GDEI Trade Mission to Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia
03/10/2024 (1:00 PM)
03/15/2024 (8:00 PM)
(GMT-05:00) Panama

About

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, is organizing a Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Trade Mission to Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia from March 10-15, 2024, that will include the Opportunities for Woman-Owned Businesses in the Americas Conference in Panama City, Panama on March 10-11, 2024. 

Recruitment and consideration will be extended to all export-ready U.S. companies, including small businesses, trade associations and other exporting organizations that meet the established criteria for participation in the mission. ITA is seeking to improve outreach and representation of businesses with owners and/or leaders from underserved communities, including through the GDEI.

When women trade, women succeed economically. With 95 percent of world consumers and 80 percent of world purchasing power outside of the United States, international trade is an untapped resource for women-owned businesses. Women-owned companies that trade and export earn more, create more jobs, stay in business longer and are more resilient to financial shocks than those relying exclusively on domestic markets.

This mission is focused on expanding export opportunities to U.S. small and medium-sized businesses that are founded, led, operated or owned by women from industries with growing potential in Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia.

The mission is horizontal, with various sectors represented, based on best prospects for U.S. companies in Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia. Best prospect sectors are: Agricultural Products Automotive Parts, Accessories and Service Equipment; Construction Equipment; Cosmetics; Cybersecurity; Defense & Security; Disposable Medical Supplies; eCommerce; Education; Electric Power and Renewable Energy Systems; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Infrastructure; Medical Devices and Equipment; Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Equipment; Processed Food and Beverages; Solar Energy Products; and Travel and Tourism.

The business conference will be held in Panama City, Panama on March 10-11, 2024, with a focus on tools, and resources to help women entrepreneurs and executives accelerate their exporting journey. There will also be prearranged one-on-one consultations with U.S. commercial officers and diplomats representing 15 countries in the Americas. U.S. Embassies participating in the event are from the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.

Hotel and Travel Information
Hotel information coming soon. 
Contact Us

For more information, please contact us at Trade.Americas@trade.gov 

Agenda
10
Conference Registration
Conference Registration
NH Touring Hotel Via Ugo Tarchetti, 2, 20121 Milan
Start
1:00 PM
End
5:00 PM
One-on-One Meetings with Officers and Business Service Providers
One-on-One Meetings with Officers and Business Service Providers
Start
1:00 PM
End
3:00 PM
Networking Break
Networking Break
Start
3:00 PM
End
3:40 PM
One-on-One Meetings with Officers and Business Service Providers
One-on-One Meetings with Officers and Business Service Providers
Start
3:40 PM
End
6:00 PM
Trade Mission and Country Briefings
Trade Mission and Country Briefings
Start
6:15 PM
End
7:30 PM
Networking Reception
Networking Reception
Start
7:30 PM
End
9:00 PM
11
Morning Refreshments and Registration
Morning Refreshments and Registration
Start
7:30 AM
End
8:30 AM
Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks
Start
8:30 AM
End
8:45 PM
Presentation #1
Presentation #1
Start
8:45 AM
End
9:40 AM
Presentation #2
Presentation #2
Start
9:40 AM
End
10:20 AM
Networking Break
Networking Break
Start
10:20 AM
End
11:00 AM
Presentation #3
Presentation #3
Start
11:00 AM
End
11:40 AM
Presentation #4
Presentation #4
Start
11:40 AM
End
12:20 PM
Networking Lunch
Networking Lunch
Start
12:30 PM
End
1:40 PM
One-on-One Meetings with Officers and Business Service Providers
One-on-One Meetings with Officers and Business Service Providers
Start
2:00 PM
End
6:00 PM
Workshop #1
Workshop #1
Start
2:00 PM
End
2:40 PM
Workshop #2
Workshop #2
Start
2:40 PM
End
3:20 PM
Networking Break
Networking Break
Start
3:20 PM
End
4:00 PM
Workshop #3
Workshop #3
Start
4:00 PM
End
4:40 PM
Workshop #4
Workshop #4
Start
4:40 PM
End
5:20 PM
Workshop #5
Workshop #5
Start
5:20 PM
End
6:00 PM
Event Concludes
Event Concludes
Start
6:00 PM
End
6:00 PM
Networking Break/Free Time
Networking Break/Free Time
Start
6:00 PM
End
6:30 PM
Networking Reception
Networking Reception
Start
6:30 PM
End
8:30 PM
12
Business-to-Business Meetings in Panama
Business-to-Business Meetings in Panama
Start
9:00 AM
End
6:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Networking Lunch
Start
1:00 PM
End
2:00 PM
Coffee Break
Coffee Break
Start
3:30 PM
End
4:00 PM
13
Business-to-Business Meetings in Costa Rica or Colombia
Business-to-Business Meetings in Costa Rica or Colombia
Start
9:00 AM
End
6:00 PM
14
Business-to-Business Meetings in Costa Rica or Colombia
Business-to-Business Meetings in Costa Rica or Colombia
Start
9:00 AM
End
6:00 PM
15
Business-to-Business Meetings in Costa Rica or Colombia
Business-to-Business Meetings in Costa Rica or Colombia
Start
9:00 AM
End
6:00 PM
Speakers
Speakers, U.S. Commercial and Economic Officers

