Crossing Business Boundaries

Houston’s most powerful businesswomen prepare to link up with London

Houston, Texas – WEBWIRE – Friday, May 30, 2014

Houston is home to more female business leaders and entrepreneurs than almost any other city in the United States. Some of the leading women in the energy, medical, investment and retail sector will be arriving in London on 25th June as part of an initiative to build ties and share knowledge with their female counterparts from some of the UK’s most prominent firms.

Representatives from the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) will participate in a series of site visits in and around the City of London. Hosting companies include medical firm Bupa and financial management firm DWF.

Distinguished names from the Houstonian delegation include:
•   Denise Rhodes, CFO of the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical facility
•   Cyndy Roberts, Director of Communications at H.E.B., one of the US’s largest independent food retailers
•   Janet Coy, Vice President of Enbridge, North America’s largest transporter of crude oil and natural gas.

The day will close with a networking dinner, sponsored by professional recruitment agency Harvey Nash, at the prestigious National Liberal Club, enabling new business to develop between London and Houston and looking to inspire future generations of female business leaders.

The visit is the fruition of a long-standing transatlantic relationship between Regina Johnson, UK Trade and Investment officer at the British Consulate in Houston, and Jurga Zilinskiene, CEO of Today Translations and liveryman in City of London’s Worshipful Company of Fruiterers. Zilinskiene said:

“This is a unique opportunity for female professionals and entrepreneurs from London and Houston to forge new business links.”

“London has much to learn from the Lone Star State, especially how women are defying executive male dominance, both by breaking through the glass ceiling and by founding a record number of start ups. I would love to see more women take that same sort of initiative in London.

“The foundation is already here. I think that Texas and the City of London boast a number of striking similarities – both are autonomous regions within their own unique and historic right, both have a very distinctive approach to business and both are enormously vital to their respective country’s economy.”

Founder and CEO of the GHWCC Suzan Deison said:

“We have always believed that, for women to excel in business, we need to continue to help and support each other. Expanding our reach across borders to London will be an amazing feat for all involved. And I hope we can also show the Brits a thing or two about how we do business in the and why Houston is regarded as one of the fastest-growing cities for female-led businesses.”

About the GHWCC:
GHWCC is a non-profit organization of highly influential and diverse women and men dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women through avenues of leadership, education, and advocacy and mentoring.