Salt Lake City—In celebration of International Women’s Day, the World Trade Association of Utah (“WTA”) will mark the 14th anniversary of the Women in International Business Conference on Friday, March 8th at the Zions Bancorporation’s Midvale Technology Campus. After opening remarks by the conference MC, Barbara Bagnasacco, an attorney with the law-firm of Parsons Behle & Latimer, the conference will feature a panel discussion with female business and educational leaders from Utah’s diverse international economy sharing their perspectives and strategies on recent trends in international business.

“The World Trade Association of Utah is honored to mark the 14th anniversary of the Women in International Business Conference,” said Scott Bell, WTA president. “Our organization is truly committed to making a positive difference for women in bringing together Utah professionals to promote, network, & expand international trade and commerce. And this year, we are thrilled to host an amazing keynote speaker, Lesley Paterson, who is joining us from California.”

Following the panel discussion, the conference will feature an inspiring keynote address (Be Brave!) by the brilliant and talented Lesley Paterson. In her first career as a professional triathlete, Lesley rose to the top and became a five-time world champion in her sport. Upon her retirement from professional sport, Lesley moved from her native Scotland to California to pursue a career in the film industry by acting, writing and producing. She was the force behind and the screenwriter of the movie All Quiet on the Western Front, which won 7 Baftas (including one to Lesley) and 4 Oscars (including for Best International Feature Film) last year.

The Lieutenant Governor, Deidre M. Henderson, is scheduled to then address the audience and she will be present when the WTA will honor Melanie Cox, CEO of Backcountry.com LLC, as International Woman of the Year. Mrs. Cox has enjoyed an exciting career in the fashion, consumer products, and outdoor retail industries, and she has also worked in Private Equity. She currently serves as CEO of Backcountry.com LLC and has served on its board since March of 2020. Prior to Backcountry, she was founder and CEO of MBC Consulting where she advised Private Equity firms and public company boards on retail strategy and diligence, and she held the Interim CEO role at rue21 and Wet Seal. She previously served as CEO of Scoop NYC and Rave Stores and held executive level roles at Mervyn’s, Gymboree, Urban Outfitters, and Contempo Casuals. In addition to her role at Backcountry, Mrs. Cox serves on the Board of the Duckhorn Portfolio and as lead Director of the Revolve Group, both members of the NYSE. She also serves on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Salt Lake Branch.

“It is my pleasure and distinct honor to receive this recognition from the World Trade Association,” said Melanie Cox. “It is a great joy to be at the helm of Backcountry helping people get outside and enjoying all the magical places that the great state of Utah has to offer.” The program will conclude with a networking lunch.

For more information and a complete agenda, please see https://bit.ly/wiib2024.

About World Trade Association of Utah
Web: wtaofutah.org
Established in 1972, the World Trade Association of Utah is the state’s premier non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing international trade and commerce. The WTA offers its members a valuable opportunity to share experiences and remain current with other professionals in the complex environment of international trade by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information through various workshops, seminars, publications and special events. Each year, WTA bestows the leading International Company of the Year and the International Person of the Year awards.

Contact:
Andrea Vert Sanz
Board Member, World Trade Association of Utah
[email protected]
801-657-7209

Barbara Bagnasacco
Board Member, World Trade Association of Utah
[email protected]
801-450-4331