OWIT History

Before the formation of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) in 1989, groups of women in several distant locations formed local groups with similar goals to advance the careers and opportunities for women involved in international trade. The first group to form was in Chicago in 1985, followed by Los Angeles and Orange Country in late 1985, Washington D.C. and New York in 1986, Boston in 1987, and Northern California, Detroit and Texas in 1989. Most of these chapters were founded independently and without knowledge of each other.

About this time, several of the chapters became aware that there were other similar groups in existence and began talking about joining together in some way. A brainstorming session in the Washington D.C. area resulted in a consensus that a national organization should be founded. In 1989, the first formal board meeting of what would become OWIT was held in Los Angeles. The name of the organization was chosen, officers and directors were elected and other important decisions were made concerning the goals and mission of the organization.

In 1990, OWIT held its first national conference in Washington, D.C. and also published its first membership directory. There were 12 chapters represented in OWIT in 1990: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Northern California, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Texas and Washington, D. C.

Today, OWIT is recognized worldwide for building ongoing trade relationships within and between global communities. OWIT is present in more than twenty countries in all continents around the world.

OWIT Celebrates 20 Years

1989 – 2009 A Celebration of Achievement (pdf)

Chapter Celebrations
As OWIT marks its 20th anniversary, we are tapping into the innovation and ideas of our diverse chapters to foster connections and a greater sense of our collective strength. Here is a sampling of what chapters are doing this year to celebrate our 20th anniversary:

• Charleston: Celebratory cake and a table with literature and information.
• Hampton Rhodes: 20th anniversary feature in e-newsletter and a networking reception, co-sponsored with the Hampton Roads Foreign Commerce Club.
• Geneva: Celebration on December 2
• Houston: Wine tasting.
• Nairobi, Kenya: Special holiday event
• Northern California: Presentation highlighting OWIT’s history and achievements with special cake; invited past presidents
• Toronto, Canada: Incorporating celebration of 20th anniversary into annual Awards gala that will also mark OWIT-Toronto’s 10th anniversary; special panel of founding Board members addressing the changing landscape for women in trade over the past 10 to 20 years.
• Washington, DC: Commemorating 20th anniversary at Awards Gala.