Another highlight was a reception that Maxine Westaway (TIAW’s Executive Director) arranged at the U.S. Ambassador’s house. I don’t think I have ever been at a place with as many powerful women. Chile’s new president, Michelle Bachalet, has appointed 50% of her cabinet with females. At the reception I got to talk with President Bachalet’s Minister of Economy, Ingrid Antonijevic. I found her impressive, committed but at the same time refreshingly honest and down to earth.
The conference itself was a great way to get a first hand view of where Chile is going. You could feel the excitement in the room. It was an intersection of our world and theirs. We had enough people from the U.S., Canada, and the UK for critical mass. But with over 240 people at the conference we were far from being the dominant voice.
Now those of you thinking about going to TIAW’s next international conference, before I leave you thinking it was all work, let me just say there was also the winery, dancing, dining, museums, the beach, and Piscos, the national drink of Chile! And all the while, conversation after conversation after conversation. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime.
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