Colorado is stronger when we trade
What we do
World Trade Center Denver is a business network and services organization dedicated exclusively to the international business success of companies based in Colorado and the surrounding Rocky Mountain region.
No need to call New York or fly to Chicago, you get face-to-face access to world-class global resources right here in your own backyard. Our sole purpose is to help local companies succeed internationally. Global commerce isn’t just one of the things we do, it’s the only thing we do.
Why we do it
Our mission is to build a strong future for the remarkable industries of the Rocky Mountain Region by helping our members collaborate locally, connect strategically and thrive on the global stage. We seek to inspire Colorado businesses and entrepreneurs to think bigger. To see what global trade can do, not just for our bottom lines, but for the places we call home. It isn’t just about imports and exports. It’s about bringing prosperity to our state and neighborhoods by forging ties with other neighborhoods around the world. It’s about a better future for all of us. Trade Matters.
EXPERTISE
No other organization offers the breadth and depth of global expertise you get here. We are a global trade association run by people who’ve experienced success in global business, who know the intricacies of government policy, and who keep current and informed on every change and nuance. Our subject matter experts are the best of the best, and if they can’t answer your question they will get you to someone who will. We aren’t here to judge, we’re here to advise, solve problems and help you put your best foot forward.
CONNECTIONS
With one million members and over 300 trade centers in 100 countries, this is a network that opens doors around the world. Here you can collaborate, exchange ideas and cultivate relationships with the largest concentration of global business-minded professionals in the region. In addition to networking and training events, we facilitate introductions to get you to the right people in the right geographies.
SERVICES
Online libraries and peer-to-peer training are just the beginning. We provide tools, resources and customized consulting services to help you choose markets strategically, mitigate risks and increase revenues and operational efficiencies as you expand. Direct consultative services will help take you from launching your global business to optimizing your global supply chain and through becoming well-established internationally. Trust your business with experts who have been teaching best practices of global business operations for over 30 years.
Karen Gerwitz
President & CEO
Karen Gerwitz brings 30 years’ experience in international business to the organization in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Her enthusiastic vision for how Denver can become a more globally-conscious city is what is driving the organization to its new development in the Fox Park neighborhood near downtown. With business development, strategic growth and marketing as her main functional expertise, Karen has served overseas in Ghana and Austria, and in Colorado in multiple sectors including: IT, Aerospace, Lumber, Science, Mining, and Government. Her protocol and international cultural expertise prepared her well to host the official visits of the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the G8 Summit, the Western Hemisphere Ministerial Summit, and hundreds of other delegations. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business and her Masters of Public Administration from the University of Colorado.
Contact: Karen.gerwitz@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5760
SANDI MOLIANEN
Vice President Operations
Sandi Moilanen is the Vice President of Operations at the World Trade Center Denver, where she oversees the daily operations and programs of the organization, helps develop and implement strategic initiatives and looks for new areas of growth. Sandi brings experience in international business development, manufacturing and international trade finance to the position. Prior to joining the WTC, Sandi was the Director of the Colorado International Trade Office, part of the State of Colorado’s Office of Economic Development, where she managed the export promotion and foreign investment attraction activities for the State of Colorado. Before her public sector service, Sandi managed international transactions and overseas production planning for an apparel manufacturer. She helped develop European distribution and managed a network of international dealers. She has experience as a Customs Broker and an international logistics agent.
Contact: Sandi.Moilanen@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5362
Tanya Arnt
Director, Global Trade Activator
Tanya Arnt is the Director of Global Trade Activator, she oversees both the Incubator Program for Immigrants and the Accelerator Program for companies that are ready to launch into new International Markets. Prior to this role, Tanya was the Director of Trade Institute at WTC Denver where she was responsible for modernizing trade education programs and converting in-person trainings into virtual and on demand offerings. She led the Certificate of International Trade Program, Lunch and Learns, World Trade Day Conference, and International Business and U Conference.
Tanya brings years of Global Project Management experience working with multinational vendors and service providers across diverse industry sectors including telecom, IT, construction, logistics, education, hospitality and tourism.
She earned her MBA with International Business focus from the University of Colorado and Master’s in International Relations from Altay State Technical University. Multilingual – Russian, English, Chinese and Spanish competency.
Contact: tanya.arnt@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5378
Torrie Becwar
Institute Director
Torrie Becwar joined the WTC Denver team in 2022. As Director of the Trade Institute, she is responsible for managing the Certificate of International Trade program and the online learning platform. Before coming back to her home state of Colorado, she spent 17 years in Italy helping professionals expand their work internationally by developing their Business English skills. She has a master’s degree in Learning Design and Technology from CU Denver and is excited to be involved in the WTC training program.
