Meet the team

CHAIR

Sher Singh NFBPWC - California
Sher currently serves in multiple leadership roles across international, national, state, and local levels of the Business and Professional Women (BPW) organization. She is the CFBPW JDEI Chair for NFBPWC, Arts & Culture Chair for BPW International, and President of Middletown BPW, NY, where she has been an active member for 11 years. Sher has a professional portfolio spanning 27 years and service in 17 civic organizations. Her experience includes serving as Cultural Equity President in Orange County, NY; trustee of a domestic-violence nonprofit for 18 years (six as president); and trustee for Garnet Health Systems for
10 years. She also holds certifications in dance therapy related to brain trauma and Alzheimer’s communities. Beyond BPW, Sher is deeply involved in Women’s Empowerment, training and mentoring unhoused women in job readiness. She has served as Co-Chair for the Community Accountability and Systems Performance Committees (SSF), as well as on the Advisory Board of HEC. Sher’s work also includes DEI, arts, and dance programs. Her professional career has included work at the United Nations, in education, public relations, and human services. She has facilitated diversity workshops for decades across nonprofits, corporations, educational institutions, and county programs.
Born in Guyana, South America, Sher grew up in a blend of cultures and has lived in several countries. She has three grown children in professional careers, and she has a passion for cultures, languages,
and dance.

Her wish is to explore what makes us unique and what connects us—using art and culture to uplift all women everywhere.

BPW International / India member Jalpa H Vithalani is a multifaceted visionary — business leader, artist, gallerist, farmer, philanthropist, and Reconnective Healing practitioner — who embodies the harmony of creativity and consciousness. Founder of Global Agritech (1998), she pioneered rose cultivation and introduced greenhouse technology in India, representing Dutch breeders Schreurs and creating meaningful employment for rural women. She leads Global Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s top three GSSA organizations representing 15 international airlines, and JTB Jupiter Express Services Pvt. Ltd., a leading logistics and freight forwarding company. She was recently felicitated with Women Business Professional of the Year 2025 at India Cargo Awards 2025. Jalpa also serves as State Director – Humans for Humanity (Maharashtra), driving the WASH project that promotes menstrual hygiene, women’s sanitation, and sustainable livelihood opportunities across India. As Founder and Creative Director of Cosmic Heart Gallery, an acclaimed art space in South Mumbai, she has transformed the gallery into a sanctuary where art, music, and spirit converge. Over thirteen years and more than 300 exhibitions, Jalpa has curated powerful dialogues between cultures — from exhibiting Indian masters and international artists to forging collaborations with National Gallery of Modern Art Delhi and Kolkata, the Indian Museum, the Consulate of Argentina, and the J.J. School of Art.Her curatorial vision transcends borders, blending artistic expression with purpose. Landmark public projects such as Eye of the Tiger with 200 village artists and Inner Realms seamlessly weave art with purpose — empowering communities, supporting conservation, and celebrating the universal language of creativity. Cosmic Heart Gallery’s participation in Art Bahrain Across Borders under royal patronage further established it as a global platform for cross-cultural exchange. Her life’s work transcends disciplines and borders — uniting the worlds of art, consciousness, and compassionate leadership into one luminous expression of purpose.A Reconnective Healing Foundational Practitioner which is backed by science and being on The Global Leadership forum, Jalpa has facilitated over 5,000 healings worldwide, guiding individuals and animals toward balance and transformation.

BPW Istanbul / Turkey member Esra Kiraz is an industrial designer. She is specialized in packaging and working as a designer over 25 years on that market. She is also teaching product design in the University and she is a founder lecturer in Packaging Design programme in Fatih Sultan Mehmet University in Turkey. Besides, she produces pop displays trade show booths and promotional products in her own company since 2015.

She is also working on software projects about managing the manufacturing process of paper packaging.

Added to all of these she also has a brand which is a food supplement for pets.

Her passion is to design creatively in every second of her life to create a better world.

NFBPWC-Michigan Affiliate member Susan Oser , currently works as an online ESL teacher and materials development writer for Carrot Global Solutions which is based in Seoul, South Korea. She has been working with the company for a little over 10 years.
Susan also writes for Patheos.com. Her Bio and link can be found here: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theangelwriterspiritualreal/author/soser/
She is a very active member in BPW where she is the current Health Committee Chair and LGBTQ+ liaison at the national level. In addition, she is the current editor of the Monday Minute which is a BPW/Michigan Legacy Federation bi-monthly newsletter as well as other capacities.
On the International level, Susan has been involved with the Arts and Culture Committee since the last term. She believes that artistic expression brings the world together more than politics ever could.
When Susan does not have a lot of things going on, she likes to be creative with coloring, crafting, and anything with music.
Her personal motto: Work hard, have fun, and embrace your authentic self.
 

