You’re invite to kickoff Women Veterans Day 2024 at our International Trade Breakfast.
This year, VWEC will kickoff Women Veterans Day with our International Trade Breakfast featuring Josie Orosco, SW Chapter, Executive Director, United States Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
With launch of the VWEC’s International Trade Cohort, exclusively for Veteran Women Entrepreneurs, designed to empower women veteran entrepreneurs to seize global opportunities and expand their businesses internationally. Through a comprehensive program encompassing monthly training, one-on-one mentoring, and access to personalized international trade guidance, VWEC will ensure selected participants have access to the necessary providers and support to effectively navigate the complexities of international trade.
Now more than ever is the time to support Veteran Women Entrepreneur toward the exploration of new international markets. In a 2022 report by the International Trade Council titled "Women in International Trade," highlighted that women are increasingly asserting themselves in the realm of international trade, challenging stereotypes, and contributing significantly to global economies. Entrepreneurship offers a vital avenue for women in trade, with women-owned businesses playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and job creation.
Moreover, a study commissioned by the Office of International Trade (OIT) found that “minority and women-owned firms over-index in selling abroad, emphasizing the importance of supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs in international trade endeavors.” With over 95 percent of the world's consumers residing outside the United States, international sales present a significant growth opportunity for small businesses.
Josie Orosco knows the challenges experienced by women seeking opportunities in international trade and has worked progressively to open doors and create a pathway to success for all.
Josie Orosco,
SW Chapter, Executive Director, U. S. Mexico Chamber of Commerce
Josie Orosco has been the Southwest Chapter, Executive Director, for United States Mexico Chamber of Commerce in Dallas since 2004. In this role, Josie works with business, organizations, and chambers locally, nationally, and internationally with not only Mexico but other countries like Columbia, Canada, China, Guatemala, and Turkey. One of her events brought 26 Mayors from Mexico to Dallas which was a historical moment in time and her Kickoff Speaker was Guanajuato Governor Miguel Marquez.
Josie is in contact with international chambers, international companies, governors, and ministers of economic development of Mexico on projects for the USMCA such as Mexico’s Manufacturing Alternative and the North American Working Group.
As Executive Director she has had the privilege of meeting President Uribe of Chile and the following Presidents of Mexico thru Annual Chamber events in Washington and Mexico: President Vincente Fox, Felipe Calderon, Enrique Pena Nieto and Carlos Salinas De Gortari, who signed the NAFTA Agreement, which is now the USMCA Agreement.
As a servant leader, Josie provides guidance and leadership on several boards such as the North Texas Commission where she has served for more than 16 years. She has also held board positions with the Irving International Affairs Board, North Texas Food Bank, Xerox Management, Dallas Seniors Affairs, Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Dallas Urban League.
Josie is a result oriented professional leader as shown in her extensive corporate experience with Xerox Copier Division, Kraft Phillip Morris/Kraft Foodservice Div., and US Foods.
While at Xerox, Josie was the SW Regional Launch Manager, Marketing Manager, National Sales Rep and first Latina along with being one of five nationally that was top in sales, which garnered her the opportunity to write 4 marketing books for Xerox on “How to Launch New Products”
During her stay at Xerox, she was chosen as Southwest Sales Rep of the Year that covered 10 states and given the award of Business Person of the Year in Dallas by the Greater Hispanic Chamber in 1978, and the first woman to receive this award.
While National Accounts Manager at Kraft she brought in a $22 million dollar account and her team was recognized as the most profitable National Accounts team along with a variety others awards. As Director of Sales and Healthcare for US Foods Josie ran a budget and sales team of more than $179 million.
As the SW Chapter Executive Director, Josie has created and raised the budget and funds for all events, trips, and her salary for over 16 years. Josie international projects promote international entrepreneur investments in the United States via E 2 or E1 Visas, events, matchmaking countries, companies, and individuals. As ED, she works closely as a team with all the United States Mexico Chamber 10 Executive Directors in the US and 8 Executive Directors of Mexico to create unique international trade opportunities.