Contact: Torrie.Becwar@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5760 x 8350
Zachery Makuch
Director of Business Development
Zachery Makuch has joined the World Trade Center Denver team in 2022 as the Director of Business Development. Zach is responsible for developing business opportunities within the organization by coordinating and implementing plans designed to increase existing business and capture new opportunities.
Prior to joining the organization, Zach was a Manager of International Sales and Business Development Executive at DHL Express (US) for 8 years representing the state of Colorado and Colorado based businesses for 7 years of those years.
He has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biochemistry from the State University of New York College at Cortland.
Contact: zachery.makuch@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5760 x 8350
Karen Moore
Director of Membership Engagement
Karen Moore joined the World Trade Center Denver team in 2020. As the Director of Member Engagement, Karen is responsible for strategic partnerships, and member management and engagement. She brings her strong background in marketing and business development to the team. Karen has always had a passion for international business and worked overseas for a short time in Paris. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing with a focus on International Business from the University of Colorado.
Contact: Karen.Moore@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5369
Pedro Mendieta
Marketing Manager
Pedro Mendieta is a seasoned marketeer with vast international experience for brands such as FedEx, Bayer, Abbott to name a few. His collaboration with the World Trade Center Denver dates back to 2018 with individual projects as a consultant from the WTC’s Agency of Record Garritz International. In 2024, Pedro takes the role as Marketing Manager of the World Trade Center Denver, focusing on all things related to digital communications for the organization. Pedro has his Bachelor of Communications Degree and a Masters in Narrative and Digital Communications from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico.
Contact: pedro.mendieta@wtcdenver.org, 303 592 5760
Erik Edwards
Director of Global Business Services
Erik Edwards joined the World Trade Center team in 2024 with 20 years of experience in Global Distribution, Transportation and Trade and is responsible for Global Business Services. Throughout his career, Erik has been fortunate to gain tremendous experience across a variety of global industries and projects ranging from startups, turnarounds, surge support to large-scale projects in Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Electronics and Medical Devices where he created and managed Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ), established Distribution Centers, Transportation strategy and execution, and high-performance team building. Erik holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Colorado, speaks Spanish fluently, and is a Licensed Customs Broker
Contact: erik.edwards@wtcdenver.org, 303 592 5760
Jonathan Galindo
GTA Incubator Program Manager
Jonathan Galindo brings a dynamic blend of leadership and community engagement to his role, with a sharp focus on serving underserved communities. His deep-rooted ability to forge meaningful relationships is at the core of his professional ethos, driving the creation of customized programs that address specific community needs. With expertise in program management and community engagement, Jonathan has successfully cultivated strategic partnerships with local organizations, managed volunteer teams, and devised innovative marketing strategies to effectively reach target audiences. His events are known for their ability to connect and inspire, making a tangible impact within the community. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jonathan’s comprehensive background enables him to navigate diverse cultural contexts, enhancing his effectiveness in community-based initiatives.
Contact: jonathan.galindo@wtcdenver.org, 303 592 5760
We host hundreds of events, roundtables, discussions, and trainings annually including various Interest Network Groups and Committees that you can join to become involved in Colorado’s international business community.
Karen Gerwitz
President & CEO
Karen Gerwitz brings 30 years’ experience in international business to the organization in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Her enthusiastic vision for how Denver can become a more globally-conscious city is what is driving the organization to its new development in the Fox Park neighborhood near downtown. With business development, strategic growth and marketing as her main functional expertise, Karen has served overseas in Ghana and Austria, and in Colorado in multiple sectors including: IT, Aerospace, Lumber, Science, Mining, and Government. Her protocol and international cultural expertise prepared her well to host the official visits of the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the G8 Summit, the Western Hemisphere Ministerial Summit, and hundreds of other delegations. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business and her Masters of Public Administration from the University of Colorado.
Contact: Karen.gerwitz@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5760
SANDI MOLIANEN
Vice President Operations
Sandi Moilanen is the Vice President of Operations at the World Trade Center Denver, where she oversees the daily operations and programs of the organization, helps develop and implement strategic initiatives and looks for new areas of growth. Sandi brings experience in international business development, manufacturing and international trade finance to the position. Prior to joining the WTC, Sandi was the Director of the Colorado International Trade Office, part of the State of Colorado’s Office of Economic Development, where she managed the export promotion and foreign investment attraction activities for the State of Colorado. Before her public sector service, Sandi managed international transactions and overseas production planning for an apparel manufacturer. She helped develop European distribution and managed a network of international dealers. She has experience as a Customs Broker and an international logistics agent.
