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

Erika Soeding - Finanzen

- German/Amercian Citizen living in the US since 1967
- Bachelor in business/banking
- Relocation Specialist
- Business Owner of global business, specializing in nutrition and
skincare
- Vacation rentals in Florida and northern Michigan
- Interests: reading, tennis, kayaking, x-country skiing,
gardening, traveling

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

Sara Furtwängler - Director of Communications

- German citizen living in the US since March 2008
- Studied in Konstanz, Germany (MA)
- Freelance Journalist
- Account Assistant at PR Agency

Erika Ofenhitzer - Director of Special Events

- German citizen living in the US since 1996
- Relocation and Intercultural Business Assistance
- Studied in Nuremberg, Germany (Banking and Finance)
- Interests: Family (including the furry members), digital design,
motorcycling, traveling

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