WHY WE HONOR WOMEN AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTER MIAMI!

Gender parity is a vital issue for the global trade and logistics industry. Bringing more women into our workforce as entrepreneurs, professionals, and executives benefits communities around the world, and World Trade Centers can be powerful catalysts for change.

When I entered the trade and logistics industry in the early 1980s, I saw few women inspecting cargo, touring a warehouse, or giving a presentation in a boardroom. Since then, women have made great strides in many business sectors, but there is still a long way to go.

That is why the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM) has made it a priority to recognize and support women leaders who are making vital contributions to our economy every day. For the past 15 years, we have highlighted these “unsung heroes” through an annual International Women’s Day event that could easily be replicated by World Trade Centers around the globe.

Since 2004, we have recognized 87 inspirational women who have contributed to our region’s increased trade and investment. Our honorees have included leaders in the private and public sectors like Romaine Seguin, President, UPS Americas Region; Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Miami; Marilyn DeVoe, Vice President Miami Hub, American Airlines; and Diane J. Sabatino, Port Director, Miami Seaport, U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

For the 2019 International Women’s Day this March 8th, we will honor six women from the public and private sectors for their accomplishments and contributions to the largest sector of our region’s economy. Our annual luncheon will bring together more than 600 accomplished women and men in trade and logistics, and provides an excellent networking opportunity for our attendees.

This year’s event also marks the 110th anniversary of a women’s rights initiative that began in 1909 with the first National Women’s Day in the United States. One year later, 100 women from 17 countries gathered in Copenhagen and unanimously approved a proposal to establish an annual Women’s Day to honor the women’s rights movement and to support universal suffrage for women.

International Women’s Day has been celebrated by the United Nations (UN) since 1975, and the annual commemoration serves to focus attention on the rights of women around the world, and highlights women’s achievements.

This global event is an important reminder that reducing gender inequality and increasing workforce participation for women has a positive multiplier effect on the international economy. A McKinsey Global Institute report notes that advancing women’s equality could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025, and a Morgan Stanley study found that gender diversity in the workplace is profitable for both companies and investors.

Today, we recognize that gender-balanced leadership is crucial to the future of global prosperity – especially since skilled professionals and business executives are in short supply in many regions of the world. At the WTCM, we have actively sought out talented women to serve on our board of directors and today we are at a 50-50 balance. I would encourage other World Trade Centers to recruit more women for leadership positions and gain the benefits of fresh ideas and perspectives.

Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on enhancing career and professional opportunities for women – not just on International Women’s Day, but throughout the year. For example, our Americas Food & Beverage Show has included a pavilion for women entrepreneurs that was provided free of charge.

Having a strong contingent of women professionals has also strengthened our ability to advocate for global trade on the local, state, and national levels. Our “1,000 Women Strong Trade Initiative” is an important step in the right direction.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day in March, I hope that other World Trade Centers will consider programs to support and advance women in the international trade arena, if they do not already have these in place. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to expand our trade and logistics capabilities, while opening new doors for women around the world.

Red the full March issue of WTCA Meridian by clicking here.