries.
A Lasting Impact on Women’s Leadership
The 2025 She Leads event reaffirmed the importance of empowering women through mentorship, dialogue, and collaboration. By creating a space for knowledge-sharing and professional growth, this initiative contributes to a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in leadership.
A heartfelt thank you to all the panelists, mentors, and attendees who made this event such a success. Your participation and engagement continue to drive progress toward greater gender equality and leadership opportunities.