BPW Thailand member

Chularat “Toyting” Israngkool Na Ayutthaya is an international realtor, consultant, and cultural entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women and connecting cultures. She serves as BPW International’s UN Representative in Geneva and at UNESCAP Bangkok. From 2021–2024, she was BPW International’s First Vice President to the United Nations, coordinating BPW’s global advocacy within the UN system.
Toyting holds a BA in Political Science and is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). She also advises three West African ambassadors, supporting cooperation between Thailand and West
Africa in trade, investment, and cultural exchange. In addition, she manages Serenity Lakeside Resort in Phuket, curating cultural programs and promoting Thai wellness traditions, including Himalayan singing bowls, Thai traditional massage, and holistic healing arts that integrate culture with wellbeing.
She is a recipient of the Red Cross Thailand Medal of Appreciation for her leadership and humanitarian work. With experience in over 60 countries across five continents, Toyting mentors women worldwide, encouraging creativity, confidence, and international understanding. A multilingual speaker and cultural connector, she uses her diverse skills to build unity across cultures and promote cross-border collaboration.
Her motto is: “One World, One Family.”

​

BPW Nigeria member

Olaronke Olajide is a driven Chartered Administrator passionate about empowering women and children. She's the founder of JeriHouse of Designs, a Nigerian jewelry manufacturing company that promotes African heritage through eco-friendly jewelry made from recycled materials. As a skilled jeweler, she's also the founder of the Jewelry Business Women Club, which supports women in the industry, growing it to nearly 1,000 members.

Professionally, Olaronke serves as Assistant Chief Identity Officer at the National Identity Management Commission and voluntary Project Manager of Restoration of the Dignity of Womanhood (ROTDOW), focusing on women's and children's welfare. She's a Country Representative of Young Business and Professional Women, Nigeria, and Assistant General Secretary of the Federation of Business and Professional Women, Nigeria.

Olaronke holds a Master's degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan and an Enterprise Skills and Development MBA from Eudoracity Business School. She's a trained jeweler from Burblespoke Jewellery Training School and a member of several professional associations, including the Chartered Institute of Administration and the Institute of Public Management.

BPW Italy

Maria Valentina Palmisano (Valentina Palmi), born in Bologna (Italy) in 1994, is an artist, researcher, artistic director, gallery owner, and teacher.

She graduated with honors in Painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, and her thesis titled "L'Aldilà è un Angolo stretto. Oltre la morte nell'arte contemporanea" (The Afterlife is a Narrow Corner: Beyond Death in Contemporary Art) was published by Pendragon Editore.

Since then, she has undertaken extensive artistic research on themes such as transcendence, verticality, and spirituality, all expressed through a distinctive personal style characterized by a swirling red mark.

Since 2022, she has been the artistic director of Studio la Linea Verticale, a contemporary art gallery in Bologna, Italy, which she co‑founded with Giovanni Avolio. The gallery focuses on emerging and established artists who explore ontological, metaphysical, and spiritual (“vertical”) themes and regularly participates in major local art fairs such as Arte Fiera Bologna.

She is currently pursuing a PhD in Art, History, Society at the Department of Arts of the University of Bologna.

She lives and works in Bologna.

​BPW Dominica

Marja Stedman, 
Marja (Lady Star) Stedman best describes herself as an extrovert and a people’s person. She is the CEO and Founder of Star Rise Consultancy, where her main mission is to help business places and individuals become the best versions of themselves. She creates tailored trainings to ensure that they are equipped to deliver
excellent service to both internal and external clients.
Marja is currently the second vice president of BPW Dominica, and plays an active role in the community.
She sings, performs in plays and movies, and hosts local shows and events. She is a natural entertainer and understands the value of being a role model for young girls and other women to look up to.
Marja is currently pursuing her BA in Marketing, and wants to continue to advocate for young women and children. She is elated to be a member of the A&C; Standing Committee, as she believes that Art and Culture is a wonderful way to help the youth recognize their passions and become outstanding members of society.

Her motto is: “The world is full of good people, if you can’t find one BE one.

