On February 21, 2013, Shanghai Party Secretary Han Zheng, Deputy Shanghai Party Secretary Yin Yicui and other senior officials met with the 10 Shanghai Leading Professional Women, including AllBright partner Theresa Qiu, in a ceremony held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center to acknowledge their outstanding performance in their respective professions.

The Shanghai Leading Professional Women is an annual municipal honor to recognize the 10 most outstanding women professionals in the metropolitan area.

Ms. Qiu is the first lawyer to win this award. Her peers, who were also recognized at the ceremony, included a scriptwriter ranked as one of China’s National First Class Scriptwriters, scientists or researchers that specialized in aerospace, transport planning and microelectronics, as well as veteran medical professionals. Five of the 10 honorable members hold a PhD. degree.

Mr. Han said the year of 2013 is a key year to achieve the mid-term target of Shanghai’s Twelfth Five-Year Plan to boost the development of women and children in the city. He said the 10 outstanding women awarded showcased women’s great contribution to society with their professional skills. Shanghai is proud of being home to these exceptional women and expects them to lead the 13 million Shanghai women by setting good examples , Mr. Han commented.

Mr. Han encouraged them to make further contributions by harnessing their professional skills for the development of Shanghai, which is in the midst of structural reform and innovation-driven growth.

Vice Shanghai Mayor Shen Xiaoming and Deputy Shanghai Party Secretary Yin Yicui congratulated the winners and delivered speeches at the ceremony. The Shanghai Women’s Federation Party Secretary Jiao Yang delivered a welcoming note while the Shanghai Women’s Federation Chairwoman Zhang Lili announced the winners.