Tampa Bay, FL (September 24, 2025): For nearly 30 years, since 1997, the Tampa Bay Organization of Women in International Trade (TBOWIT) has empowered women in the region to excel in international business. As part of the OWIT umbrella and a network of 27 chapters with over 2,000 professionals worldwide, TBOWIT fosters international-focused education, networking, and scholarships for its members.
TBOWIT will celebrate the achievements of the organization and community leaders during the TBOWIT Annual Awards & Scholarship Luncheon on January 22, 2026, at the Epicurean Hotel. This year, Maria Ramos, Partner and Immigration National Service Attorney at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, will be honored as the 2025 International Person of the Year for her global representation of our community in international business and cultural forums. Maria has proved to be an exceptional leader as a distinguished immigration attorney and trusted advisor to businesses worldwide. She has built a career dedicated to helping companies navigate the complexities of global talent mobility. Her expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to supporting international business have made a lasting impact on our Tampa Bay community and the state of Florida.
Reflecting on this recognition, TBOWIT President Jennie Sammur shared, “We are honored to recognize Maria Ramos as our 2025 International Person of the Year. Her leadership in global talent mobility has strengthened international business and enriched our Tampa Bay community. Maria embodies the values of innovation, dedication, and global collaboration that our organization celebrates, and we are proud to recognize her remarkable impact.”
Additionally, TBOWIT will present the Laura Bedingfield Memorial Undergraduate Scholarships to Sophia Loubriel and the Lisa Yoder Memorial Graduate Scholarship toSarolta Lukovszky. Sophia Loubriel is an undergraduate student at the University of South Florida majoring in Global Business with a concentration in marketing and Sarolta Lukovsky graduated from the University of Tampa and is now studying as a graduate student in Georgetown University, where she is getting her Masters of Science in Foreign Service. A huge congratulations to all the honorees!
Building on these achievements, TBOWIT continues its mission of empowering women in international business by providing members with valuable resources and connections to thrive in the global marketplace. With such a diverse industry mix in the Tampa Bay region—including international trade, business policies and regulations, commerce, supply chains, and more. TBOWIT offers networking and business-focused events throughout the year. These events are designed to cater to our members’ unique needs and interests, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their specific industry, feels included and part of our vibrant community.
Join TBOWIT and Expand Your Global Network
Join a group of powerful women in international business right here in Tampa Bay and learn to strengthen your reach, expand your business, and make lasting connections. Visit www.tbowit.org to learn about TBOWIT and register to attend or sponsor the upcoming awards luncheon.