OWIT Congratulates Recipients of its annual awards for 2013

WASHINGTON - Feb. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- 2013 Woman of the Year – Ms. Meg Jones

Ms. Meg Jones is the Women & Trade Programme Manager for the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization, responsible for design and implementation of programs aimed at increasing the economic benefits women derive from trade. A passionate advocate for the empowerment of women entrepreneurs globally, she has raised $15 million to implement projects in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.  Her resiliency in connecting corporate procurement officers and women entrepreneurs has resulted in $20 million USD in sales and letters of intent from potential buyers.

Meg was the driving force in establishing the Global Platform for Action on Sourcing from Women Vendors.  Meg’s current focus is supporting women’s entrepreneurship in the Middle East, which she feels will help secure longer term peace and security in the region.  In recognition of her steadfast commitment to economic empowerment of women, in 2012, Meg was invited to lead the policy stream of the Sub-Committee on Market Access for Hilary Clinton’s International Council of Women Business Leaders.  “I am honoured that my work is recognised by women who live OWIT’s passion: To unite women around the globe,” said Meg. “Money in the hands of women contributes to economic and human development. We need strong organisations like OWIT to foster trade and advance women in business.” Meg is a long-time member of OWIT Lake Geneva, serving as the chapter’s first President in 2000 as well as VP, Chapter Development on the International Board in 2003.  She remains an active OWIT member to this day.  New Zealand-born, Meg resides in Lausanne, Switzerland with husband Andrew and two teenage children. Meg has studied in Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia and the Netherlands and has a Bachelor of Economics and Masters in International Studies.   She is fluent in French and Japanese.

2013 Chapter of the Year – Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT), Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1987, WIIT is a charter member of OWIT and remains one of the largest chapters in the organization’s history.  WIIT sponsors a dynamic array of programs on a broad range of international trade and business issues.  Leveraging the political environment, WIIT’s programs often feature high-level government officials, lawmakers, and embassy officials speaking on cutting-edge trade and policy issues.  Its charitable foundation, the WIIT Charitable Trust, awards scholarships and sponsors trade educational programs, such as its Girl Scouts trade-education initiative, to educate students on important trade concepts.  Due to the top-notch quality of its programs, WIIT events frequently receive media coverage – contributing to WIIT’s established position as one of the leading international trade professional associations in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

WIIT’s extensive networking events allow the trade community to interact in a more social setting, attracting officials from numerous embassies.  This helps to increase awareness and encourages dialogues on the relevant trade issues of the day.

In addition to its local activities, WIIT has demonstrated exemplary support for OWIT.  The chapter sponsored a welcome reception for the OWIT Board during its 2013 Spring Board meeting in D.C.  A WIIT member hosted the Board meeting at her law office and other WIIT members ensured that the OWIT leadership enjoyed their D.C. experience.  Several WIIT members also volunteer for the OWIT Board lending their skills and expertise to the governance of the international group.  In the spirit of unity, WIIT also mentors new OWIT chapters and does not hesitate to share its “best practices” to help other OWIT chapters attract and retain members.

“The 2013 award recipients are the epitome of OWIT’s mission, “stated OWIT President Karen Bland.  “Through her valuable work, Meg has boosted the economic empowerment of women around the world.  Illustrated by its leading position in the D.C. international trade community, WIIT continues to be the standard-bearer as an OWIT Chapter that offers incredible member benefits while also making valuable contributions to the entire OWIT family.”

“We applaud both Ms. Jones and WIIT on their accomplishments.  They are prime examples of this incredible global organization.” Karen added.

On Friday, February 21, 2014 at 12:00 noon EST, OWIT will formally honor the 2013 award recipients during its annual awards webinar. Open to the public and free of charge, the webinar offers an opportunity to hear from the recipients directly about their accomplishments.  Details and registration for the awards webinar are forthcoming and will be posted at www.owit.org.

About OWIT

Founded in 1989, The Organization of Women in International Trade (www.owit.org) is a voluntary, non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women through networking and educational programs. It has over 26 chapters in countries worldwide as well as a “virtual” chapter comprised of individuals who do not reside in localities with a local OWIT Chapter.