President's
Letter
Angela Marshall Hofmann
President
Dear WIIT Members:
With the September birth of our daughter, Karolina, (the littlest WIIT member in town), I would like to thank every one who made the Fall of 2005 possible. Your patience, support, professionalism, and friendship, during these past busy months make me proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
To highlight, when presented with the opportunity and challenge of hosting the 2005 Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Board meeting in October, the D.C. Chapter rose to the occasion. WIIT members not only provided an incredible venue, but also an evening of networking with OWIT members from eight countries and hospitality of the South African Embassy as we honored Futhi Mtoba as Woman of the Year.
WIIT members later had the opportunity to meet more of their OWIT counterparts during the 6th World Trade Organization Ministerial in Hong Kong where planning has begun for future events with colleagues from New York to Canada and even Geneva. It's exciting to see the power of women networking across the country - and even the globe!
From our Programs and Professional Development Sections, members were able to tune into the latest policy debates and WTO negotiations as well as develop their personal skills in investing and becoming involved on a board. And yes, we unveiled the new WIIT sign which will proudly be displayed at all appropriate venues.
In December, despite a late afternoon blizzard, the 2005 Winter Gala and Silent Action was the best yet. Our friends at the Swiss Embassy provided the perfect ambiance (snow, fondue and chocolate included) for a winter wonderland. The event was well attended by nearly 100 WIIT members, men and women, as well as one the teachers involved in the trade project and several members from our sister chapter in New York and netted a record $4,500 for the WIIT Charitable Trust.
Finally, as we enter the new year, I would like to encourage each of you to take the time to pass the torch - become a mentor. WIIT's success is based on its members and I thank each of you for making 2005 memorable. Here's to building on this success in the New Year!
Sincerely,
Angela Marshall Hofmann
President, WIIT-DC