At home in one of the largest U.S. ports, OWIT-Hampton Roads, Inc. was founded in 2006, as the local chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade, a non-profit, non-partisan group that includes women and men in all aspects of international trade and commerce. Reflective of the diversity of global trade interests in the Hampton Roads region, our membership is comprised of importers, exporters, transportation service providers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, attorneys, bankers, accountants, consultants, educators, students, and government officials. Our diverse membership – men and women - creates a dynamic forum for networking, doing business, promoting professional development, and building friendships with other like-minded professionals in the Hampton Roads international trade community.

We are a leading source of informative programs related to international trade, transportation, and related policy developments. We tap into local expertise to educate our members and the public on a wide variety of issues, such as port security, importing, exporting, global business, and inter-modal transportation. We also draw upon resources in Washington, D.C. to create a link between the Hampton Roads region and federal policymakers to inform our members on policy developments that impact our international trade community.

Want to expand your professional network outside of Hampton Roads? We do that too. We are currently Virginia’s only chapter of OWIT International, a global organization founded in the 1980’s. By tapping into the OWIT International global network, our members can connect with hundreds of other OWIT members in 30 cities around the world. OWIT’s Job Bank, Annual Conference, and Speakers Bureau are just a few of the resources available to our members seeking professional opportunities for employment, networking, and reaching a broader audience to market their trade-related expertise.

Don’t let the name fool you. OWIT-HR is not for women only. We are singularly focused on offering educational programs and networking opportunities for all professionals and students in the Hampton Roads international trade and business community.

We invite you to consider joining our dynamic organization and look forward to meeting you at our next event.