On October 16, the Women in Public Policy student group held a panel with Women in International Trade (WIIT) to network and discuss working in international trade.
WIIT is a DC based organization that encourages women to advance their career in trade. With 665 members, WIIT provides networking and mentoring opportunities for women to navigate a male dominated field. WIIT has raised awareness of the importance of international trade and economic development in public policy spheres.
The university and WIIT have recently formed a partnership to network members of the organization with current UMD policy students who may be potential members.
Lisa Schroeter, chair of the WIIT Trust and global director of Trade and Investment Policy at the DOW Chemical Company, began the panel with an introduction of WITT and the resources for women they provide. She strongly encouraged students to apply for the WIIT Scholarship. She uplifted the vast areas of Trade including opportunities on the Hill, private companies and trade associations in the United States and around the world.
The panel included insight from several distinguished women in the trade sector.
- Christine Davies, Founder and CEO of Poligage
- Nadia Bourély,Minister Counsellor for Economic Trade Policy at the Embassy of Canada to the United States.
- Nasim Fussell,Trade Attorney at Holland and Knight
- Barbara Weisel,Managing Director of Rock Creek Global Advisors
Most of the panelists focused on how to write for those who do not have a lot of time to read, like legislators or company executives. Writing and editorial skills is something “you can never stop learning,” said Weisel. Nasim concluded the panel by sharing that there is not a “hamster wheel of success,” and that there is much more to learn along the way of your career. Weisel offered in her final remarks that women should be confident and know that their perspective matters in trade and policy conversations, she said.
Emily Maginnis MPP ’22, an attendee, stated, “It was great to hear about the world of trade.” She was able to speak to Davies after the event which provided a “great networking opportunity,” she said.
WIIT offers a scholarship for students interested in the trade sector. Learn more about the WIIT scholarship.
