Presidents’ Message

OWIT-Toronto:  Your Voice in Today’s Rocky Trade Landscape 

As co-presidents of OWIT-Toronto, we are honoured to represent our members and work towards providing you with the information and connections you need to not only succeed but to help you deal with the impact of the current global trade conflicts.  Our fantastic Board is working very hard to deliver resources and quality contacts that will help you achieve your trade goals. This is more important than ever as the world navigates through these tumultuous trade times.  That is one of the reasons why we invited Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner, Sara Wilshaw, to our recent International Women’s Day event…and you can read more about it in this issue.  

Our first quarter was indeed chockfull and we hope you were able to attend our – and our partners’ - events, read our newsletter and take advantage of some of our resources. A number of our Board members also represented OWIT-Toronto at various events to continue to raise the profile of women in trade. Despite these challenging times, we are excited about what lies ahead for our members and friends!  See below for an update on our events and other initiatives in store.  

We want to hear from you!  If you have thoughts for future events, feedback from past events, or input you want us to pass on to  government about how it can best support women as,  please reach out to info@OWIT-toronto.ca.   Remember that we are part of a global network with chapters around the world that can help you diversify your trade relationships and that is committed to being the go-to organization for women in trade.

Susan Baka & Cathy Williamson

OWIT-Toronto Co-Presidents

Looking for an Exciting Opportunity to Expand your Horizons?

Join the OWIT Toronto board, where a dynamic group of women are dedicated to providing education, resources, and networking for women doing business internationally, whether business owners, executives, government representatives, or service providers. We are currently seeking to fill the role of VP Membership – someone who is passionate about expanding our membership base and enhancing membership relations. This volunteer position is flexible, requiring minimal time commitment, and offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with a supportive and inspiring network of women entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area. If you are interested, please reach out to info@owit-toronto.ca .

Coming Event

Save the Date: April 15 for Culture and Trade Event

Ever made a faux pas in your dealings with other countries?  Wondering how to be culturally astute?  Join us at the International Business University in Toronto on the evening of April 15 for an insightful session on The Impact of Culture on International Trade with Marvin Hough, an international business expert and author with decades of global experience. Gain practical insights into how culture impacts international trade—from marketing and negotiations to e-commerce and digital trade.

Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Location: International Business University, 80 Bloor St. W, Toronto, Ontario  

Fee:  $15.00 (members)

        $ 25.00 (guests) 

About Marvin Hough

Marvin Hough brings over 30 years of international trade experience, including senior roles at Export Development Canada (EDC) in Asia and Latin America. He has worked in global markets such as China, India, Mexico, and Brazil, providing strategic insights on trade, marketing, and business culture. Following his tenure at EDC, he taught international business at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management and served on various trade and academic boards. He has authored two books on global business, endorsed by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), and continues to mentor professionals in the field. Through his consultancy business, MIRA, he provides international research and analysis services to Canadian businesses, educational institutions, and government organizations focused on key strategic markets.

Space is limited. Register here.

Sponsored by International Business University

Past Events

Celebrating International Women’s Day

              

Our inspiring International Women’s Day event in March featured Sara Wilshaw, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade, and Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner, in a fireside chat with OWIT Co-President Susan Baka.  Discussion centred around the power of women in international trade and why NOW is the time to diversify!  (Thanks to OWIT member Susana Vaz for contributing this.)

Why This Matters:
Women-owned businesses that export earn more, create more jobs, and drive economic growth.

• Yet, women-led firms represent only 15% of exporters worldwide—it’s time to change that!
• Diversification = Resilience. Expanding into new markets and industries ensures long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• Trade is a growth engine—Women entrepreneurs who export outperform those who don’t. We have 15 free trade agreements covering 51 countries - why aren’t we using these to their complete potential?
• Diversity strengthens economies—Inclusive trade policies create sustainable, global opportunities.
• Canada is leading the charge! With initiatives like Business Women in International Trade (BWIT), we’re unlocking new pathways for women entrepreneurs.
• The future of trade is inclusive, diverse, and unstoppable—let’s make it happen!

Sara’s key piece of advice for women in international trade is to get out there, network and explore opportunities - the world is welcoming and there are plenty of resources available to support businesses.  Rowena Ko, Trade Commissioner in the Toronto Regional Office,spoke to one of these, presenting an overview of what the Trade Commissioner Service | Service des délégués commerciaux offers. . 

A big thank you to event sponsors – the City of Toronto and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) www.wekh.ca – and to supporter Global Affairs Canada.

Virtual Event Presented by OWIT-Toronto and CanCham in Mexico

The 5th International Forum Women Leaders: Present and Future hosted a Women Empowering Trade: Success Stories & Future Visions webinar on March 13.  The event, organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Monterrey in collaboration with OWIT-Toronto, welcomed over 50 attendees, predominantly businesswomen, including the Canadian Consul General in Monterrey, Mexico, Annabelle Larouche St—Sauveur. 

