The TIAW 2006 International Conference in Chile was a great success! For those of us who attended, it was indeed one of the most memorable conferences ever.
Not only was it well attended with over 240 women at the all day conference at Universidad Central in Santiago, but also, the speakers and attendees were fascinating women. Several of the speakers were the Latin American Heads of their respective companies, including Proctor and Gamble, American Airlines, and IBM. We were honored to have the Minister of the Economy, and the Minister of SERNAM (Women’s Ministry) representing the government of Chile.
Though many of the attendees were from Chile, we had representation from Brazil, Argentina, and Columbia. The Opening Night Reception at the home of Ambassador and Mrs. Kelley was a terrific way to meet the speakers and senior level staff members of the Embassy. The in depth briefing on Chile by two senior level staff members of the US Embassy was a great way to gain valuable knowledge about the country. It made our days of touring in Chile more meaningful.
One of the most meaningful aspects of being in Santiago was the visit to the offices of FINAM, the group that oversees our Microcredit Village Bank. We visited two of the women entrepreneurs who have been funded by TIAW, and found it fascinating to meet them in their neighborhood-based businesses.
We all made a number of new friends, with the exciting prospect of new business relationships. I heartily encourage you to attend future conferences, whether they are in Atlanta in November or in Asia next spring.
