CWIT IS... Charleston Women in International Trade and the South Carolina chapter of the world-wide professional group, the Organization for Women in International Trade (OWIT). CWIT was organized in 2002 and was established as a non-profit corporation in South Carolina in February, 2003 and is federally recognized as a 501(c)(6). Click here to join our mailing list of over 1,000 professional contacts.

CWIT REPRESENTS... locally the global organization OWIT.  OWIT is our parent organization and they servers over 2,000 members.  OWIT has been operating since the early 1900's. CWIT membership comes with membership in OWIT. Visit OWIT on the web at www.owit.org!

CWIT STRIVES... to exceed meeting its mission "to enhance the status and interests of women in the field of international trade, through an establishment of a network of business contacts; to disseminate and publish information on the field of international trade; to establish educational programs and activities in order to encourage employment of women in international trade; and, to promote professional growth, education, common cause and social activities among women employed in any way in the field of international trade, both in the private and public sectors." Click here to learn about membership.

CWIT AWARDS... scholarships annually to aid South Carolina resident students enrolled/enrolling in an accredited higher education program in pursuit of a degree specific to international trade or related course of study. To date,  31 students have received our scholarships, amounting to a grand total of $67K since our scholarship program began in 2004, over 13 years ago! Awards are presented during our Annual Meeting and Banquet held in April of each year. CWIT scholarships are primarily funded by our Annual Event held in the Fall. Past recipients are listed on our Archives page.

CWIT RECOGNIZES... a Woman of the Year recipient annually who is a highly respected female, is a resident of South Carolina, and who has career achievements and/or volunteerism which profoundly enhanced the status of women employed in international trade related fields within the state of South Carolina. CWIT members nominate WOTY candidates and the award is presented to the top nominee during our Annual Meeting and Banquet held in April. Past recipients are listed on our Archives page.

CWIT MEETS... monthly from September through June, and typically on the second Tuesday of the month. The purpose of these meetings is to enlighten attendees on various topics related to international trade and to provide a professional forum for building professional relationships and connections. Attendance averages over 85 members and guests and non-members are encouraged to attend. Meetings start at 11:45 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. and include a 15 minute "networking with speaker" time. Visit our Calendar page to find out about upcoming events.

CWIT WAS AWARDED... by OWIT the prestigious 2005 Chapter of the Year award in recognition of our demonstrating positive results toward advancement of women in international trade professions. Visit OWIT on the web at www.owit.org!

CWIT MEMBERSHIP... is not restricted by gender or current job description - women, men, students and retirees are welcome to apply. Our membership is diverse and includes individuals who share a common interest in all facets of international trade. Our members are professionals from many industries and business sectors, including banking and finance, public relations, education, government and diplomacy, brokers and forwarders, customs and trade law, sales and marketing, import/export logistics, maritime service providers, technology, transportation, and other trade-related services. Click Click here to join today!