GPWA celebrates 10 years of Networking "Let me call special attention to the 10th anniversary of the German Professional Womens Association (GPWA), ... I am reluctant to single out one group for special praise, but I do have to say that the GPWA has provided outstanding service to its members and the German-American community in a relatively short time -- and I am very proud of them! I never cease to be amazed at all of the projects, activities, programs and initiatives these "go-getters" have undertaken. Congratulations!" Fred Hoffmann (Honorary Consul)

Who we are

The principle purpose of GPWA, Inc. is to provide a forum for German-speaking professional women:

• To assist and support one another professionally for
  career, education and business development
• To provide opportunities to network and develop business and
  social relationships
• To encourage exposure to the German culture and language
• To understand and help one another in cross cultural aspects

Mission Statement

GPWA Inc. is an organization dedicated to serving the business and cultural interests of German-speaking women in the United States. The association promotes business networking, the development of ideas and the exchange of information among German-speaking professional women.

Our Board Members

Christina Griesser - President

- German/American Citizen
- Interpreter/Translator
- studied in the US, Germany and France
- Previous employment included Account Manager for automotive
supplier
- Freelance assignments including translations and event planning
- Director for Customer Relations at Deutsche Schule Metro Detroit
(DSMD)

Beate Turner - Vice President

- German citizen living in the US since 1987
- Bachelor in Business
- Freelance assignments including interpreter, tour guide, board
member of the Deutsche Sprachschule Bloomfield
- Member of MiTiN (Michigan Translators/Interpreters Network)
- Interests: Volleyball, Tennis, Watersport, Travel

Rica Lade - Treasurer

- German citizen living in the US since 2003
- Previous employment includes General Management and Marketing
in the hotel business in Dresden and Stuttgart
- Musikgarten Teacher with certifications in English and German
- Teaching Early Childhood Music for 3 years
- 2006 she opened Rica's Musikgarten and is also teaching at the
Deutsche Schule Metro Detroit Troy and Acadia Montessori
Bloomfield Hills
- Interests: three kids, crafts, piano

Gisela Blevins - Secretary

- German citizen living in the US since 1972
- Previous experience includes 22 years in Public Relations at the
German Consulate in Detroit and 3 years managing a German
economic development office
- Freelance Translator
- Interests: Reading, Politics, Psychology, People, Gardening

Cornelia Schaible - Director of Communications

- German citizen living in the US since 2003
- Studied German Language and Literature, Politics in Tübingen,
Germany (MA)
- Postgraduate Studies in German Literature in Lausanne,
Switzerland
- Previous Employment as a Newspaper Editor in Germany
- Freelance Journalist and Photographer,
- German Language Instructor
- www.corneliaschaible.com

Kerstin Sigl - Webmaster

- German citizen living in Switzerland, before US and Japan
- Previous employment includes Internet Banking Consultant in
Munich, Germany
- Webdesign Studies in San Francisco
- Freelance Webdesigner
- Interests: 2 Sons, Tennis, Alpine Skiing, Tailoring