About

The OWIT network is comprised of Local Chapters situated across Central, North and South America, Western Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as a Virtual Chapter for professionals involved in international trade without an OWIT local chapter where they reside or work. Membership in a local or the virtual chapter gives automatic access to the OWIT International network.

Values and Mission

OWIT's values and philosophy embrace its mission statement: United around the globe to foster international trade and the advancement of women in business. Its 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.
OWIT began in the mid-eighties with the independent development of the organization's founding chapters in several locations across the United States. Though developed with only minimal knowledge of each other, these local groups held similar goals of advancing career and trade opportunities. OWIT was officially established in 1989 when the organization held what would become its inaugural board meeting in Los Angeles, CA. The following year, OWIT organized its first national conference in Washington, D.C. and published its first membership directory. The organization had 12 US-based chapters at that time. Today, (April, 2013) OWIT International has 26 chapters and 2,000 members across the globe. It is recognized worldwide for building ongoing trade relationships within and between global communities. Each year, OWIT International recognizes a Woman of the Year as an accomplished business woman who helps others aspire to careers in international trade. READ MORE ON OWIT HISTORY

History

OWIT Chapters offer educational programs and other activities to promote the employment of women in international trade. They also provide a forum for their members to develop business opportunities, identify mentors, and to foster career growth and professional development. Members of OWIT chapters are automatically members of OWIT International.

OWIT International members have access to several benefits, including:

    Access to all OWIT chapter events at the member rate.
   Access to the OWIT International LinkedIn Group and OWIT Facebook page.
   Member-discounted rates to OWIT webinars
   Free access to Members' Only webinars on professional development and special topics.
   Access to and participation in the OWIT Job Bank.
   Membership in the International Alliance for Women (TIAW) a 35,000-plus global network of professional women on six continents.
   Individual Member discounted rate for Constant Contact subscriptions.
   25% discount on the registration fee to trade-related seminars and conferences sponsored by the American Conference Institute.