BPW Brazil

Marta Bedin is a Brazilian visual artist and restorer. Her work brings together art and memory, using drawing and painting as tools to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the histories and heritage of cities, fostering a sense of belonging and care for the places where we live.

She also works in partnership with public administrators in the development of regional handicrafts and in the appreciation of artisans, promoting art as a means of cultural identity and social transformation.

Vice President of BPW Biarritz and Deputy Coordinator of BPW Latin America 

Paula Viñals  is a professional photographer who combines her training in Industrial Design with a deep passion for capturing stories. Her keen eye for structure and composition is reflected in her institutional photography work, where she creates meaningful and purposeful images. Paula finds her greatest photography inspiration in the magic of sunsets. The way light transforms the environment motivates her to constantly seek beauty in the everyday.
As Vice President of BPW Biarritz and Deputy Coordinator of BPW Latin America, she has found in this organization a space to enhance her career and her commitment to other women. Thanks to her teamwork, she actively participated in the development of the digital magazine Código Mujer 7600.
Through BPW, she has discovered and refined her passion for institutional photography, applying it to support the work of the network.
She has had her Nordic furniture business for over five years. Paula encourages women to develop their creativity and personal talent. She constantly seeks new ways to learn and grow in her profession,
analyzing the work of her colleagues and valuing connection with other professionals

BPW Malta
Lorraine Lewis  International Arts and Culture Bio ‒ Lorraine is Maltese national with a diverse skillset that worked to date in different sectors with International acclaimed designers and brands. She is also a graphic designer and an Artist.
The pride and joy of being in the Arts & design scenes and working on international design projects is the
opportunity to see design ideas come to fruition. Design that changes lives and cities alike. Design that either helped a nation to elevate it’s city to a

contemporary and sustainable era or seeing the value of design concepts
shifting the design perceptions to new heights. Design and works of Art, performance or an Interior design project
that changes a moment in the day or the life of an individual.
I studied History of Art at UOM and in 2016 I graduated in Liberal Arts as the first female graduate in Malta in this program. Currently I am prioritizing my Art and design projects to further promote contemporary and sustainable design worldwide.
From 2024, for a three-year term, as part of the ‘Arts & Culture Standing Committee’ for PBW International I wish to see the Arts & Culture website to be looking more professional and organized aesthetically. This also includes the refreshing of the logo. I also wish to see the promotion of great contemporary Art & Design concepts
worldwide from diverse backgrounds that will unify further the chaos in our planet and improve everyone’s quality of live for the better including a healthier planet. I am sure with the organizational outreach and the committee’s expertise we manage to delivery some great artistic and much needed messages.

BPW Nepal
Hemantika Rajya Laxmi Palikhe  Designer · Creator · Entrepreneur
Hemantika R.L. Palikhe is a multifaceted Nepali designer, entrepreneur, and cultural advocate working across architecture, interiors, fashion, furniture and accessories. She is the founder of PASA Design Studio, an architectural and interior practice that also undertakes construction; and the creator of “Lhayu”, a Luxury Nepali home goods brand showcasing Thangka, Paubha, pashmina, Tibetan carpets and handwoven textiles.
Building on this, she is developing “Heritage to Home”, an umbrella brand designed to house community-based initiatives like Lhayu, bringing the best of Nepali craftsmanship into contemporary
global markets.
A member of BPW Nepal since 2017, Hemantika serves as the Young UN Representative of Nepal and, from 2024, is a member of the Arts & Culture Standing Committee of BPW International for a
three-year term. In 2023, she was honored among the Top 7 Summit Women of the Year. She is currently researching the textiles produced in Nepal to work on paper regarding the same,deepening her commitment to cultural preservation and innovation.
Beyond her professional practice, Hemantika expresses her creativity through spoken word poetry and fashion styling, believing that art and design can transform spaces, lives, and communities.

Her motto: “Enhance everything you touch, even in small ways.”

