Toronto Chapter, 2009 Chapter of the Year, shown here with members of the international board at the Spring 2009 Board Meeting that the chapter hosted.

Kollyn Kanz, 2009 Member of the Year

Congratulations to the recipients of the three awards announced at our Fall Board Meeting last October in Cleveland, Ohio. These annual awards recognize outstanding contributions to OWIT and commitments to advancing women in international trade and business.

OWIT’s Woman of the Year Award was presented to Joanne Mwangi, former Vice Chairperson of our Nairobi Chapter. By taking a leadership role in OWIT Nairobi, Joanne has helped to make OWIT a success in Kenya. “This incredible award has energized me,” says Joanne, “My achievements are still ‘works in progress’. I have much confidence that together, as a global network of like-minded women in business, we can achieve so much more at a personal and corporate level. I am further gratified that my effort and commitment, alongside others, have been recognized and I wish to share this award with my fellow Kenyan women who are holding our economy and families up in these harsh times.”

Joanne is an innovative woman who created Professional Marketing Services Limited and has grown this business in a male-dominated field. She is also the newly appointed chair of the Federation of Women Associations (FEWA), an organization that brings women entrepreneurs together from all over Kenya to help them gain access to international markets and trade affairs. Passionate about enhancing the participation and inclusion of women in policy-making positions, Joanne supports reduction in the gender disparity that is rife in Kenya and beyond, “I stand in solidarity and honor alongside women business leaders such as the OWIT board who make great personal sacrifices to serve others with magnanimity and humility.”

OWIT’s Member of the Year Award was awarded to Kollyn Kanz, a tireless OWIT champion at both the local and international levels for the last 16 years. Kollyn became actively involved with the New York and Atlanta Chapters of OWIT from 1994-1998 before she became involved with WIT-LA, where she has held various positions. In 2007, she joined OWIT’s Executive Committee as Treasurer where she established best practices, ensured transparency and accountability, and provided templates and guidelines to support the Monterrey Chapter for the 2008 conference. Kollyn continues to be a major pillar and active leader in the organization.

OWIT’s Chapter of the Year Award celebrated the Toronto Chapter for its leadership within OWIT to mentor new chapters, share best practices, and successfully foster education and networking opportunities among global trade professionals. With some of its members holding key roles on OWIT’s International Board, the Toronto Chapter spearheaded a women’s trade mission to Monterrey, Mexico that was held in conjunction with OWIT’s 2008 Annual World Conference.

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