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Board Members

Simona Racek

Chairwoman

Simaris Trade

Simona Racek

Simona Filip Racek is a recognized expert in international trade and global commerce. She currently serves as Chair of the Organization of Women in International Trade Orange County (WITOC) and has been a member of the WITOC Board since January 2018.

Based in California, she is the Co-CEO of Simaris Trade, a firm that connects businesses to global markets through tailored strategies, digital trade solutions, and sustainable practices. She is also the founder of Just Down The Street, a global trade consultancy that partners with organizations such as the Economic Development Collaborative, Small Business Development Centers, World Trade Centers, and Chambers of Commerce to deliver export consulting and design programs that streamline trade operations. Through her work, she has supported the internationalization of hundreds of businesses.

Simona’s expertise spans export regulations, trade financing, and global market strategies. A passionate advocate for women in international trade and digital trade policy, she also leads trade missions and coordinates high-level diplomatic events. Her commitment to advancing U.S. exports was recognized through her appointment to the San Diego and Imperial District Export Council by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

Growing up in Romania during the communist regime shaped her lifelong mission: to broaden global access to goods, services, and information. Simona is also a dedicated mindfulness practitioner in the Plum Village tradition and is fluent in Romanian.

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Siddhi Khara

President

Ayra Consulting

Siddhi Khara

Siddhi Khara is an avid entrepreneur & international trade professional who is solution-driven, reliable, and detail-oriented.  Her professional career in trade began as an Assistant Trade Specialist for the U.S. Commercial Service.  She then worked for a Los Angeles based Food & Beverage export company (ATI); where she obtained first-hand experience in international logistics, documentation, and sales. She embarked on her entrepreneurial journey when she started her own innovative import digital platform (BIB); where U.S.based customers could rent or purchase imported South Asian textiles and garments.  She gained international strategy experience as a consultant for renowned market research firm- Euromonitor International in which she spent 5 years providing data-driven solutions for market entry, competitive analysis, and product positioning to clients in the CPG & B2B space across a variety of industries (Food, Beauty, Packaging). Currently, she is in the process of starting her own consulting firm- Ayra Consulting. She works closely with clients such as Nomadory- focused on sustainable trade; to develop and execute their digital media marketing strategy.  Siddhi is an MBA graduate from UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School Of Business, UCLA Certification Program in International Trade & Commerce, UC Irvine BA Business Econ & BA International Studies.  She currently serves as Vice President & OWIT representative for WITOC.

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Destinee Broussard

President

Trade Compliance Specialist

Destinee Bousard

Destinee Broussard is a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist. She is the Founder and CEO of The Trade Pros, a trade compliance consultancy where she guides businesses through the complexities of import and export regulations. She has built compliance programs across the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors, helping organizations navigate an increasingly complex global trade landscape. Destinee also serves as a Trade Compliance Advisor at the Economic Development Collaborative, bringing her expertise to organizations facing evolving trade challenges. She is passionate about connecting, supporting, and elevating women working across global trade and supply chain professions, and is committed to expanding opportunities for professional growth and community within the industry.

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Sharla Marocchi

Treasurer

BHR Law Group

Sharla Marocchi

Sharla celebrates her 7th year on the WITOC board of directors!  She now oversees the Chairman's Advisory Council.  Organization, development, processes, and bringing out the best in people are her passions.  Her professional background includes legal compliance, administration, and paralegal along with business development and operations.  Her success in expanding international business resulted in being awarded 2018 Exporter of the Year from the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.    She began her career in New York City in advertising sales with Modern Bride Magazine.  She has been a Director of Operations and Export Manager. She holds a degree from Brigham Young University in Communications and Business.

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Sarita Jackson

Secretary

Global Research Institute of International Trade, LLC

Christopher Lopez

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 the Secretary for the Organization of 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 her doctorate in political science from Brown University in Providence, RI. She lives in her hometown of Los Angeles, CA and spends much of her free time at the nearby beaches, catching a show at a local theatre or concert hall, and getting lost in a good book.

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alondra gaytan

Alondra Gaytan

Treasurer

Economic Development Collaborative – SBDC

Alondra Gaytan​

Alondra Gaytan

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Jessica Yip

Jessica Yip

Membership

Inven Global

Jessica Yip

Jessica Yip is the former Business & International Development Manager at the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce. In this role she developed and grew foreign direct investment initiatives to attract UK life science and technology companies to the city of Irvine and provide support for their expansion or relocation. She also organized the annual Orange County World Trade Week for three years and led the digitization and global expansion of the program in 2020. 
She currently works as Strategic Partnership Manager at esports media company, Inven Global, where she manages partnerships and programs that grow the esports phenomenon in the west. 
Jessica has been an active participant in Women in International Trade OC for the past 3 years, and has most recently been appointed Membership Chair on their Board of Directors. She also sits on the Marketing Committee of career education non-profit, Vital Link OC. She holds a degree in Communication from University of California, Davis.
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Tatyana Aguirre

Government Liason

US Commercial Services

Tatyana Aguirre

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Jasmine Braswell

Government Liason

US Commercial Services

Jasmine Braswell

Top-performing professional offering several years experience providing dynamic business development and account management strategizing to the U.S. Department of Commerce. A record of success in consulting US companies and customizing solutions to enhance targets and direction to successfully export US goods and services to foreign counties. Proven track record of identifying creative ways to present and implement export- related initiatives and programs to enhance agency visibility and promote trade. Knack for using advanced communication skills to obtain, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders resulting in successful and meaningful partnerships in the international business community and completion of project goals.

