Women

This article by Evelyn Suarez first appeared on March 27th at Adam Smith Project.

Studies show there is much work to be done in giving women leadership positions in trade

It is only fitting to take stock of where women stand during Women’s History Month, the month which includes International Women’s Day on March 8, 2017.

President, Officers, and Board of Directors appointed at Annual Meeting

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT) announced its new leadership for the 2016—2017 term. WIIT’s newly appointed President is Evelyn M. Suarez, Esq., Founder and Principal of The Suarez Firm.

Suarez has been a member of WIIT since its inception and has served on WIIT’s Board of Directors since 2013. Suarez also served as Vice President of Chapter Development for the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) for two terms (2012-2014 and 2014-2016). OWIT is the parent organization of WIIT and is a global organization of geographic chapters. In August of 2014, after many years as a partner in various law firms and service as a government attorney, Suarez started The Suarez Firm to provide customs and international trade legal and consulting services and help clients take advantage of opportunities in international trade while mitigating risks. She has also been a thought leader on implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and how it can benefit developing countries by attracting trade and investment.

“It is truly an honor to be able to lead WIIT during this pivotal time in international trade. With the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), one of the most significant trade agreements ever, awaiting Congressional approval, and negotiations for free trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union- the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)- in progress, the merits of international trade are hotly debated. Given this environment, WIIT has a unique role to play in building awareness of the importance of international commerce to economic development and job creation, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.”

“I am excited to work with our talented leaders here in Washington as well as WIIT’s sister OWIT chapters around the world. My goal would be for WIIT to lead by example by growing its membership, building public awareness on trade, and providing opportunities for professional development. WIIT is an inclusive organization and we welcome all, regardless of gender, to support our dual mission of promoting women and promoting trade.”

WIIT also named its new Board of Directors, elected to a two-year term.

2016-17 WIIT Board Members

To download a PDF of this press release – CLICK HERE. For more information please contact WIIT Executive Director Elizabeth Schumacher.