WANDA BARQUIN

wbarquin@hotmail.com Mobile: 202-873-4951 www.LinkedIn.com/in/WandaBarquin

SUMMARY

Diplomatic executive focused on growing business between international markets and the United

States. Proven ability to support private sector companies by identifying opportunities, building

in-country networks, removing barriers, and solving problems. Top Secret Security Clearance.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

U.S. Department of Commerce, Global Markets, Washington, D.C. 1989 to Present - The

international trade and investment promotion agency that helps U.S. firms start exporting,

increase their sales to international markets, and attract foreign investment. Progressively

responsible assignments throughout Western Hemisphere, Europe, Africa, and Washington D.C.

Foreign Commercial Service Officer, U.S. Embassy in Colombia 2015 to 2016 - Facilitated

introductions to major industry players and key governmental experts to increase trade relations

and promote inward investment in Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Promoted the oil and gas

sector, along with environmental and other extractive industries. Created awareness of

competitive advantages of U.S. products, services and technologies.

• Designed first strategic plan for investment services to promote understanding of the U.S.

investment climate, highlighting opportunities to attract interest in U.S.-based projects.

• Developed first U.S. Commerce Department study on Colombian competitiveness in

selected industry sectors to facilitate understanding of main local challenges.

• Facilitated public-private strategic alliances to address water and environmental

challenges in Colombia. Identified U.S. government funds to help develop standard

processes collaboratively, and conceptualized programs to develop technical

requirements to certify technologies, establish product accreditation standards, and

identify U.S. laboratories accepted in Colombia.

Foreign Commercial Service Officer, Washington, D.C. 2014 to 2015 - Detailed to the Office of

the Deputy Under Secretary for Asia as Senior Advisor. Led the development of an integrated

communication strategy and marketing plan for 15 overseas offices to support the Commerce

Secretary’s goals in Asia. Capitalized on buzz generated by Cabinet members’ visits to region to

highlight U.S. government services for U.S. exporters.

• Led formation of collaborative digital marketing “Asia Team.” Recruited more than 100

members from countries overseas and colleagues from the United States to support program.

Provided webinar and live training on digital marketing techniques and social media channels.

Efforts created regional community of Foreign Commercial Service digital communicators.

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• Developed campaign directed to targeted U.S. audiences that introduced commercial offices

in Southeast Asia and explained how they help exporters reduce risk and navigate in-country

challenges. Implementation has been so well received that it will be replicated in other

countries.

Foreign Commercial Service Officer, U.S. Embassy in Mexico 2012 to 2014 - Member of

Commercial Service leadership team tasked with advancing U.S. Ambassador’s trade priorities

and increasing trade with Mexico, the second largest economy in Latin America.

• Led creation and implementation of office’s first digital marketing plan. Identified best

channels and established platforms to promote trade opportunities and U.S. clients’ services.

Made relevant U.S. companies aware of Mexico’s $320 billion infrastructure program.

• Developed unit work plan, assessed staff competencies to execute, and collaboratively

designed individual training and development plan to build staff members’ capacity.

Provided “stretch” assignments and mentoring. Resulted in significant increase in unit’s

performance against goals.

Foreign Commercial Service Officer, Washington, D.C. 2010 to 2012 - Advised on policy,

legislative, and regulatory matters from perspective of foreign importers of U.S. goods and

services. Participated in initiatives to improve Commerce’s effectiveness, build its

communications capacity, and establish a stronger online and social media presence.

• Member of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Outreach Team that collaborated on

development and implementation of strategy to promote second largest free trade

agreement in U.S. history. Awarded a Commerce Medal for project’s success.

• Member of team that collaborated on development of Export.gov, a Presidential Initiative to

introduce one-stop, one-form exporting for SMEs. Site consolidates information and

requirements from 20 federal agencies making it easier for firms to expand foreign sales.

Foreign Commercial Service Officer, U.S Embassy in Chile 2006 to 2010 - Led 11-person team in

Chile, the sixth largest economy in Latin America. Negotiated at ministerial level to ensure

trade agreement compliance. Represented Embassy at media, local, national, and international

events.

• Collaborated closely with senior executives from Boeing to identify opportunities at FIDAE,

the largest air show in Latin America, gain introductions to decision makers. They received

favorable media coverage for Chilean earthquake assistance. Sensitive assignment as Boeing

was largest employer in Commerce Secretary’s home state.

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• Supported U.S. manufacturers in closing more than US$1 billion of sales related to

modernization of Chilean military over three-year period.

• Led complex, multi-year effort to clear U.S. technology manufacturer of allegations of trade

violations under WTO Customs Valuation Agreement and U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement.

Prevented over USD$4 million of potential penalties and fines.

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree Candidate in Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Georgetown

University, 2019 (expected)

Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (International Economic Development), Georgetown

University, 1991

Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (International Relations, Law & Organizations),

Georgetown University, 1988

Fluent in Spanish & English. Working knowledge of French & Italian.