BPW  São Paulo and BPW Natal/RN
Ham Edna Nyenhuis, a psychologist, entrepreneur, and social and cultural leader in the Amazon region, with over thirty years of continuous work in volunteer initiatives, women’s empowerment, and community development. As an entrepreneur and head of the Instituto HEVI da Amazônia, I lead structured projects that integrate education, sustainability, culture, and the creation of opportunities for women, families, and riverside communities in the State of Amazonas.
My professional, social, and cultural journey is marked by the implementation of programs focused on human development, strengthening women’s economic autonomy, and valuing traditional Amazonian knowledge. I work in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting actions for environmental preservation, productive inclusion, community governance, and the advancement of
women’s rights.
As a member of BPW São Paulo and BPW Natal/RN, and an active collaborator in initiatives of BPW Brasil and BPW International – Arts & Culture Committee, I play a significant role in building networks of female leadership, supporting entrepreneurship among Indigenous women and artisans, and developing events and initiatives with cultural and socio-environmental impact. My work reflects ethical rigor, strategic vision, and a permanent commitment to gender equity and sustainable development.
I am also a member of the Rotary Club District 4720 in Manaus/AM, where we coordinate emblematic projects, including the distribution of water filters to riverside communities, bio-instrument workshops
with local artists, sustainability training programs, and intergenerational cultural initiatives. In addition, I am a member of ALACA (Academy of Literature, Arts, and Culture of Amazonas) and the Casa do
Escritor. These efforts have contributed to expanding educational opportunities, preserving Amazonian culture, and significantly improving the quality of life of the communities we serve.
I value people, nurture social sensitivity, and am dedicated to volunteer work, reaffirming the role of women as transformative agents. My mission and purpose are to inspire, unite, and strengthen networks of women across Brazil and around the world, advancing female leadership and promoting sustainable social impact through concrete actions, intercultural dialogue, and commitment to future
generations.

Her motto: “Enhance everything you touch, even in small ways.”

BPW  Nepal

Prati Maya Pun is a dedicated Nepali social worker, entrepreneur, and community leader committed to women’s empowerment and rural development. As the proprietor of “Chhang Geen Woollen Industry Nepal”, she upholds the motto “Produce locally, promote globally,” creating sustainable economic opportunities for women through local production, skill development, and employment. Her core mission is to uplift the socio-economic status of women, fostering their independence, confidence, and personal growth. Beyond entrepreneurship, Ms. Pun serves as a Master Trainer for the P.A.C.E. Program (Gap Inc.) under the Federation of Business and Professional Women Nepal (BPW Nepal) since 2022, contributing to women’s capacity building and leadership development. She is also a Standing Committee Member of the BPW International Art and Culture Committee and an active member of BPW Nepal (2022‒2024). As the former President of BPW Sunakothi, she has led impactful programs in health and legal awareness, literacy, socio-economic empowerment, and environmental conservation, making her a strong advocate for inclusive and sustainable community growth. commitment to gender equity and sustainable development.
I am also a member of the Rotary Club District 4720 in Manaus/AM, where we coordinate emblematic projects, including the distribution of water filters to riverside communities, bio instrument workshops with local artists, sustainability training programs, and intergenerational cultural initiatives. In addition, I am a member of ALACA (Academy of Literature, Arts, and Culture of Amazonas) and the Casa do
Escritor. These efforts have contributed to expanding educational opportunities, preserving Amazonian culture, and significantly improving the quality of life of the communities we serve.
I value people, nurture social sensitivity, and am dedicated to volunteer work, reaffirming the role of women as transformative agents. My mission and purpose are to inspire, unite, and strengthen networks of women across Brazil and around the world, advancing female leadership and promoting sustainable social impact through concrete actions, intercultural dialogue, and commitment to future
generations.

Her motto: “Enhance everything you touch, even in small ways.”

BPW  São Paulo and BPW Natal/RN
Andrea Acosta

Vision as an Architect and Member of the Art Committee (2024-2027)
Within the Art Committee, my goal is to merge architecture with art, promoting the design of spaces that are not only habitable, but also enrich the aesthetic
experience of the inhabitants. I understand that art has a transformative power, capable of strengthening the cultural identity of communities, and I believe that architecture should reflect this potential, creating environments where art and everyday life intertwine.
I am committed to projects that not only address urban development in cities with diverse challenges, but also include architectural design to improve the quality of life in communities both large and small. The art of design is essential in planning, as current constructions reflect the history of humanity: its heritage, materials,
construction processes, and lifestyles. These elements are fundamental to our
culture, and by looking to the past, we can better understand the present and build a more sustainable future for generations to come. As a young BPW, I would like to be part of the committee for design projects focused on building social housing and organizing Painting Workshops for children, youth, and adults.

Objectives:
1. Integrate art into social housing projects: My goal is to combine art and design in the planning of social housing, creating spaces that reflect cultural identities and strengthen residents' sense of belonging.
2. Foster collaboration between architects, artists, and communities: I will promote joint work between these groups to develop projects that merge functionality and aesthetics, incorporating public art that inspires and beautifies spaces.
3. Promote sustainability through art and design: I will seek to incorporate recycled materials and eco-friendly design practices into projects, connecting communities with their natural environment through art.
4. Train local artists in architectural design and urban planning: I will implement training programs for local artists to get involved in urban projects, improving their skills and participation in improving the urban environment.

