& INFLUENCERS
Welcome to the Brazil America
International Summit 2022.
After two years waiting for the Pandemic to calm, we can finally return to our calendar.
Safety first! And above all peace of mind, that we can go back to interact and hope for a better outcome of our efforts to cre ate opportunities.
This year we partner with the Central Florida International Chamber of Commerce - CFICC and Central Florida International Trade OfficeCFITO.
We are very enthusiastic to have such a strong partnership, which has given us a much betterperspective of our event.
The possibilities are endless. We would like to thank our Board of Directors, US Commerce Service, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Demmings, City Commissioner District 3 and Vice Mayor Mayra Uribe, CFITO, US Senate- Senator Rick Scott for the support and participation,
Continuing our gratitude, the SBDC-UCF, Full Sail University, Enterprise Florida, Visit Orlando, World Health Exchange, Mona International, Michael lis Foundation for Global Education, Globalfy, MCO, SEKO, Stires Consulting, Jupiter Properties, BoiBrazil Steak house, ibt,Onl, First American Title, and HBI Harding Bell International. We can’t thank you enough for your efforts and support.
Editorial
We hope you enjoy the event we prepared for you. It was designed to give you the best information available if you are looking to invest in the International Market or more specific, Brazil US Investments.
We will see you on October 5, at the National Entrepreneur Center, starting with Registration at 8 Am, for a hot cup of coffee. Bring your Business cards.
See you then
Laiz Rodrigues
Brazil America Council Founder CFICC Executive DirectorAccounting You can count on!
Our Speakers
The Brazil America international Summit is organized with the Brazil America Council, the Central Florida international Chamber of Commerce and the Central Florida International Trade Office.
We count with the help of Mindi Hertzog at the US Commerce Department whose we thank for all the insights and suggestions. We also thank Chris Leggett from CFITO, who kept us on schedule and oriented us during the entire organizational period.
It is amazing, how important it is forall ofus to work with a great team Wethank all the speakers for their support and will to present at the Summit.
Following you will find a picture and Bio for each of the speakers in alphabetical order, to inform you about each one of them.
TV CNB will Broadcast the Summit through their YouTube Chanel. We thank them for their Support
Thanks to HotspotOrlando for designing all the campaign, flyers and this bulletin
Thanks to Jupiter Properties for the Break fast and lunch Sponsorship
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E R N A
business development tools, including website localization, international online marketing, and best practice to develop an online presence in target markets.
He has a passion for helping business owners expand internationally and giving them the tools and resources to achieve their goals of growing their exports, sales, brand and business online and globally. “
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Chris LeggettProgram Manager of the Central Florida International Trade Office and Chair of the Central North Florida District Export Council.
Chris Leggett brings over 25 years’ experience in international trade to his role as Program Manager of the Central Florida International Trade Office and Chair of the Central North Florida District Export Council.
Founded in 2014, the Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO) provides a single point of contact for Central Florida businesses in navigating the complexities international trade. Ser ving as Program Manager since 2018, Chris provides guidance and connections to the trade resources in Central Florida that accelerate the growth and development of those entrepreneurs interested in pursuing international trade, whether through importing or exporting
Chris is a passionate advocate for trade and tirelessly works to raise awareness of the benefits of trade while increasing trade literacy through educational seminars, networking with foreign trade delegations; and personal coaching to help Central Florida companies to access the global marketplace In this capacity, Chris recently developed and distributed the groundbreaking Central Florida Export Report , which details the economic value and impact of exports to the Orlando region.
Chris’ export expertise was recognized by the U S Secretar y of Commerce when he was appointed to the Central North Florida District Export Council (DEC) in 2020 and by his peers who elected him Chair of the DEC in 2022. The DEC works on behalf of Florida’s exporters by supporting the export promotion efforts of the U S Export Assistance Centers in Clear water, Jacksonville and Orlando, and by offering direct mentorship to companies, educational events, and a variety of R A L F L O R I D A I N T E R N A T I O N A L T R A D E O F F I C E
Chris Leggett
Program Manager of the Central Florida International Trade Office and Chair of the Central-North Florida District Export Council.
Cinthya Garcia
I O N A L H
N T E R N A T
With over 10 years of experience in International Higher Education, Cynthia Garcia oversees the development of international outreach initiatives specific to the Americas. She leads international marketing agency recruitment efforts, as well as the development and procurement of new relationships with international education partners.
Cynthia's accomplishments include successfully branding the institution throughout the region, developing succe digital in-country marketing campaigns, maintaining a thriving team of internatio in country representatives.
Born in Mexico, she later embarked on he journey the United States as an internati student, fueling her passion for internati education ever since. Cynthia is a true believer that education can change the w In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and experiencing n cultures with family and friends.
Regional Director -Americas
International Business Development
Full Sail University
S M A L L B U S I N E S S S U P P O R T
Diego Sampaio
CEO
E N C E
P E R
Jefferson Michaelis
Chairman of The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education and is the senior advisor for KSCIA International Space Academy’s global youth STEM programs.
Jefferson D. Michaelis is the chairman of The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education and is the senior advisor for KSCIA International Space Academy’s global youth STEM programs.
