PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Join us for an evening filled with very timely world-class keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and unparalleled business-to-business networking opportunities at 11th Annual Orange County World Trade Week Forum Event. This is your chance to connect with key trade organizations, international business groups, the diplomatic corps, academics and to learn about the extensive global resources available in Southern California.

Presented by the District Export Council of Southern California and supported by key partners such as the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Next Practices Forum, this gathering is essential for those ready to embrace the future of international trade. Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your trade ambitions forward!

MEET OUR SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS

Brian Cruz

Associate General Counsel for Compliance

Anduril Industries

Brian Cruz is Associate General Counsel for Compliance at Anduril Industries, where he advises Anduril’s management on legal, compliance and policy matters. In this role, Brian overseas all compliance functions for the company, including regulatory compliance with flight and spectrum requests, health and safety and environmental issues, exports and international trade issues, and compliance with U.S. Government contracts.

Prior to Anduril, Brian was General Counsel at Coherent Aerospace and Defense, Inc., a leader in materials and laser applications in the aerospace and defense market. He previously was Counsel at Pillsbury, Winthrop Shaw Pittman and McKenna, Long and Aldridge, where he focused his legal practice on all aspects of government contracts law, representing all the major primes in disputes with the federal government.

Brian is a former Major in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Communications Officer in deployments to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf regions. He holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California and a J.D. from Southwestern Law School.

David Harlow

President

ITC-Diligence, Inc

Mr. David Harlow is the President of ITC-Diligence, Inc., a second-generation National Customs Broker and leading international trade consultant.

 Established in 2002, ITC offers a comprehensive range of international trade services to importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, public utilities, and government agencies.  As a Licensed Customs Broker and International Trade Consultant, ITC specializes in Foreign Trade Zones, Bonded Warehouses, and various Federal Programs. The company facilitates the seamless movement of international cargo through U.S. ports of entry, overcoming trade barriers while educating clients about the benefits and complexities of the U.S. Customs processes.

David, a California native of 50 years, received his U.S. Customs Brokerage License in 2004. He has spent the last 25 years in the industry, specializing in the pharmaceutical industry, metals industry, and Foreign Trade Zone industry. David spends his free time serving on the LACBFFA and FTA boards along with committee participation in the DECSC, NCBFAA, NAFTZ, ICPA, and Global Chamber of Commerce.  David is a champion of education, sharing his wealth of knowledge to help others be successful through understanding the benefits and obstacles of exporting. David is honored and privileged to guest lecture at prominent universities such as UNLV, Cal Poly and many others.  Above all, David values spending time with his wife, Dawn, and their three children Andrew, Adam, and Emma.

Simona Racek

Co-CEO Simaris Trade

WITOC Chair

Simona Filip Racek serves as the Chair of Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) and is Co-CEO of Simaris Trade, a trading company dedicated to connecting businesses with global markets through tailored strategies and digital trade solutions.

An experienced trade consultant, she supports public and private sector clients with export development, market entry, and trade compliance. Simona also serves on the San Diego and Imperial District Export Council, where she advises on advancing U.S. exports and supports SME growth through exports.

Dr. Sarita Jackson

CEO & Founder

Global Research Institute of International Trade (GRIIT)

Sarita D. Jackson, PhD, CGBP is a bilingual consultant (English/Spanish) in the areas of international trade policy, practice, and strategy. She currently serves as Secretary for Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) and as OWIT Representative.

Additionally, Dr. Jackson is the founder and CEO of the award-winning Global Research Institute of International Trade (GRIIT). GRIIT helps companies to minimize their global trade risks and maximize international opportunities through customized market research, policy analyses, and strategy development.

She is the author of International Trade in Services: Effective Practice and Policy, which was published by Routledge Taylor and Francis Group. Furthermore, Dr. Jackson is a TEDx speaker. She remains a sought-after speaker on issues such as global trade equity, female economic empowerment, and navigating shifting global trade policies.

Dr. Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Spanish from the University of Southern California. Additionally, she earned her doctorate in political science from Brown University in Providence, RI.

Hema Dey

CEO & Founder

Iffel International

Hema Dey is a multilingual business strategist  (English, Spanish, French, and Bahasa Malaysia), specializing in AI-driven marketing, sales optimization, and global business expansion. As the founder and CEO of Iffel International and creator of the AI SEO2Sales™ methodology, recipient of the gLEnnovate Global Innovation Award (2016), she empowers businesses to scale efficiently, enhance profitability, and achieve sustained growth.

Awarded as a World Class New Zealander in 2013 for her notable contributions to the global expansion of high-tech manufacturing firms, Hema actively contributes to executive teams across multiple companies, leveraging strategic Martech solutions to drive rapid and impactful growth. She is a sought-after speaker who addresses critical topics such as AI-driven digital transformation, evolving Large Language Model (LLM) technologies, comprehensive search optimization strategies, and the art of marketing to multiple generations in the marketplace.

With extensive international experience, Hema has led corporate expansions into over 35 countries, undertaking expatriate leadership roles in Paris, London, and Shanghai. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing from Lincoln University, New Zealand.