History

Before the formation of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) in 1989, groups of women in several distant locations formed local groups with similar goals to advance the careers and opportunities for women involved in international trade. The first group to form was in Chicago (1985); followed by Los Angeles and Orange Country (1985); Washington DC and New York (1986); Boston (1987); Northern California, Detroit and Texas (1989).

Most of these chapters were founded in dependently and without knowledge of each other. However, once they started to hear about each other, they began exploring how they could join together in some way. A subsequent brainstorming session in Washington DC resulted in the consensus that a larger organization should be founded.

In 1989, the first formal board meeting of what would become known as “OWIT” was held in Los Angeles. The name of the organization was chosen, officers and directors were elected, and other important decisions were made concerning the goals and mission of the organization.

In 1990, OWIT held its first national conference in Washington, DC and published its first membership directory. At that time, there were twelve chapters represented: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Northern California, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Texas and Washington, DC.

During the 1990s, the organization began to grow its membership, hold annual conferences and develop other networking and educational opportunities for its members.

In 2002, the Alberta Chapter of OWIT was incorporated as a Society. Its Founding Board Members were: Kerry Forgeron, Karin Simpson, Dayle Williams, Lisa Davis and Leann Hackman-Carty.

In 2003, OWIT Alberta hosted the annual OWIT conference, and was recognized for this achievement by receiving the 2004 OWIT Chapter of the Year award.

Since that time, members of OWIT Alberta have continued to play a significant role at the international level, and continue to work hard to build the organization within the province.