1) What was your first job?

After college, I worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General (OIG). It was a great place to start my professional life — really good managers and exposure to many different disciplines. It also allowed me the flexibility to go to law school at night.

2) How did you get your start working in trade?

The Commerce Department was my sideways entry to trade. We definitely dealt with trade matters at a high level at the OIG (export controls and export promotion), but I got my big start after law school practicing trade remedies at Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

3) What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?

You can learn so much more from supervisors or mentors who give you independence. Junior professionals gain confidence (and skills) when they are allowed to figure out things for themselves without micro management.

4) Can you tell us about a time of transition in your life and what advice you have for others navigating a transition?

My biggest point of transition was mid career when I chose to stay home to raise my kids for 10 years. I then decided to return to practicing trade remedies law.  It took a lot of time to find my re-entry point, but I kept some key connections from my early career. One thing led to another and I found a great job with great people who gave me a chance. So, my advice is stay in touch with people and 9 times out of 10 they will be willing to help you.

5) What’s your favorite travel destination?

I have so many favorite travel destinations that it’s hard to choose. Paris is very high on my list because I studied French in college and I studied abroad there in law school. It’s a magical place.

US-Brazil Trade Talk & Networking Reception
 
Join WIIT, Alston & Bird, and GATT DC (LGBT Professionals in International Trade) at an in-person event on February 16^th. Co-Chair of WIIT’s Western Hemisphere Program Section Gabrielle Trebat will serve as one of the panelists for an in-person discussion on US-Brazil trade followed by a networking reception. Panelists will discuss the future of Brazil’s trade policy and partnership with the US, Brazil’s role within Latin America, and Brazil’s relationships with China and the EU.
 
WIIT is a proud supporter of this event that you won’t want to miss!

Location:
Alston & Bird
The Atlantic Building
950 F Street NW

Time: Thursday, February 16th
Program begins at 6:00pm EST
Networking begins at 7:15pm EST
 
Register here.

A recent study from the U.S. International Trade Commission – Distributional Effects Of Trade And Trade Policy On U.S. Workers – reports information on how different communities are impacted by trade and where there are gaps in analyzing such effects. Requested by Ambassador Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, the study serves to help the Administration’s efforts to “advance inclusive growth, economic resiliency, and competitiveness through sound and informed trade policy.” Join the Association of Women in International Trade for an off-the-record virtual discussion with the USITC project leads, Jennifer Powell, Stephanie Fortune-Taylor, and deputy project lead Sarah Scott about the year-long investigation that resulted in this report, and the USTR’s Senior Advisor Jamila Thompson to understand how the report will help inform the Administration’s worker-centric policy direction going forward.

Speakers:

• Jamila Thompson, Senior Advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative
• Jennifer Powell, Lead International Trade Analyst, Office of Industries & Competitiveness Analysis, U.S. International Trade Commission
• Stephanie Fortune-Taylor, International Economist, Country & Regional Analysis Division, Office of Economics, U.S. International Trade Commission
• Sarah Scott, International Economist, Natural Resources & Energy Division, Office of Industries & Competitiveness Analysis, U.S. International Trade Commission

Moderated by Suzie Zimmerman and Jamaica Gayle, WIIT’s DEI in Trade Programming Section Co-Chairs