Argentina - Eric Olson

Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Argentina

Experienced Commercial Officer with a demonstrated history of working in international trade and commercial diplomacy, mostly in Latin America. Skilled in negotiation, policy analysis, business development, consulting, government, and international business. Strong diplomat with a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations with a focus on international trade and economics from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Relations and German from the University of Denver.

Brazil - Joel Reinoso

Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Brazil

In the summer of 2020 Joel Reynoso began a four-year tour in Sao Paulo, Brazil as Deputy Senior Commercial Officer and Counselor for Commercial Affairs. Previously, Mr. Reynoso served as commercial officer and Digital Attaché at the U.S. Embassy of Paris. As commercial officer he led a team of commercial specialists that counsel U.S. companies on doing business in France in industries such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. As Digital Attaché, Joel advocates on behalf of U.S. firms regarding French digital policies that affect their business in the market. Prior to that Joel served as commercial officer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he advised firms in the sectors that coincided with the state’s growth, the oil and gas sector, infrastructure and the World Cup and Olympic Games. From 2008-2011, Joel was the Director of the Northern New Jersey Export Assistance Center of the Department of Commerce, where he led a team of trade specialists to assist New Jersey firms to succeed in international markets through export counseling, seminars, and market research. He spoke often on international trade and technology issues at conferences locally and nationally as it affects U.S. exporters. Joel has won awards with the Department of Commerce for his work in the infrastructure, e-commerce and education sectors, including a Director General’s Award in 2008. He is a graduate of the Department of Commerce’s Executive Leadership Development Program. Before joining the Department, Joel worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and in the private sector with consultant Telecommunications Management Group (TMG) and Merrill Lynch. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude in History from Rutgers University and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the George Washington University. He is a former Robert Bosch Stiftung Fellow in Leipzig, Germany. He holds a top-secret clearance and speaks Portuguese, Spanish, German and French.

