FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 21, 2021 

Contact: Jacie Roberts Lallis; (202) 312-1552 jroberts@rrbitc.com 

A Seat at the Table: Women in Global Leadership Returns this Fall

Webinar Series Spotlights Trailblazers Ambassador Ivonne A-Baki and Ambassador Melanne Verveer 

Washington, DC – The World Trade Center Washington, DC (WTCDC) and World Trade Center Dublin (WTCD) will debut the fall edition of their webinar series: A Seat at the Table – Women in Global Leadership with a stellar lineup of global leaders starting with Her Excellency Ivonne A-Baki, Ambassador of Ecuador to the U.S. on October 28 and Ambassador Melanne Verveer on November 30. 

“Behind every strong woman is a story that gave her no other choice,” said author and advocate, Nakeia Homer. This quote has served as inspiration for the series and its participating women leaders have each personified the message. Women are a powerful force for securing peace and are essential voices in advancing international security. The fall lineup of this webinar series will support this notion and build upon last season’s success of presenting women global leaders, in roles spanning diplomacy, international business, trade, and culture, through intimate and dynamic conversations. 

As the world faces a myriad of challenges, the conversations with Ambassador A-Baki and Ambassador Verveer are expected to pinpoint the importance and essential role of women in the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict, as they recount their approach to peacekeeping and how it has influenced their personal journeys and initiatives. 

“The voices of women are especially important for creating comprehensive solutions to the economic and global health challenges we face, particularly in this pandemic era,” says Maureen Pace, President of WTCD. “Women achieve more when we work together, so it’s exciting to be part of a series that is creating opportunities to share ways to achieve our mutual interest of finding greater parity in global leadership.” 

Moderated by author Susan Sloan, the series will continue to feature unique perspectives and experiences from former and current ambassadors, dignitaries and global leaders who have made an impact in their respective careers and areas of expertise. Sloan’s book “A Seat at the Table: Women, Diplomacy, and Lessons for the World” shares the impact of gender-diversified leadership and highlights stories from women ambassadors and government officials. 

The fall series kicks off on Thursday, October 28 at 11:00AM with Her Excellency Ivonne ABaki, Ambassador of Ecuador to the United States. Ambassador A-Baki is an artist, diplomat, peace negotiator, humanist, politician, and multifaceted leader who is driven by her ideals. H.E. A-Baki was influential in reaching a peace agreement between the Republic of Ecuador and Peru as a result of her deep passion for peacemaking and social justice. 

On Tuesday, November 30 tune in for the next conversation in the series featuring Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Executive Director, Georgetown Institute of Women's Peace and Security. She most recently served as the first U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues during the Obama administration and co-authored Fast Forward: How Women Can Achieve Power and Purpose (2015). She also coordinated foreign policy issues and activities relating to the political, economic and social advancement of women, traveling to nearly sixty countries. 

Speakers to date have included Ambassador Swanee Hunt, Ambassador Capricia Marshall, former Chief of Protocol, State Department and Ambassador Princess Reema of Saudi Arabia. To view past webinars in the series, click here. With an unprecedented 30+ women leading diplomatic missions in Washington, DC, join these conversations for a unique opportunity to hear from dynamic leaders! 

Follow us on social media at @ReaganITCDC for additional dates and guest speakers. 

Who: Ambassador Ivonne A-Baki Guest Speaker – October 28, 2021 

Ambassador Melanne Verveer Guest Speaker – November 30, 2021 

Susan Sloan, Series Moderator 

What: A Seat at the Table – Women in Global Leadership webinar series 

When: The fall series debuts on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM EST 

Why: WTCDC convenes global conversations and launched this series to share insights, advice and lessons learned from women leaders. 

Presented by: 

• World Trade Center, Washington DC and World Trade Center Dublin Promotional 
• Partners: Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW), Azar Foundation for Children of the World, Howard University School of Business, Women Business Collaborative (WBC) 

Sponsored by: TCMA (A Drew Company), the exclusive manager of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 

About Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC) Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is a dynamic hub for government, business, culture, and community, in the heart of the nation’s capital. As the first and only federal building dedicated to both public and private use, the Reagan Building is the official World Trade Center Washington, DC (WTCDC), and a premier conference and event venue with executive office space, attractions, dining, retail, parking, and community activities. 

The WTCDC as a member of the World Trade Centers Association utilizes a global network of 750,000 affiliated business from 300 trade centers in over 100 countries to maximize its connections and capabilities. With this extended network, WTCDC works diligently to ensure the RRB/ITC offers a rich mix of signature events such as high-profile economic summits, conferences, and cultural programs. 

These initiatives foster international dialogue, enhance diplomacy, and generate business opportunities. Visit www.rrbitc.com or follow us @ReaganITCDC. 

About World Trade Center Dublin (WTCD) The World Trade Center Dublin (WTCD) provides business and trade organizations across Ireland with a gateway to new international trade opportunities, collaboration, and education. With a robust global network consisting of international business organizations, trade centers, experts, public partnerships, and service providers, the WTCD assists Irish SMEs in expanding their brand and products beyond Ireland. 

Our Gateway program offers ongoing trade and expansion tools that can assist an SME begin or expand their trade journey, while the Accelerator program offers a unique opportunity for our members to gain access to present their products to big box retail stores. The WTCD also serves as a resource for companies around the world seeking trade opportunities in Ireland. 

For more information, visit www.wtcdublin.ie/ About TCMA (A Drew Company) Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA) is the exclusive manager of Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC). TCMA’s team specializes in International Trade Services, Real-Estate Management and Hospitality. For more information, visit www.drewcompany.com