GATTsters -

As we move through the Fall season toward the end of 2024, we reflect positively on what we have achieved together as an organization and community this past year.

GATT DC has truly flourished into something none of us could have imagined even just a few years ago, and that success is due in no small part to all of you.

This year, we spearheaded a number of events that allowed to grapple with some of the most pressing and interesting trade topics of the day, including those on U.S. Customs and Border Protection Enforcement Priorities, the E.U. Parliamentary Elections and Impacts on Trade, the role of Maritime Ports in Securing our Supply Chains, Battery Electric Vehicle Supply Chains, U.S. Trade with the ASEAN countries, and Artificial Intelligence and National Security.

Of course, we have also focused on community building initiatives that strengthen our connections within GATT DC, the only organization in the world dedicated to LGBTQ+ and allied international trade and development professionals. We were thrilled to launch the first “Jim Kolbe Memorial Lecture” this Spring, which allowed to us reflect on and honor the legacy of one our own leaders. Our many community events, including the NightOut at the Washington Nationals, Women’s Pride Happy Hour, and the No Trade is Free Book Discussion, allowed us to come together and build new relationships within the group in an array of settings. And, we have been committed to continue recognizing all of you through our bi-monthly featured member profiles and the LGBTQ+ trade person of the year award. In the same spirit of strengthening our community, we could not be more excited to launch the GATT DC Mentorship Program this Fall, which will allow members to connect and explore new professional goals and opportunities.

Through our external partnerships we have been pleased to collaborate with our generous corporate sponsors and peer organizations. Our corporate sponsors, Cassidy Levy Kent, BakerHostetler, Barnes & Thornburg, Global Navigators, Steptoe, White & Case, and Pfizer, remain indispensable partners and supporters of our organization, to whom we owe so much gratitude. Additionally, this year alone, we partnered on events with the Customs and International Trade Bar Association (CITBA), the Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT), Out in National Security (ONS), and the LGBTQ+ affinity groups of the U.S. Department of State / U.S. Agency for International Development (GLIFAA), Organization of American States, and World Bank. These partnerships strengthen GATT DC as an organization by expanding our reach within the international trade and development communities and allow our members to grow their professional networks.

We hope that our story and mission continue to inspire you and that you are motivated to support GATT DC financially to secure our future. While we are thrilled to be able to operate without requiring annual dues, we are only able to do so because of generous donations from our members. We truly appreciate your consideration to donate.

With Gratitude,

The GATT DC Board of Directors

Zachary, Josh, Alexa, Lucas