Pictured from top left to bottom right: Keynote Speaker - Lori Conrad, Masonite International; 2024 International Person of the Year - Consuelo Sanchez, Florida's Sports Coast; Laura Bedingfield Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients - Alyce Yoder and Mia Johnson. 

Tampa Bay, FL (September 24, 2024): For nearly 30 years, since 1997, the Tampa Bay Organization of Women in International Trade (TBOWIT) has empowered women in the region to excel in international business. As part of the OWIT umbrella and a network of 27 chapters with over 2,000 professionals worldwide, TBOWIT fosters international-focused education, networking, and scholarships for its members.

TBOWIT will celebrate the achievements of the organization and community leaders during the TBOWIT Annual Awards & Scholarship Luncheon on October 10, 2024. An inspiring keynote will be titled “Passport to Your Future” by Lori Conrad, Director of External Communications at Masonite International. This year, Consuelo Sanchez, Tourism Deputy Director at Florida's Sports Coast, will be honored as the 2024 International Person of the Year for globally representing our community in international sports tourism events and conferences. Sanchez has been playing a pivotal role in developing Florida’s Sports Coast brand and significantly elevating the national and global awareness of Florida’s Sports Coast brand. Sanchez has also been leading valuable international efforts and affairs while fostering meaningful connections and relationships that promote our community as a destination. Additionally, TBOWIT will present the Laura Bedingfield Memorial Undergraduate Scholarships to Alyce Yoder and Mia Johnson, both of whom are currently studying at the University of Tampa. Congratulations to all the honorees!

Jennie Sammur, the 2024-2025 President, is leading TBOWIT in its new chapter with a vision that is both inspiring and forward-thinking. Sammur states, "It has been a privilege to build on TBOWIT's strong foundation and expand our reach to empower even more women in Tampa Bay to succeed in the international business community. We will offer exciting new programming and host events connecting members with industry leaders like Lori Conrad and Consuelo Sanchez." Sammur is CEO of TP & JS Enterprises, where she assists foreign and Florida businesses in connecting with the resources to expand their global footprint. Sammur has an extensive background in international affairs, real estate/site selection, community development, and leading international economic development projects. Her forward-thinking vision promises an exciting future for TBOWIT and its members.

Supported by a dedicated board of local international businesswomen, TBOWIT remains steadfast in its commitment to providing its members with valuable resources and connections to thrive in the global marketplace. With such a diverse industry mix in the Tampa Bay region, including international trade, business policies and regulations, commerce, supply chains, and more, TBOWIT offers networking business-focused events throughout the year. These events are designed to cater to our members' unique needs and interests, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their specific industry, feels included and part of our vibrant community.

Join TBOWIT and Expand Your Global Network

Join a group of powerful women in international business right here in Tampa Bay and learn to strengthen your reach, expand your business, and make lasting connections. Visit www.tbowit.org to learn about TBOWIT and register to attend or sponsor the upcoming awards luncheon.

CONGRATULATIONS to our very own TBOWIT Board Member, Selma Canas, who was recently awarded the Capital Access Lifetime Achievement Award for helping Florida small businesses access more than $50 million in capital in 2023! What an incredible achievement, Selma! We are so proud of you and so grateful to have your expertise, passion and commitment to growing small businesses serving alongside us in our mission to expand international opportunities for Tampa Bay businesses!

Congratulations to all of the winners from the Florida SBDC at USF team - we appreciate all that you do for Tampa Bay!  Read more here: Florida SBDC Network Announces2024 State Performance Excellence Award Winners (sbdctampabay.com)

If you're a small business looking to secure capital, find new markets or discover other resources, reach out to Selma and her colleagues at the Florida SBDC at USF for more information: https://sbdctampabay.com/

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!