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Natalie Hatour

Government Lisaon

US Commercial Services

Natalie Hatour

Natalie Hatour

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Advisory Council

Karen Scuncio

Advisor

OC Small Business Development

Karen Scuncio

Karen Scuncio is a part-time consultant with the Orange County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) specializing in international business from operations to sales.  Since 1997, Karen has been a principal of S-C International which provides product development and sales representative services.  The firm assists businesses in increasing their US and International sales. Over the years, she has worked with numerous companies in a wide range of industries and has helped them grow their international sales and operations.

Karen has over 25 years of international business experience. Her career started after graduating from California State University Fullerton with a B.A., Business Administration with a concentration in international marketing. She began working in the international freight forwarding and customs brokerage field which gave her a strong foundation in import/export logistics and US regulatory compliance. She has continued to be actively involved with OC  trade community.

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Harvinder Mudahar

Advisor

Technologent

Harvinder Mudaha

A highly experienced sales and marketing professional with MBA in Business Administration with emphasis on Marketing. Experienced in developing and implementing action plans to deliver effective customer solutions and building long-term strategic relationships. Solid experience in managing teams to increase efficiency and productivity, while maintaining and improving customer relationships. Superior skills in project management, export control, customer relation, event coordination as well as database management. Responsible and detail-oriented in project

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Michael Jackson

Advisor

Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury

Michael Jackson

MICHAEL JACKSON joined Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury LLP in 2003. He received his B.A. from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), cum laude, in 1999, his J.D. from Whittier Law School, cum laude, in 2002 and is a member of the California bar. Mr. Jackson specializes in import and export matters including classification, valuation, origin marking, antidumping/countervailing duty issues, CBP/FDA/IPR seizures and recordkeeping. He is also experienced in assisting companies meet the requirements of various U.S. Customs and Border Protection sponsored programs including C-TPAT and ISA. He participates in various Southern California trade associations including the Orange County Bar Association - International Law Section Chair-Elect, Women in International Trade - Orange County (WITOC) as the Professional Development Chair as well as active memberships in the LACBFFA and FTA . He has traveled extensively on client matters throughout North America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East and Southeast Asia.

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Sean Hill

Advisor

Avalon Risk Management

Sean Hill

Sean Hill is an Account Executive with Avalon Risk Management. Sean has over 10 years
experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining Avalon, Sean worked directly with
retail agents in helping to secure commercial insurance package policies in over 100
different niches. He also has underwriting experience in establishing new programs that
have helped increase new business production in specialty niche markets.
Sean is a member of Emerging Insurance Professionals, Southern Orange County
Chapter, has a P&C license and an Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation. He
is also an Air Force veteran and has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Arizona State
University. Sean participates in various industry organizations such as the Harbor Trucking
Association, Foreign Trade Association, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Women
in Trade Los Angeles, and Orange County chapters. His experience has been valuable in
helping clients with their insurance and surety needs.

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Past Presidents

2021 – 2022 Simona Racek, Trade Consultant and Small Business Owner
2018 – 2020 Sharla Marocchi, Operations Director and Consultant
2015 – 2017 Karen Scuncio, OC Small Business Development Center
2009 – 2014 Margaret Heine, Attorney at Law
2007 – 2008 Ana Ascencio
2006 – 2007 Rosa Hernandez, MGIC
2005 – 2006 Laura Gimenez, City of Santa Ana
2003 – 2005 Anita Cates-Reyes, CATES-REYES Enterprises
2001 – 2003 Melanie Froysaa, Mazda North American Operations
2000 – 2001 Mary Francia, Century Communications
1999 – 2000 Margaret Heine, Attorney at Law
1998 – 1999 Wendy Huff Levi, Bausch & Lomb Surgical
1997 – 1998 Irene Bassin, Bassin & Associates
1996 – 1997 Tanya Foxe, Penske Logistics
1995 – 1996 Diana Fierro Carr, Denny’s International
1994 – 1995 Patty Senecal, Transport Express, Inc.
1993 – 1994 Michael Doesburg, Jetstream Cargo Group
1992 – 1993 Betty Harder Lucero, Silicon Systems
1991 – 1992 Lydia McClure Lee, AST Research
1990 – 1991 Paula Polizzi, Mai Basic Four
1989 – 1990 Loraine Hodgson, Cycle Industries
1988 – 1989 Kathleen Miltimore, Zet Marketing Co., Inc.
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