Wanda Barquin

I am serving as Senior Communications Advisor at the Commercial Service, the international trade and investment arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce. I have ample experience promoting government positions and making policy recommendations. Much of my work has intersected‎ with executive, legislative, economic, and nongovernmental actors in both the United States and emerging markets. I focus on growing business between international markets and the United States.

I am skilled at working in new countries and regions and rapidly understanding the economic, civil society, government and media factors relevant to industrial competitiveness and trade development. I have been serving as a U.S. diplomat under Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. A native of Argentina, I have lived in South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and Venezuela during my tenure as a diplomat.

My extensive experience and network in emerging markets enable me to reach out to stakeholders effectively and to engage opinion elites and media organizations in understanding an organization’s mission and particular objectives. Often in my career, I established strategic networks with key local and regional audiences. I have advocated on behalf of specific positions, advised on best strategies, promoted commercial products and services, and reported regularly on developments in emerging markets. For additional information on my effectiveness, please read what several stakeholders say in my recommendations on LinkedIn (www.LinkedIn.com/in/WandaBarquin).

I have a solid understanding of international organizations' substantive work, having worked with the Organization of American States, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). I worked closely with the OECD Tourism Committee early in her professional career. I appreciates international organizations' need to help others understand their mission and objectives. A good example of that was when I helped implement "The Tourism Satellite Account: Methodological Framework" (TSA). They relied on educating, building capacity and involving stakeholders in the TSA project from the beginning, in order to improve audiences' participation and acceptance of the Framework.

More recently, I designed and implemented the first communications plan to support the Secretary of Commerce's goals in Asia. I capitalized on the buzz generated by Cabinet members’ visits to the region and showcased U.S. government services for U.S. exporters and local importers. I consulted with Senior Commercial Officers, Washington experts, and colleagues from other parts of the Commerce Department and developed a strategic digital marketing plan for 15 commercial offices throughout Asia. Other Commercial Service offices around the world are now seeking my advice on integrated marketing strategies!

I have spent my 20+ year career analyzing ways to support public- and private-sector decision makers, helping them understand the contribution of industry sectors. I oversaw the dissemination of useful information to wide-ranging stakeholders, including national administrations, private associations, public authorities, academic and research institutions, and international organizations.

I am an active blogger and member of not-for profit organizations advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable in the society, namely children, women, and domesticated animals. During my free time, I relish the opportunities to spend time with my dogs, catch up with my family in Buenos Aires, and enjoy Italian opera.