Canada - Pamela Ward

Regional Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Canada

Pamela Ward is the newly arrived Senior Commercial Officer for Canada. She is arriving in Ottawa after serving as the Regional Senior Commercial Officer for Southeast Europe, based in Bucharest, Romania. Ms. Ward has extensive prior experience in Europe, having previously served as the Deputy Senior Commercial Officer for Trade Policy at the U.S. Mission to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium (2015-2017), where she provided policy and strategic direction for the 23 CS operations in the European region; as Deputy Senior Commercial Officer in Paris, France (2012-2015), as the Senior Commercial Officer in Zagreb, Croatia (2008-2011); as Deputy Senior Commercial Officer in The Hague, The Netherlands (2002-2004), and as Commercial Attaché in Budapest, Hungary (1999-2002). Immediately prior to her posting Bucharest, Ms. Ward served in Johannesburg, South Africa as the Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs and Regional Senior Commercial Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa, leading over 50 trade professionals from eight Commercial Service posts (South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Mozambique) and providing oversight to 24 partner posts in one of the Commercial Service’s largest and most diverse regions. This was her second assignment in South Africa, having served there as the Deputy Senior Commercial Officer from 2004-2007. Prior to joining the Foreign Commercial Service, Ms. Ward served in the United States Commercial Service’s Export Assistance Center network as the Manager of the Eugene (Oregon) Export Assistance Center and as an International Trade Specialist in Newport Beach, California. Ms. Ward entered government service as an Import Compliance Specialist investigating unfair trade practice allegations for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Import Administration. Prior to her government service, she worked in the international trade and shipping logistics departments of several multinational firms. Ms. Ward holds a degree in Business Administration and International Marketing from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and completed Stanford’s Graduate School of Business LEAD program in 2022. She is married with two children.

Chile - Lisa Foss

Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Chile

Lisa Foss has served at the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration for more than 20 years. After joining the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service in 2020, Lisa was assigned to Santiago, Chile and previously served in Bangkok, Thailand. Prior to her work as a Commercial Officer, Lisa was a Senior Policy Analyst in ITA’s Enforcement and Compliance where she advised U.S. companies facing foreign antidumping and safeguards investigations and worked with foreign governments on increasing transparency and best practices in the application of trade remedies. Lisa has received several Department of Commerce awards including two Gold Medals, the highest civilian award given by the Department, for outstanding achievement in federal service. In 2022, Lisa received a Department of State Meritorious Honor Award. Lisa has a Master of Arts in European Studies from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and German Studies from the University of Minnesota. Post-graduate work has included a Certificate in Global Negotiations from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.  Lisa speaks Spanish and German.

Colombia - Lisa White

Commercial Attaché, U.S. Embassy Colombia

Lisa White joined the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) in 2020 and is currently Commercial Attaché at U.S. Embassy Bogota. She manages FCS services to assist U.S. businesses develop their export sales in Colombia and SelectUSA for Colombian investments in the United States. Her prior posting was at the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Seattle where she advised Washington businesses on how to grow international sales and developed special programs to accelerate women-owned businesses. Lisa has more than 15 years of combined federal service with experience at three previous agencies. Previous roles include the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) where she worked as an Economic Development Specialist and Public Information Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) where she worked as an Immigration Services Officer, and the U.S. Peace Corps where she worked as a Regional Recruiter. Prior to that, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea and Mali in West Africa where she supported small business development and developed French proficiency. Lisa graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BS in Business Administration with a focus on marketing and communications.

Costa Rica - Ryan Hollowell

Senior Commercial Officer U.S. Embassy Costa Rica

Ryan Hollowell is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in San Jose where he leads the commercial diplomacy, export promotion and advocacy efforts in Costa Rica. Ryan’s career with the Department of Commerce spans more than 14 years and includes assignments in Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Northern New Jersey and New York City where he has worked extensively on topics related to digital services, energy, transportation, and financial services.

Dominican Republic - Jennifer Kane-Zabolotskaya

Regional Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Dominican Republic

El Salvador - Melissa McInnis

Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy El Salvador

Melissa McInnis was assigned as the Senior Commercial Officer in El Salvador as of August 2021. She leads the commercial diplomacy, export promotion, and advocacy efforts for the U.S. Department of Commerce in El Salvador and has regional responsibility for the commercial teams in Belize and Nicaragua. Melissa’s previous assignments include Brazil, Vietnam, and Oregon.

