Donna E. Shalala, University of Miami President and 2010 Nelson Mandela Award Winner to deliver keynote address

MIAMI, FL — (Logos PR – October 19, 2010) – The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) – South Florida Chapter, which is part of a worldwide organization dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women, today announced the winners for the 9^th Annual International Business Woman of the Year Awards (IBWOY). A luncheon to recognize this year’s winners will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 from 11am – 2pm  at the Intercontinental Hotel in Doral, Florida.

The IBWOY Awards recognize outstanding women in the South Florida community in three categories for the role they play as trade advocates and for fostering opportunities in international trade.  The winners of the 2010 IBWOY Awards by category are:

Large Company: Carmen González-Sanfeliu, Vice President of Latin America and the Caribbean for Intelsat, Ltd.

Small to Medium Sized Company: Patricia Hernandez, Partner at Avila Rodriguez Hernandez Mena & Ferri LLP

Service: Pamela Fuertes, Vice President of International Development Programs for the Beacon Council

“We are very proud to honor these three outstanding women as this year’s IBWOY Award Winners for their considerable contributions to the South Florida community and as women leaders in the international trade community.  Their professional and community activities are exemplary and they embody what OWIT-South Florida promotes, leadership and the promotion of women in the field of international trade.  On behalf of OWIT-South Florida, we congratulate them,” said Jennifer Diaz, president of OWIT-South Florida.

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Donna E. Shalala, University of Miami President, who was recently honored with the 2010 Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights. Shalala will address over 200 attendees on “The Timeless Nature of the International Business Woman”.  The event will also count with the participation of Pamela S. Conde, Univision Television Group, Noticias 23 news anchor and acclaimed journalist, as mistress of ceremony.

“I am honored to be part of such a great undertaking that not only strives to recognize great achievements by women in our community, but that invests in education and the future development of female leaders in the international business arena through the IBWOY scholarships. I look forward to personally congratulating the three winners of the 2010 IBWOY Awards, added Shalala.

In addition to honoring this year’s winners, a silent auction will be held during the event with items such as four roundtrip airfares courtesy of Avianca and Express Travel, gourmet dinner for 20 by Chef to Go, Dwayne Wade autographed basketball and 2-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, among many others! Proceeds from the silent auction will fund one or more scholarships for women pursuing a degree in International Business. Individuals or companies interested in donating and showcasing a product or service at the auction can contact Jennifer Diaz at 305-260-1053,  jdiaz@becker-poliakoff.com or Deirdre Nero at (786) 368-8680, dnero@neroimmigration.com.

The OWIT IBWOY Awards event is possible thanks to the generosity of this year’s main sponsors which include: Citibank, Home Financing Center, Intelsat, The Busot Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, TotalBank, and UPS.  In-kind sponsors include: International Wine & Spirits, K&A Graphic Designs, Logos PR and SilverPulp.com.

To register to attend the 2010 IBWOY Awards. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Deborah Stern at 305-913-8667, or dstern@strtrade.com.

About OWIT-South Florida (www.owit-southflorida.com):

Established in 1993, the Organization of Women in International Trade – South Florida (OWIT-South Florida) – formerly known as WIT-Miami, is part of a worldwide organization dedicated to advancing global trade opportunities for women. It provides networking and professional development opportunities, with particular emphasis on women working in all facets of international trade.  It is one of over 40 chapters of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), which has 5,200 members worldwide.

Connect with OWIT South Florida Chapter:

OWIT South Florida Chapter Website

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