Mrs. Samantha January has been a member of ITC since March of this year and decided to join for the networking opportunities and to get involved in her community while interacting with professionals in her field. Like some in the industry, Mrs. January has not traveled internationally often, and instead has done so domestically. Of all the places that she could go to internationally, Japan is at the top of the list. And thanks to being in quarantine, she has had plenty of time to plan her next trip.
Currently, Mrs. January works as the Logistics and Compliance Coordinator for Essence of Australia. It is a position that she has been in since November of last year. She transitioned into the field of International Trade when she began a position as International Supply Chain Analyst for Dean and Deluca. In her words, “I fell in love with the challenges it presented and working with people all over the world. No day is like any other, and I was able to put some of my Anthropology degree to use!” Some of the goals that she currently has for her career include wanting to continue to work for companies that have remarkable workplace culture and to be continue to cultivate knowledge in her role and use that expertise to drive the business forward.
Fun Facts & Advice:
Name three people (dead or alive) that you would invite to dinner:
Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
What was the last book you read?
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes and currently reading An African American and Latinx History of the United States by Paul Ortiz. She has also been reading Moby Dick on and off for 3 years and her goal for 2020 is to finish the book.
Who inspires you?
My biggest inspiration comes from my daughter. Becoming a woman that she looks up to and is encouraged by is my utmost goal. I also find inspiration in ambitious and powerful women. I am fascinated by the great thinkers and doers, past and present. I love reading their stories about how they overcame great odds to change the world.
What advice would you give someone who wants to get into International Trade/International Business?
Cultivating your love of learning is instrumental to longevity. Understand and respect cultural differences and remain flexible in workflow expectations.
What is something unique about you that is generally not known?
I am a novice interior decorator! My husband and I are renovating an outdated home from top to bottom. Juggling home renovations, during a global pandemic at home full time with a toddler, has been interesting to say the least!
