NYU Shanghai’s 2025 I AM LIMITLESS Conference, held from March 3 to 14, showcased a dynamic lineup of events aimed at empowering students through industry insights, social impact discussions, and career exploration.
Among its standout sessions was the Social Impact Panel: Shaping Equity and Diversity with Organizational Strategy, a collaboration between NYU Shanghai and polymer manufacturing giant Covestro, and marked the launch of the 2025 Qiantan Leadership Forum under the theme “Accelerate Action.”
This panel featured three distinguished speakers from diverse professional backgrounds, offering compelling perspectives on inclusive leadership, corporate strategy, and sustainable innovation.
Distinguished Voices on Leadership and Inclusion
The discussion featured Hua Jiang, NYU Shanghai’s chief communications officer, whose remarkable four-decade career spans journalism, diplomacy, and international communications. Jiang’s insights into global communication and leadership resonated deeply with the audience. She reflected on the role of diversity in shaping resilient leadership: “Leadership is not about being in high positions. lt is about making an impact and being a master of your life.”
Joining her was Covestro CFO Christian Baier, an NYU Stern alumnus, who brought a business executive’s perspective on diversity-driven innovation. “My career has been shaped by diverse teams,” Baier remarked. “Embracing different perspectives fuels growth and creativity.”
The entrepreneurial lens was provided by Guo Xiuling, who was born in Inner Mongolia’s Alashan Plateau and founded Sandriver, a luxury fashion brand specializing in high-quality cashmere. Guo has spent over three decades elevating traditional craftsmanship onto the global stage, taking the brand to Paris Fashion Week for eight consecutive years. Beyond fashion, she has empowered hundreds of local artisans, offering them career pathways and opportunities to step beyond their hometowns. “I built a brand rooted in my homeland, but with a global vision,” Guo told the audience. “To lead is to challenge perceptions and refine your craft with relentless passion.”
A Lively Exchange of Ideas
Moderated by Holly Lei, president of Covestro China, the 30-minute discussion provided a platform for thought-provoking dialogue on DEI’s role in business strategy and the future of leadership. A seasoned leader in the STEM industry and a vocal advocate for workplace inclusivity, Lei has been named to Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women in Business in China” and Forbes China’s “Women in Tech” list.
Computer science major Vivian Chen ’25, who hosted the event, said that the talk offered a valuable opportunity for students to engage directly with top executives, entrepreneurs, and global changemakers.“Hearing from industry leaders who are truly shaping the future was inspiring,” she said “It’s one thing to discuss DEI in theory, but seeing how it translates into real-world impact was eye-opening.”
Bridging Academia and Industry for a More Inclusive Future
The 2025 Qiantan Leadership Forum underscored the evolving role of diversity, equity, and inclusion as strategic imperatives for innovation and organizational growth. “Differences should not be barriers but the nutrients that fuel growth,” Lei said.“We must support one another, respect individuality, and accelerate action toward a more inclusive future.”