The session featured two distinguished keynote speakers representing OWIT-Toronto: Clare Barnett, Director of Business Growth at the City of Toronto, and Susan Langdon, CEO & Executive Director of the Toronto Fashion Incubator. Both speakers shared their international trade experiences and insights, inspiring attendees with their knowledge, passion, and dedication to empowering women in business and trade. The webinar was masterfully moderated by Jaime Herrera, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce - Monterrey.   

Clare Barnett’s Vision for Collaboration
Clare Barnett kicked off the panel by emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the City of Toronto and major cities in Mexico. She highlighted opportunities in key automotive, auto parts, and high-tech sectors. Clare passionately shared how the Canadian community came together in support of each other during challenging times for international trade, creating resilience and opportunity. A particularly memorable moment was when Clare recounted her positive experience meeting American congress representatives in Washington, where she witnessed firsthand the power of building international relationships to foster growth and mutual support.

Susan Langdon’s Insights into Fashion Export
Susan Langdon brought a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing women in the fashion industry, particularly in terms of exporting products. She emphasized the importance of offering tailored workshops and webinars specifically designed for entrepreneurs in the creative sector. Susan pointed out that the fashion industry is not just about selling commodity products—it’s about offering value, creativity, and culture. She also acknowledged the challenges that the fashion sector faces, such as varying climates and time zones that can impact the suitability of products for different markets. Despite these obstacles, Susan sees immense potential in the trade relationship between Canada and Mexico, particularly in sectors such as fashion accessories, swimwear, and yoga apparel.

One of the panel's most emotional moments came when Susan proudly stated that Canada is recognized as one of the most ethical countries in the world, promoting sustainability and transparency in the global supply chain. This emphasis on ethical practices resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the growing importance of corporate responsibility and sustainability in international trade.

Looking to the Future
Clare and Susan’s insights and experiences offered valuable lessons and inspired the audience to continue pushing boundaries and forging new paths in business.

Watch the full webinar

Trade Resources

Navigating the Current Trade and Tariff Environment

The current landscape for business owners in Canada is difficult to keep up with and can be very confusing.  We hope the links below will help to provide some clarity, information and support to help you determine the best way forward for your business.

• The City of Toronto, recognizing the potential impact of U.S. trade economic policies on local businesses, has provided resources to help navigate these challenges. Toronto’s official website offers information on the current tariffs and guidance for businesses affected by the U.S. measures. These developments highlight the complexities of international trade relations and underscore the importance of strategic responses to safeguard national and local economic interests. www.toronto.ca/tariffs. The City has released the Mayor’s Economic Action Plan in response to the change in US economic policy with ten immediate actions items to support Toronto businesses.
• These BDC resources provide expert advice and financing tools to help you make smart decisions for your business.
• This EDC tariff risk mitigation checklist will help guide your decisions and reduce the impact of various challenges business owners are facing. 
• Understand the import and export tariffs with Canada’s Free Trade Agreement partners.  Ensure you are making informed trade decisions with this helpful business tool.
• Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps businesses with funding and support programs to conduct international trade in 160+ cities around the world.  
• Check out the EDC Trade Impact Program which offers financial support for Canadian exporters in various ways over the next 2 years. 

Where We’ve Been

From Canada to Mexico and beyond, here is where OWIT-Toronto has been represented this past quarter.

Alma Farias, a board member of OWIT-Toronto, represented our organization at the Mexico Women's Forum and Networking Reception hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 13, in celebration of International Women's Day.

OWIT-Toronto has maintained a strong, active partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Monterrey since 2022, benefiting members of both organizations through the sharing of valuable knowledge in multiple webinars. During the event, Alma had the opportunity to meet with the newly-appointed Canadian Consul General in Monterrey, Annabelle Larouche St-Sauveur, to encourage collaboration with OWIT-Toronto as well as with other board members and invitees.

Pictured above  from left to right: Angeles Vela, General Director of the Software Cluster of Nuevo Leon—CSOFTMTY; Canadian Consul General in Monterrey, Annabelle Larouche St-Sauveur; Alma Farias, OWIT-Toronto board member; and David Valle, Director of Business Development MX.

OWIT board members Mégane Visette, Cathy Williamson and Susan Baka participated in an  upbeat International Women’s Day celebration organized by our partner, the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. We were also represented at the Asia Pacific Foundation’s 2025 CanWIN Global Summit (CGS): The Women’s Business Mission Series to Asia Capstone which explored paths forward for Canada to diversify its export markets into the dynamic Indo-Pacific region.

