The WITA Academy Pathways to Opportunity program consists of a series of career pathways sessions hosted by trade professionals from the Washington D.C. policy community. The curriculum, divided between the public and private sector, will utilize the expertise and career journeys of our members to highlight different roles and job paths that are available in Washington D.C. and around the world. Learn directly from career professionals and learn about opportunities in Washington D.C. and around the world.
Students who participate will receive a guide to navigating career paths in international affairs, business and trade along with resources to find currently available internships and entry-level positions.
Fall 2022 Curriculum:
- Opportunities at the International Trade Administration and the Department of Commerce (Global Markets, Industry and Analysis, Foreign Commercial Service and Enforcement & Compliance)
- The U.S. International Trade Commission – Investigations and Analysis
- International Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations
- Public and Government Affairs Careers – Corporate Pathways in Policy
Breakout Sessions:
- Skills Training for the U.S. Private Sector
AGENDA and SPEAKERS
Friday, Dec 2
All times US/Eastern
10:00 – 10:15 AM ET: Welcome & Introduction
- Kenneth I. Levinson, Chief Executive Officer, Washington International Trade Association
- Ambassador Darci Vetter, Global Head, Policy and Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy; former Diplomat in Residence at the University of Nebraska Lincoln
10:15 – 11:00 AM ET:
- Opportunities at the International Trade Administration and the Department of Commerce – (Global Markets, Industry and Analysis, Foreign Commercial Service and Enforcement & Compliance)
- Dennis Simmons, Special Advisor in the Office of Global Talent Management, Department of Commerce
- The U.S. International Trade Commission – Investigations and Analysis
- Catherine DeFilippo, Director of Operations, U.S. International Trade Commission
- Nicole Bivens Collinson, President, International Trade & Government Relations, Sandler Travis & Rosenberg, P. A.
11:00 – 11:20 AM ET: International Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations
- Eric Biel, Adjunct Professor of Law, Georgetown Law; former Department of Labor, Human Rights First , Commerce Department and Capitol Hill
11:20 AM – 12:00 PM ET: Public and Government Affairs Careers – Corporate Pathways in Policy
- Audrae Erickson, Vice President, Global External & Public Affairs, Reckitt Benckiser; former President Corn Refiners Association; former Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture
- C.J. Mahoney, Deputy General Counsel, International Trade and Azure, Microsoft; former Deputy United States Trade Representative from 2018 to 2020
- Van Yeutter, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Cargill
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM ET: Skills Training for the U.S. Private Sector
- Emily Beline, Senior Counsel for International Regulatory Affairs, FedEx; formerly with U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce
- Melissa Brewer, Special Counsel, Kelley Drye; former Attorney Advisor, Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement & Compliance, Department of Commerce
- Nasim Fussell, Partner, Holland & Knight; former Chief International Trade Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
Bringing Trade Education and Career Development Opportunities to Communities Across the United States and Around the World
The mission of the WITA Academy™ is to provide trade education and career development opportunities in international trade to individuals across the United States and around the world. By expanding the network, the WITA Academy™ builds a stronger and more dynamic trade community.
The WITA Academy™ is a program of the Washington International Trade Foundation. Through its programs, the WITA Academy is committed to strengthening the trade community by bringing together a broad range of perspectives and creating opportunities for engagement amongst the trade community. These educational and professional development programs ensure the continued growth and success of the trade community, shaping the future of trade policy.