OWIT Annual Awardees Announced and Honored at Board Meeting in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya - Sept. 23, 2018 - PRLog -- The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) and OWIT Nairobi will present this year's Woman of the Year, Chapter of the Year, and Member of the Year awards at the Annual OWIT Board Meeting on October 26th. The presentation of the awardees will take place after OWIT's 18th Annual Conference, held in Nairobi, Kenya, on October 25th. All OWIT members are welcome to attend the Board Meeting.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS - OCTOBER 26th

OWIT President Jennifer Diaz and Executive Vice President Cami Mazard will present this year's awards at the OWIT Annual Board Meeting on October 26th.

Woman of the Year

The OWIT Woman of the Year, is awarded to two accomplished women, Leslie August, President of WIT Northern California (WIT-NC), and Vicki Wilkerson, Chairwoman, WIT-NC. In accepting this award Ms. August commented that "a dramatic impact on one's career can only be hoped for from membership in most professional organizations. OWIT delivered that promise to me and, in addition, is honoring me with this prestigious award. I am grateful for their recognition. But far greater than the award is the experience, relationships, education and network that OWIT has provided to me. From my local chapter, WIT-NC, to the greater, global network of OWIT chapters, I have gained lifelong benefits, colleagues and friends for which I am very grateful. OWIT is a place where two powerful forces come together: women in business and global relations. Watch out world!" Ms. Wilkerson said, "it is through this amazing organization that I have had the honor and privilege to serve men and women who do so much to spur the global economy. Without question, there is no organization where I have learned so much and have felt so welcomed. On behalf of our members, our Sponsors and the Board of Directors, WIT-NC thanks you for this recognition of Leslie and me!"

Chapter of the Year

WIT-NC received the Chapter of the Year Award. WIT-NC had a fantastic year, demonstrating that it is a leader and trusted resource in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing programs, training and education in global trade compliance, targeted to local trade professionals. WIT-NC received the award for Chapter of the Year due to its robust programming, active chapter development, community partnerships, student development and significant support and promotion of OWIT. WIT-NC produced 8 monthly educational programs and 1 webinar this year that addressed significant trade issues. Additionally, WIT-NC produced 2 monthly programs focused on professional development in global trade compliance. WIT-NC also expanded relations with several notable Northern California organizations including: the California State Maritime University, the Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of Northern California, and Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce. Moreover, WIT-NC continued to proudly advocate for OWIT, providing mentorship to other OWIT chapters and hosting the Fall Board Meeting in 2017. Jennifer Diaz stated "WIT-NC is the epitome of what OWIT hopes for its chapters, it has terrific leadership, is revered in its local community, provides terrific programming to the trade community, mentors other chapters, and was an amazing host for the 2017 OWIT Board Meeting. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor."

Member of the Year

The final award is presented to the OWIT Member of the Year, awarded to Loredana Serban of the OWIT Lake Geneva Chapter. Hulya Kurt, President of OWIT-Lake Geneva, will accept the award on behalf of Ms. Serban. In accepting the award, Ms. Kurt praised Ms. Serban's accomplishments with OWIT-Lake Geneva. "Loredana has served OWIT Lake Geneva honourably for many years, starting as a volunteer and moving on to become our Vice President (VP) for Treasury. In her role as VP, Loredana led the charge in reconciling our accounts and making them audit proof. Loredana continues to step in and offer assistance whenever there is a gap in resources, and whatever the task. As a direct result of Loredana's financial and administrative leadership, OWIT-Lake Geneva is in a much better position to be successful in the future. We will truly will miss Loredana on the board and thank her very much for her contribution."

OWIT BOARD MEETING - OCTOBER 26th

OWIT's Annual Board Meeting is sponsored by Huawei Southern Africa and will be held at Huawei's offices at Tiara Office Park, Lavington Mall. The day will begin at 8:30am with a welcome and roll call. At 9:30am Hulya Kurt will guide OWIT members and attendees through an icebreaker activity. At 10am Jennifer Diaz and Cami Mazard, will welcome members and discuss the international benefits of being a part of OWIT, before presenting this year's awards. The morning will continue by discussing what it takes to start an OWIT Chapter, the OWIT member directory, and how to create a member profile, led by the OWIT Vice President of Chapter Development. The afternoon sessions will consist of OWIT Chapters discussing best practices; for example how to create a marketing strategy and identify your audience, and developing a sponsorship program, building a membership base, and program development.

18th ANNUAL WORLD CONFERENCE OVERVIEW - OCTOBER 25th

Prior to the Annual OWIT Board Meeting on October 26th, OWIT will hold its 18th Annual Conference on October 25th. Trade practitioners and policy makers from around the world will discuss best practices for modern cross-border commerce, share insights for what is next for the future of trade, and the evolving role of women in trade policy. Additionally, the conference will explore some of the main constraints faced by female entrepreneurs in accessing new opportunities and markets in the global trading arena.

For more information about OWIT's awardees, the Annual Board Meeting, and the 18^th Annual Conference please visit https://www.owit.org/programs/nairobiconference.