About OWIT
OWIT South Florida is one of 40 chapters of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT). Established in 1989, OWIT is a voluntary, non profit professional association dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women by providing networking and educational opportunities. OWIT serves as the unifying body of a network of chapters spanning the globe in the Americas, Western Europe, and Africa. OWIT also supports a “Virtual Chapter” for individuals involved in international trade and business who do not have access to a local OWIT chapter where they reside or work. Membership in a local or the Virtual Chapter gives automatic access to the OWIT International network.
United around the globe to foster international trade and the advancement of women in business. OWIT’s growing network continues to provide a collective forum to support education, to facilitate information exchange, and to promote networking. In pursuing these goals, OWIT strives to provide a rewarding volunteer environment, to stay at the forefront of trade and technological developments, and to build partnerships and alliances with peer organizations and associations.
February, 1993 - Chapter Established as WIT-Miami
1995 - Hosted the 4th Annual OWIT World conference entitled, "Accessing the Americas and Beyond: Trade, Technology, and Culture”
1996 - Recipient of the Florida International Affairs Committee (FIAC) grant and Enterprise
1998 - Recipient of the Florida Caribbean Basin Trade Promotion grant
1999 - Led the first US Department of Commerce Certified OWIT trade mission to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
2001 - Established annual International Business Woman of the Year Awards (IBWOY) to recognize outstanding women in the South Florida business community for the role they play in enhancing international trade and business through their professional and community activities
2002 to 2006 - Organized six international conferences in South Florida, featuring speakers from the US and Latin American business communities and fostering the growth of regional trade and investment relationships.
October, 2007 - Hosted the 16th Annual OWIT World conference entitled "Emerging Markets: The Road Ahead for Finance, Business, and Trade"
May, 2008 - Officially updated organization name to OWIT-South Florida to recognize the growing collaboration between Miami-Dade and Broward Counties
2011 - OWIT South Florida named the “Chapter of the Year” and its then President, Jennifer Diaz, received the “Member of the Year” award
October, 2015 - Miami-Dade Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson declares October 23 "The Organization of Women in International Trade Day" via a proclamation.
Mission Statement
