Shanghai Sojourn

Amanda J. Argentieri manages business policies, training and communications for Global Business Operations at PTC – a Boston-based computer software and services company – at its Shanghai offices. She is also president of the International Professional Women’s Society (IPWS) in Shanghai, where she has resided since 2014.

In her role at PTC, Argentieri supports and enables the GBO organization of over 120 employees in seven countries across the globe, and works directly with the leadership team in strategy planning, designing communication frameworks, and implementing policy governance.  She also created a standardized onboarding program for new employees in her organization, which will be leveraged by PTC company-wide.

“I originally came here with my partner at the time on an expatriate package for his job, but, ultimately, we didn’t work, and I decided to stay in Shanghai and ‘go local,’” Argentieri said. “I just didn’t feel ready to leave. I went from living in one of the nicest serviced compounds in the city to a lovely small apartment in Changning, where I currently live with my rescue dog, Bao Bao – and I couldn’t be happier!”

During her time in China, Argentieri has worked as a foreign associate attorney with a China-based law firm; supported community relations and marketing efforts at one of China’s leading private healthcare companies; and volunteered for several community initiatives. Prior to becoming President, she served on the IPWS Board of Directors as Membership Executive and Vice President, as well as the organizing committee for Mentor Walks Asia.

“IPWS is a dynamic, diverse, supportive community of professional women – and supporting men – from all nationalities and backgrounds,” she noted.  The group has a reach of about 8,000.

Prior to relocating to Shanghai, Argentieri was an associate with Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Boston, where she focused her practice in consumer litigation, insurance coverage and defense matters, and professional liability defense. Amanda also served three terms as a judicial law clerk, most notably for Justice Gilbert V. Indegia of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. After graduating first in her undergraduate class at the University of Rhode Island, Argentieri earned a Master of Business from the University of Queensland in Australia. Returning to the States, she received her J.D. with honors at RWU Law, She is a member of the federal and state bars in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Amanda also served as the treasurer and membership chair of the Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association for three terms before moving to China.

“My favorite aspect of Shanghai is its reputation as a city of opportunity,” she said. “You can truly create your own destiny here. People come from all over the world for this reason. There is also an endless number of events, festivals, meetups, and more – you literally have to try to be bored in Shanghai. My least favorite part of living in Shanghai is the heartache of losing a favorite café, cocktail bar, or restaurant without notice. But thankfully there are always great new places popping up across the city to ease the pain. In addition to frequenting the great food and beverage establishments in Shanghai, I also enjoy biking to my next destination – squeezing in yoga and group classes at Z&B Fitness when I can, and of course attending all of the great professional and personal development events that IPWS puts on throughout the year.”

Argentieri has no immediate plans to return to the States.

“I can’t tell you how many times my friends and family back home in the U.S ask me if I will live in Shanghai forever,” she said. “I don’t have a good answer! Every time I think I may head home, a new opportunity presents itself. I often describe this city as ‘addicting.’ Even though I did not come to Shanghai entirely for myself, I have embraced the city and all it offers in building my life here. I have a fun job, a vibrant lifestyle, a supportive network, and have been able to travel to places I never imagined going.

"I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.”