Message from the President

Dear OWIT Members:

As I reflect back on my first months as OWIT president, I can’t help but recognize that I am lucky enough to be part of an organization of extraordinary women.  They are leaders from around the world with professional backgrounds, talented women dedicating their time to mentoring others and serving their communities, and individuals working together in a global community.

I like to think of our organization as a mosaic of strength built on a fundamental pillar – connectivity.   Whether you are in a chapter in Nairobi or Peru, Toronto or Los Angeles, Washington DC or Geneva – we share a common goal – promoting women doing business in international trade by providing networking and educational opportunities.  For me, OWIT provides an opportunity to connect during my global travels, and the feeling of being part of a network that extends far beyond my own community.  I’ve developed lifetime friendships, and am constantly amazed by the number of women and men our organization  has an impacton through its programming, mentoring and networking.  For 20 chapters across the globe, it means sharing best practices; for our new chapters, such as Ottawa, it means having a sister chapter in Toronto support your launch efforts; and for our virtual members, it mean access to a global network and on-line educational opportunities such as webinars.

This idea of connectivity is also central to the three primary goals our board set forth this year:

• Increase the growth of OWIT worldwide through current chapters as well as bring new countries and regions with new chapters and virtual members into the global network quickly
• Leverage the strength of OWIT’s international board and members to promote the value of     the organization’s professional and trade network
• Utilize technology as an enabler to better communicate and to offer enhanced programming   through webinars.

Finally, I would like to thank each of your for making the transition to our new leadership and board so successful.  Your patience, support, professionalism, and friendship, during these past busy months make me proud to be part of this organization, its traditions and its bright future.

Angela Marshall Hofmann