Inclusive Global Trade and Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Maria Luisa Boyce (O’Connell) is a woman on a mission. Her drive and dedication have helped her become an advocate for an inclusive trade agenda, enabling all businesses to be part of global trade. Her work has centered around empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting initiatives like #shetrades and #upswomenexporterprogram, which focus on helping women-owned businesses access global markets.
Maria’s journey began over 20 years ago when she started working as an executive director at the Office of Trade Relations for the US Customs and Border Protection. In this role, she facilitated dialogue with the international trade community in the development of new trade policies and advised the Commissioner and senior leadership on the best trade policies and operations. During her tenure, she launched and implemented CBP’s trade transformation strategy and a private sector engagement plan.
After serving as the Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Public Affairs, Maria joined UPS as Vice President for International Policy for UPS Global Public Affairs. In her current role, she advocates for UPS’s priorities on Capitol Hill, supports the company’s government affairs efforts in Latin America, and serves as a liaison for UPS to National Hispanic Organizations. She is part of the UPS core team leading the UPS Women Exporter Program, which aims to help women-owned businesses expand into global markets.
Maria’s advocacy for an inclusive trade agenda has earned her recognition and respect from the private sector, US and global policy makers, and international organizations. Her exceptional communication and interpersonal skills allow her to work well with high-level officials of US and non-US governments, business executives, and members of the US Congress. Through her work, she has become an accomplished public speaker and presenter, a global strategic thinker, and a proven tactical executor.