Skills I bring to the Committee:
My background as an architect allows me to bring a technical and creative vision. I bring an innovative and functional approach to design and a strong understanding of how to integrate art into architecture in a harmonious way. I also have a deep
commitment to sustainability and social inclusion, values that will guide my work on the Committee.
I am convinced that the integration of art and architecture can positively transform communities, creating environments that are not only habitable, but also inspiring
and culturally enriching. I am committed to contributing my knowledge and skills to the success of the Art Committee during the 2024-2027 period.
 

BPW Curitiba 

Cleonice Gomes de Lima (Cléo Lima)

Activities:
• Employee of the Court of Accounts of Paraná since 1993
• Teacher and Pedagogical Coordinator at the School of Public Management - TCE-PR
• Coordinator of 7 postgraduate courses at the School of Public Management, in partnership with universities
• Participation in the implementation of the Competency Management process at TCE/PR
• 22 years of experience in Corporate Education, including the organization of courses, seminars, and congresses (national and international)
• Over 100 hours of Group Coaching and Individual Coaching sessions
• Speaker focused on personal development (including empowerment of girls and boys)
• Participation in podcasts, as both interviewer and interviewee
• Coordinator of the Culture Committee of BPW Brazil – 2023/2025
• Coordinator of the Sustainability Committee of BPW Curitiba – 2023/2024
• Vice President of BPW Curitiba – 2025/2026

Education:
• Bachelor's Degree in Economic Sciences – Federal University of Paraná
• FAE – Catholic College of Administration and Economics:
  - Postgraduate in Business Administration – Human Resources
  - Postgraduate in Accounting Sciences – Accounting Auditing
  - MBA in Public Management – Emphasis on External Control
• International Certification as Master Trainer Coach – Brazilian Coaching Institute (500+ hours)
• Behavioral Analyst – Assessment
• Training in Group Coordination – Brazilian Society of Group Dynamics (SBDG) – 304 hours
 

BPW Nepal

Ira Sharma Prasai worked in the Government of Nepal for 18 years, serving as a Senior Officer before
turning her passion for travel and culture into a thriving career in tourism. She is the Director of Karnali Jungle Camp in Bardiya National Park, a family-run eco-tourism destination that celebrates nature and wildlife. She also founded Keley Travel and Tours, a travel company dedicated to creating authentic experiences while showcasing Nepal’s beauty and heritage. Through her ventures, Ira actively promotes local art and culture, believing that tourism should enrich both visitors and communities.
Alongside her business journey, Ira has been a strong advocate for women’s leadership and empowerment. She was the Founder President of BPW Budhanilkantha and served as the South and Central Asia Sub-Regional Coordinator of BPW International (2021–2023), connecting women
entrepreneurs across borders. Currently, she contributes as the Secretary of Nepal Women Chamber
(2024) and Executive Member of the Women Committee at FNCSI. Blending her years of public service with entrepreneurial vision, Ira continues to inspire through her work in tourism, culture, and women’s empowerment. She believes in building opportunities that are sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in values.

BPW Lebanon

Claudia Boustany

She is a Lebanese national, graduated from USEK University in 1985 with a degree in Business Administration, while also pursuing professional musicology studies. She began her career in her family’s telecommunications business, but a serendipitous meeting with the renowned Rahbani family unveiled her artistic talent and launched her into the world of performance. In 1984, she starred as the lead in the Christmas TV comedy Papa Noel's Journey (Santa Claus’ Journey), followed by roles in children’s programs like Abwab Al Madina (1986), and as a supporting actress in the iconic Rahbani play Sayf 840 (1987‒1992). In 1995, she released her debut album Claudia 95, blending original music with Fairuz classics.

After marrying in 1996, Claudia shifted focus to her family and creative passions, founding YATOU, a handmade design business. Committed to community empowerment, she joined the Arab Women’s League and, in 2014, became an active member of BPW Lebanon. Her leadership as Head of the Arts and Culture Committee since 2018 has brought cultural exhibitions to France, Switzerland, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain.

Today, Claudia continues to lead YATOU, participate in women’s organizations, and conduct workshops that empower women through arts, crafts, and entrepreneurship.