A March episode of Steve Paikin’s The Agenda featured OWIT-Toronto advisory board member Julie Nguyen, Chair of Canada-ASEAN Initiatives, York University,  who highlighted opportunities for Canadian businesses with ASEAN countries. Catch it here.  

      

Our Co-VP Events, Lilian Marins, and  VP Partnerships, Mégane Visette, represented OWIT-Toronto  at Women Inspire 2025, hosted by the Casa Foundation, and  joined inspiring conversations centred on this year’s theme: “Accelerating Impact for Women.” The event brought together exceptional women leading change across sectors, including:

·        Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade, President, Casa Foundation for International Development

·        Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, President & Vice-Chancellor, Yorkville University

·        Kayla Isabelle, CEO, Startup Canada

·        Sonya Shorey, CEO, Invest Ottawa

·        Julie Ellis, Entrepreneur & Former Chair, Angel One Investment Network Canada

·        MPP Andrea Hazell, Member of Parliament, Standing Committee on Finance & Economic Affairs

It was a privilege to engage in powerful dialogues and connect with trailblazing women accelerating business, policy, and community impact in Canada and beyond.

Above:  A timely opportunity for Co-President Susan Baka to meet Canada’s current Prime Minister  Mark Carney at a leadership event.

On February 20, OWIT members participated in the Pitch & Dine event organized by our partner  Canadian Women in Food (CWIF). It was an amazing soirée in support of women-led Canadian food brands. Participants were part of a live audience for six pitches and dined on locally crafted cuisine. Congratulations to all the powerful pitchers!

Member News

A Perfect Match for the Mexican Market

An exciting strategic partnership has been announced between Sable & Rosenfeld, a renowned Canadian gourmet food brand, and Nookss, a leading Mexican commercial distributor dedicated to helping international brands thrive in Mexico. This collaboration marks the beginning of a successful journey to bring Sable & Rosenfeld’s premium products to the Mexican market.

This partnership began during the Grocery Innovations Canada Trade Show held in October 2024, a premier event organized by OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) to connect Canadian food brands with potential partners and distributors from around the globe. At the event, Myra Rosenfeld from Sable & Rosenfeld and Bernardo from Nookss had the opportunity to meet, thanks to the efforts of Fabiola Sicard, Economic and Business Advisor for the US & Mexico at OMAFRA’s Trade and Investment Unit and Alma Farias, on the board of OWIT.

The event provided the perfect platform for innovative collaborations, and this new partnership is a testament to the effectiveness of OMAFRA’s initiatives in fostering cross-border trade and investment in the agri-food sector.

Partner Updates

Our partners offer these valuable events and resources to OWIT members.  

Belgian Canadian Business Chamber -  Business Excellence Awards Gala 2025 - April 24

The BCBC Business Excellence Awards Gala is the largest networking event organized by and for the Belgian Canadian business community. Every year, it recognizes and honors businesses and business leaders who have made significant contributions to the economic health of our community. A unique moment to come together and to shine a light on those who have thrived and innovated over the course of the last 12 months. Get dressed up and camera-ready and join us for a night filled with powerful stories, a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and networking with business leaders from Belgium and Canada! Tickets available via the following link. OWIT members are eligible for member price tickets.

B2Bee Match –Mighty Canada: Growth & Opportunity Summit | B2beematch.com – April 29

This half-day event on April 29 is designed to connect Canadian business owners, entrepreneurs and industry experts for strategic networking while facilitating meaningful conversation surrounding the challenges facing us today.

LumeSmart Earth Day Conference & Trade Show – April 15

OWIT-Toronto is proud to support the 10-Year Anniversary of the LumeSmart Earth Day Conference & Trade Show on April 15, held at MaRS Discovery District. Bridging Past, Present, and Future for Cleantech leaders, join us as we celebrate 10 years of innovation, empowering cleantech leaders, startups, and youth for a sustainable future.

As an OWIT-Toronto member, you can benefit from:

• a 25% discount. Register here: https://lumesmartearthday.com/earth-day-event-registration-discount/
• a chance to pitch during the Pitch Showcase — a great way to spotlight women-led innovation in cleantech and trade. Sign-up here: https://lumesmartearthday.com/earth-day-event-pitch/

Learn more about OWIT-Toronto's involvement over the years: https://lumesmartearthday.com/earth-day-community-organization-of-women-in-international-trade-toronto-owit-toronto/

Canadian Women in Food – Canadian Made Market – July 20

Mark your calendars for CWIF’s next event – Canadian Made Market -   on July 20. Come discover local Canadian made products while supporting women entrepreneurs who are shaping the food scene. Register here: https://www.canadianwomeninfood.ca/event-details/canadian-made-market

Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub – 2025 State of Women’s Entrepreneurship Report

The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) annual State of Women’s Entrepreneurship (SOWE) research shows that women entrepreneurs are driving economic development, innovation, export and job creation.