Contact: Sandi.Moilanen@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5362
Tanya Arnt
Director, Global Trade Activator
Tanya Arnt is the Director of Global Trade Activator, she oversees both the Incubator Program for Immigrants and the Accelerator Program for companies that are ready to launch into new International Markets. Prior to this role, Tanya was the Director of Trade Institute at WTC Denver where she was responsible for modernizing trade education programs and converting in-person trainings into virtual and on demand offerings. She led the Certificate of International Trade Program, Lunch and Learns, World Trade Day Conference, and International Business and U Conference.
Tanya brings years of Global Project Management experience working with multinational vendors and service providers across diverse industry sectors including telecom, IT, construction, logistics, education, hospitality and tourism.
She earned her MBA with International Business focus from the University of Colorado and Master’s in International Relations from Altay State Technical University. Multilingual – Russian, English, Chinese and Spanish competency.
Contact: tanya.arnt@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5378
Torrie Becwar
Institute Director
Torrie Becwar joined the WTC Denver team in 2022. As Director of the Trade Institute, she is responsible for managing the Certificate of International Trade program and the online learning platform. Before coming back to her home state of Colorado, she spent 17 years in Italy helping professionals expand their work internationally by developing their Business English skills. She has a master’s degree in Learning Design and Technology from CU Denver and is excited to be involved in the WTC training program.
Contact: Torrie.Becwar@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5760 x 8350
Zachery Makuch
Director of Business Development
Zachery Makuch has joined the World Trade Center Denver team in 2022 as the Director of Business Development. Zach is responsible for developing business opportunities within the organization by coordinating and implementing plans designed to increase existing business and capture new opportunities.
Prior to joining the organization, Zach was a Manager of International Sales and Business Development Executive at DHL Express (US) for 8 years representing the state of Colorado and Colorado based businesses for 7 years of those years.
He has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biochemistry from the State University of New York College at Cortland.
Contact: zachery.makuch@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5760 x 8350
Karen Moore
Director of Membership Engagement
Karen Moore joined the World Trade Center Denver team in 2020. As the Director of Member Engagement, Karen is responsible for strategic partnerships, and member management and engagement. She brings her strong background in marketing and business development to the team. Karen has always had a passion for international business and worked overseas for a short time in Paris. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing with a focus on International Business from the University of Colorado.
Contact: Karen.Moore@wtcdenver.org; 303-592-5369
Pedro Mendieta
Marketing Manager
Pedro Mendieta is a seasoned marketeer with vast international experience for brands such as FedEx, Bayer, Abbott to name a few. His collaboration with the World Trade Center Denver dates back to 2018 with individual projects as a consultant from the WTC’s Agency of Record Garritz International. In 2024, Pedro takes the role as Marketing Manager of the World Trade Center Denver, focusing on all things related to digital communications for the organization. Pedro has his Bachelor of Communications Degree and a Masters in Narrative and Digital Communications from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico.
Contact: pedro.mendieta@wtcdenver.org, 303 592 5760
Erik Edwards
Director of Global Business Services
Erik Edwards joined the World Trade Center team in 2024 with 20 years of experience in Global Distribution, Transportation and Trade and is responsible for Global Business Services. Throughout his career, Erik has been fortunate to gain tremendous experience across a variety of global industries and projects ranging from startups, turnarounds, surge support to large-scale projects in Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Electronics and Medical Devices where he created and managed Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ), established Distribution Centers, Transportation strategy and execution, and high-performance team building. Erik holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Colorado, speaks Spanish fluently, and is a Licensed Customs Broker
Contact: erik.edwards@wtcdenver.org, 303 592 5760
Jonathan Galindo
GTA Incubator Program Manager
Jonathan Galindo brings a dynamic blend of leadership and community engagement to his role, with a sharp focus on serving underserved communities. His deep-rooted ability to forge meaningful relationships is at the core of his professional ethos, driving the creation of customized programs that address specific community needs. With expertise in program management and community engagement, Jonathan has successfully cultivated strategic partnerships with local organizations, managed volunteer teams, and devised innovative marketing strategies to effectively reach target audiences. His events are known for their ability to connect and inspire, making a tangible impact within the community. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jonathan’s comprehensive background enables him to navigate diverse cultural contexts, enhancing his effectiveness in community-based initiatives.
Contact: jonathan.galindo@wtcdenver.org, 303 592 5760
We host hundreds of events, roundtables, discussions, and trainings annually including various Interest Network Groups and Committees that you can join to become involved in Colorado’s international business community.
