Unlocking Global Opportunities Roundtable

About

Explore Global Opportunities with the U.S. Commercial Service

Join us for a special export roundtable designed to guide your business through the exciting journey of global expansion. Discover valuable expert insights to help you expand into international markets.
There will be two sessions available.
Morning session from 8:30 am to 10:30 am
Afternoon session from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Choose whichever is most convenient for you! Sessions are available virtually or in person.

Having the right support and resources can make a huge difference when navigating the detailed preparation of global trade. Whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your existing export operations, this event is designed for all skill levels.

· You will hear from:

EXIM bank – the official credit agency of the of the United States

Texas Department of Agriculture which oversees the STEP grant (export expense reimbursement)

Organic Trade Association offering cost sharing for export promotion

Plus, an overview of powerful U.S. Commercial Service export tools

Why Export?
Did you know that only 5% of the world's consumption happens in the U.S.? that means that 95% of your potential customers are abroad.
Let's unlock this opportunity together with actionable guidance and strong support.

Itinerary

Out of town Attendees - If you are planning to join us in person, we got an exciting lineup of weekend activities waiting for you.

Agenda

04

Export Roundtable Discussion

Unlocking Global Opportunities Agenda 8:30 am to 10:30 am

8:30 Refreshments available

9:00 Mayor of El Paso welcoming

9:10 Mayra De La Canal - U.S. Commercial Service Overview

9:30 Bradine Griffiths - Helping Texas Small Businesses Export (STEP)

9:50 Eric Miller - Export Finance Solutions (protect your exports)

10:10 Sarah Gorman - Global Organic Export Opportunities (cost sharing)

10:25 Testimonial

10:30 Closing Remarks

Start

8:30 AM

End

10:30 AM

Export Roundtable Discussion

Unlocking Global Opportunities Agenda 4:30 am to 6:30 pm

4:30 Refreshments available

5:00 Mayor of El Paso welcoming

5:10 Mayra De La Canal - U.S. Commercial Service Overview

5:30 Bradine Griffiths - Helping Texas Small Businesses Export (STEP)

5:50 Eric Miller - Export Finance Solutions (protect your exports)

6:10 Sarah Gorman - Global Organic Export Opportunities (cost sharing)

6:25 Testimonial

6:30 Closing Remarks

Start

4:30 PM

End

6:30 PM

Speakers

Mayra De La Canal

Director, U.S. Commercial Service - West Texas /El Paso @ U.S. Department of Commerce

Mayra De La Canal is the Director of the West Texas and Southwest El Paso U.S. Export Assistance Center and the Southwest Rural Export Center. These Centers are part of the worldwide network of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, which helps U.S. companies, including rural exporters, compete and win in global markets.

Mayra joined the International Trade Administration in September 2023 after working for both the private and public sector at the local level. During her tenure in local government, Mayra served in a variety of capacities, such as promoting cross-border trade with Mexico and organizing trade missions to destinations worldwide. A native of El Paso, Texas, Mayra learned the basics of international trade growing up in this critical border gateway to global trade. She has travelled extensively for both work and leisure to Europe, Mexico, South America and Canada. Mayra is ﬂuent in English and Spanish, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.

Bradine Griffiths

State Trade Expansion (STEP) Program Director @ Texas Department of Agriculture

Bradine Griffiths currently serves as a grants program manager overseeing small business grant programs as well as the STEP Director for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Bradine plays a key role in supporting rural and agricultural economic development across Texas. She holds a Master’s degree in Busines and a Bachelor’s in Food and Nutrition, bringing a well-rounded perspective to program strategy, grant management, and community impact. In her work, Bradine is passionate about connecting small businesses with the resources they need to export, grow and thrive.

Eric MIller

Regional Director @ EXIM

Mr. Eric Miller is the Houston Regional Director for EXIM Bank. He is a Texas native and experienced international trader. Prior to joining the Bank, Eric spent over a decade in the private sector exporting capital equipment to buyers in 33 countries covering the continents of Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. As a prior customer of EXIM, he experienced firsthand how the Government Agency can be leveraged as a strategic tool to increase sales. He is passionate about international business and excited to be an advocate for EXIM.

Mr. Miller attended the University of Houston’s Bauer School of Business where he earned a B.B.A. in Operations Management and continued MBA studies with a major in Finance. Eric is Certified in Global Business by the Harvard Business School and as a Global Business Professional by NASBITE International.

Sarah Gorman

International Trade Manager @ Organic Trade Association

Sarah Gorman is the International Trade Manager at the Organic Trade Association (OTA), where she leads the organization’s export initiatives. For the past three years, she has spearheaded efforts to connect U.S. organic suppliers with global markets, leveraging both trade and consumer promotion strategies to expand international opportunities for American-produced organic products. Before joining OTA, Sarah built a career centered on international trade, with a particular focus on free trade agreement countries. Her experience spans working with embassies, private sector stakeholders, and policymakers to foster collaboration and shape effective trade legislation. She holds a degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and Sustainability from the University of Connecticut.