Guatemala - Kennia Somerville

Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Guatemala

Guyana - Daniel Gaines

Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Guyana

Daniel Gaines is assigned to Georgetown, Guyana as the Senior Commercial Officer for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (CS). Prior to this assignment, Daniel served as a Commercial Officer in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Nairobi, Kenya. He has also served stints as the Acting Senior Commercial Officer for CS Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Within the United States, Daniel served as the Director of the CS Phoenix Export Assistance Center (USEAC), as a Senior International Trade Specialist in the Northern Virginia USEAC, and has experience in Washington, DC from his time in the Office of the Assistant Secretary & Director General in Commerce Headquarters. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from the University of Alabama and a Masters in Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. He is married to Faith Gaines.

Honduras - Hector Maldonado

Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Honduras

Hector M. Maldonado is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa where he leads commercial diplomacy & advocacy efforts in Honduras. Mr. Maldonado joined the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service in 2015 and has previously served tours at the U.S. Embassies in Beijing and Brasilia. He started his Department of Commerce career in Washington, D.C. in 2010. Previously, during a professional career spanning over 20 years, Mr. Maldonado has worked in sales, finance, and international general management roles at Fortune 100 companies within the pharmaceutical sector. His experience includes work in director level roles at companies such as Cardinal Health and Merck & Co., Inc. Early in his career, Mr. Maldonado served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army reaching the rank of Captain. Mr. Maldonado has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.

Mexico - Rachel Kreissl

Principle Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Mexico

Panama - Timothy Cannon

Senior Commercial Officer U.S. Embassy Panama

“Tim” is the Senior Commercial Officer in Panama. Tim last served in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Prior to that, he was the Deputy Senior Officer in Hanoi, Vietnam. Tim has also served in Moscow, Russia, a TDY in Nigeria, and a domestic tour in Fargo, North Dakota. He has a diverse background in sales, aerospace, personal protection, and served as a United States Marine Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. Tim is almost two years into of a four-year tour in Panama. In his free time, he enjoys scuba diving, fly fishing, exercising, and time on his motorcycle.

Peru - Keenton Chiang

Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Peru

Keenton Chiang will be the Senior Commercial Officer and Head of Section at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru beginning in August 2023. He was the First Secretary for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing from 2017-2022. He served as a DC-based China desk officer for the U.S. Department of Commerce from 2016-2017. He was the Commercial Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea from 2012-2016. From 2009-2012, he was the Commercial Consul at the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, China. Prior to joining the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, Keenton was an interim-executive officer at a start-up investment bank in Pasadena, California. Prior to that he worked as a Peace Corps volunteer for small businesses in Guatemala for two years. Before beginning his overseas experience, he was a senior manager of a SO-member team responsible for securitizing closed loans for the secondary market. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Humboldt State University. He received his MBA from the Monterey Institute of International Studies (now Middlebury Institute). Keenton and his wife, Anne, met during their time as Peace Corps volunteers. Their hometown is in Los Angeles, California. They have two daughters, Maya Elise and Hana Therese.

Uruguay - Robyn Garfield

Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Uruguay

Robyn Garfield is a career U.S. Foreign Service Officer. Most recently, he served as Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Mission to the European Union, where he led a team covering energy, transportation, and climate. In this role, he founded a global whole-of-government initiative to address climate and energy transition needs in Europe and Eurasia. Robyn previously served in the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of China and Mongolia and as Commercial Consul at the Consulate General in Shanghai overseeing transportation, aviation, travel and tourism, and environmental technology. In Shanghai, Robyn established the U.S. Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Working Group, the U.S. Travel and Tourism Working Group, and the award-winning China Industrial Park Environmental Initiative. Prior to joining the U.S. Government, Robyn managed large multi-cultural teams in five countries as a corporate strategist, general manager and entrepreneur. Most recently, he advised Samsung Group’s global business units on international strategy from its headquarters in Seoul. Prior to that, he held executive roles in Washington, D.C. and founded a company in Beijing. Robyn holds an MBA from INSEAD, an MA from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in Business and Intercultural Communication. He, his wife, and their two children (and their dog) have lived in the U.S., Belgium, China, Korea, Germany, and France.
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