Vanessa Martinez 

Assistant Director, International Community Relations at USF World

What kind of work do you do? 

I work in international community relations for USF World. I’m responsible for connecting USF’s alumni, students, and faculty  internationally, and engaging with our global partners here in Tampa Bay and abroad.

What advice would you give young women entering the “company’s industry” today?

Don’t be afraid to fight for a seat at the table. Nothing is more important than building up your skillset and gaining experience in your field of interest. If your current position does not offer the opportunities you need, don’t hesitate to create something for yourself.

What do you like most about your job/company?

I love the passion that my colleagues and administrators at USF World show for supporting our international students and for the cultivation of global citizenship among all students. We are a team truly dedicated to opening doors worldwide for the transformative growth of our students, scholars, and faculty through international research, international education, and global learning. Everyday I get to work with people from around the world to develop and support innovative solutions to the challenges our communities face.

How long have you been a member of TBOWIT and what drew you to TBOWIT?

I’m a new face at the table this year! I was drawn to TBOWIT by the international focus of the group, but also by the desire to collaborate and link arms with ambitious and impressive women in Tampa Bay. I hope to learn a great deal from your members, and to contribute something positive to the organization myself.

What is one thing you want members to know about you?

My passion for international education extends beyond my work at USF. I also run a small international non-profit called Girl Reports, Inc., dedicated to teaching underserved girls transferable skills through journalism. I consider it a privilege to serve these young women and to provide them a platform for self-expression and empowerment.

What do you love about the Tampa Bay area?

I love that it’s growing so rapidly and that is becoming increasingly diverse. 

Maria Villasmil

Customs Brokerage, M&J Customs

What kind of work do you do?

I help food Importers community to import their product in compliance, smoothly and efficiently while reduce logistics costs.

Who is your ideal client?

Established Importers with large historical data importing food, beverages or others goods associated with the food processing industry, we serve diverse sectors: manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers. Experienced clients are our ideal client, we provide them with guidance, information, studies, additional tools and resources to be successful. If our customers are successful we are successful!

What advice would you give young women entering the “company’s industry” today?

More than hard work, long hours working or provide a good customer service, it is about studying, knowledge and expertise. Never give up, be persistent, and believe in yourself. All is in your hands.

What do you like most about your job/company?

Design and execute projects that brings benefits to our customers, their providers, their customers and my company together is the most satisfying thing. We grow with our clients.

Florida International Trade Expo

March 16 - March 18, 2021   |   9:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET

A Multi-Sector Virtual Showcase of Florida's Leading Products and Services

Enterprise Florida, Inc. announces the first-ever Florida International Trade Expo, a virtual showcase of leading Florida export products and services. Taking place over three days from March 16 - 18, 2021, Florida is the first U.S. state to organize such a virtual trade event. 

This global online platform will connect Florida small and medium-sized companies directly with a worldwide business audience of international buyers, distributors, and decision makers interested in their products and services.

We are targeting 150+ Florida exhibitors and 5,000 total attendees from around the world over the course of the three-day event. 

The Expo will use the latest in virtual, thematic event technology, including multiple exhibition halls based on industry; a networking lounge; live webinars from industry leaders and experts, and opportunities for exhibitors to directly connect with attendees via chat or video conference.

FOR MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION: https://web.cvent.com/event/c7102cb7-17fb-47ba-8861-f5a2d31e3e51/summary

SBGG Event Flyer.pdf

Sept 30 SBA Seminar.pdf

Register Here: https://www.owitnairobi.org/progr/owit-nairobi-virtual-conference-2020

DIVERSITY DIVIDEND: HOW WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT DRIVES GROWTH

Start Date: 9/21/2020 12:00 PM EDT

End Date: 9/21/2020 1:00 PM EDT

Venue Name: Virtual

Organization Name: WIIT

Contact: Mary Simpkins

Email: info@wiit.org

Phone: (202) 869-3775

 

WIIT Women’s Empowerment Series

 

This session will explore the recent WTO and World Bank joint report Women and Trade: The Role of Trade in Promoting Gender Equality, particularly the data metrics and opportunities for practical collaboration. In the context of COVID-19, women in business are disproportionately negatively impacted economically, but are also a key resource to enable efficient and accelerated economic recovery. This discussion will cover the overall findings of the WTO/WB report; as well as specific areas where women’s economic empowerment can drive restoration of global trade and our domestic communities.  

Featuring: 

Welcome by WIIT President-Elect Emily Beline

Opening Remarks by Caren Grown, Global Director on Gender, World Bank 

 

Panel discussion and Q&A:

Nadia Rocha, World Bank  

Victor Stolzenburg, WTO 

Judith Fessehaie, ITC 

 

Moderator: Penny Naas, UPS

Register Here: https://www.wiit.org/ev_calendar_day.asp?date=9%2F21%2F20&eventid=105

For additional information and updates, click here.

CBP Virtual  Trade Week

September 8-11, 2020

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proud to announce its first Virtual Trade Week, September 8-11, 2020. Join CBP Executives and industry experts as they provide updates on CBP trade priorities and policies. Discussion topics may include:

• 21st Century Customs Framework (21CCF)

• E-Commerce

• Forced Labor

• United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA)

The agenda and registration details are coming soon!

Features TBOWIT members, Chris Leggett, and Sandro Murtas!

Registration is at http://cfito-exportfinance0826.eventbrite.com/

Join EXIM & SBA experts to learn their best tactics for managing export financing!

About this Event

If your company wants to expand global sales but is hesitant because of the risk of non-payment from new customers abroad, help and resources are available to mitigate risks. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) can equip a company with the financing tools to compete for export markets.

In this one-hour free webinar, global trade experts Elena Mendez with EXIM and Sandro Murtas with the SBA, share tactics to prevent and manage payment and financing issues, including:

• The importance of dealing with financing before shipping, especially to a new country
• How risk mitigation impacts the cash flow cycle
• How to insure international payments
• What to do if payment issues arise
• Relief measures currently offered due to the effects of COVID-19

WOMEN’S GLOBAL TRADE EMPOWERMENT FORUM: Expanding Trade in North America & Beyond

FREE six-part digital series July 28 – September 22, 2020

With the implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), this dynamic forum provides a unique opportunity to gain the tools, skills and networks to build an export strategy and develop business connections.

Hear from Trade Experts and Seasoned Female Executives and Business Owners in six, 60 to 90-minute sessions on:

• July 28: USMCA & the Future of Trade in North America
• August 11: Tips for financing your exports & getting paid
• August 25: How to thrive in the Digital Trade Economy Under USMCA
• September 1: Will USMCA & Customs/Rules of Origin impact your company?
• September 10: Find the best legal Strategies for your global success
• September 22: Protect your most valuable asset - intellectual property

 

In addition to the six-part series, we are offering an opportunity to enhance your virtual experience with industry-focused activities for women business owners in the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Education, Design & Construction, Healthcare, IT or Energy sectors that wish to dive deeper into each session for a reduced fee of only $50. *Please note, slots are limited to the first 50 registrants.

We look forward to your participation in this groundbreaking event!  We anticipate that this event will fill up quickly and encourage you to register today to reserve your seat.  Visit http://tiny.cc/wgtef to review the agenda and learn more about the event.   Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.