The Michaelis’ story begins in 1896, when Henriette Michaelis and her sister Carolina Michaelis, together, gave life to the first Michaelis dictionary. Years later their legacy can be seen through a series of international initiatives of the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education.
As a senior advisor of KSCIA, Michaelis is engaged in developing innovative STEM and Space educational projects in collaboration with key organizations in the United States thus fostering new innovative global opportunities in the Space industry area.
Michaelis is a former member of the Board of Directors of Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce (1999 to 2000) International Committee of 100 Tampa Bay International Business Council Board of Directors (1998 to 2001) Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (2008 2009) at the Global Initiatives Committee World Trade Center Tampa Bay, (2011) the Brazilian American Development Commission, (2013) board member of the Brazil Space Coast International Development Agency, in 2014 joined the Space Coast Technology Council board of advisers, in 2015 was assigned to lead the BFCC Tech Mentoring program in Brazil, in 2017 was nominated the Executive Program Coordinator for the Modeling and Simulation Experience(SEE).
Since April 2019, he is working in collaboration with the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) to foster New Space opportunities between Brazil and the United States.
Michaelis constantly supports innovative Space and STEM education initiatives, and currently is leading the internation expansion and outreach efforts of Science Days and the Glob Thinking initiative.
Jefferson Michaelis believes that accelerating global youth vocational STEM/Space education and entrepreneurship thro PBL experiences will result in developments that will drive positive results both economically and socially between our nations.
Jefferson Michaelis
Chairman of The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education and is the senior advisor for KSCIA International Space Academy’s global youth STEM programs
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I N T E R N A T I O N A L T R A D E
Jill N. McLaughlinInternational Trade Specialist
Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida
She makes a great case for considering international opportunities. “When you consider that 95 percent of the world’s customers are located beyond U.S. borders, you can’t help but appreciate that there is a huge opportunity for growth.” Your competitors are going international, why aren’t you? she asks. “If your company is not exporting, you are literally missing the boat.”
Jill McLaughlin serves as the Program Manager for the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida’s Export Marketing Plan Service, advising companies on overseas growth strategies.
She began her career as a Certified Public Accountant with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Detroit, Michigan. Later, Ms. McLaughlin rose to Vice President with Morgan Stanley in their investment banking division in New York and Chicago, where she advised Global 1000 companies on the strategic and financial impact of acquisitions, divestitures, capital restructuring, debt financing, equity issuances and initial public offerings. While at Morgan McLaughlin facilitated numerous comp into Europe, Asia, and South America b them develop international expansion raise required capital in the public mar
Since 2002, Ms. McLaughlin has been a business consultant, advising growing financial management, strategic growt international trade. She is a Certified G Business Professional. Jill has been ap U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve o Central North Florida District Export C contribute leadership and business exp support our Nation’s export expansion
Ms. McLaughlin holds a Master’s degre Administration from the University of C a concentration in Finance and Busines and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Ad from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in Accounting
Jill N. McLaughlin
I
nternational Trade Specialist
Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida
E N T E R P R I
p , Development at Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI).
He is a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) with certified knowledge of the various facets of international trade.
In addition to directing the state of Flor da Africa Trade Expansion Program, Mr. Bell support Florida companies to promote their products and services in overseas markets and to develop their global growth strategies through the delivery of Enterprise Florida related programs and services.
He has led and facilitated trade missions to many countries including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, Ghana, Egypt, Israel, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil to increase exports and identify new business opportunities for Florida companies.
Joseph Bell
CGBP
Director, International Trade & Development/ Africa Trade Expansion
Mr. Bell holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor’s degree in international marketing from Baruch College City University of New York.
S S D E V E L O P M E N T
Kim C. King Maysonet
Business Development Assistant Manager City of Orlando
Kim C. King Maysonet currently serves as Business Development Assistant Manager for the City of Orlando Business Development Division.
In this role, Ms. King-Maysonet is a main point of contact, helping guide businesses through the City’s various departments, regulations and processes.
She promotes and manages the City's business assistance programs and maintains/fosters relationships with partner economic development organizations.
Ms. King Maysonet also serves as a liaison for Spanish speaking clients for the division. Kim was an Economic Development Coordinator with the City from 2004-2012.
Prior to her tenure with the City of Orlando, Kim worked as a National Urban Fellow with the San Jose Redevelopment Agency in San Jose, California, a Program Officer for Young Citizens, Inc. and as a public elementary school teacher with the New York City Board of Education.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Pomona College and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College City University of New York She is Uis
Year:
Senior Communications Manager, Visit Orlando Leo Salazar, senior communications manager, develops communication programs that promote Orlando as a prime leisure destination for travelers in Brazil, Mexico, and other Latin American markets.
Kim C. King-Maysonet
Business Development Assistant Manager City of Orlando
H E T O U R I S M E X P E R I E N C E
He serves as Visit Orlando’s liaison with the local LGBTQ+ community and is a member of the organization’s core values committee. Leo began his tourism career at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 1984 and held a variety of management and executive roles over the next 20 years in marketing, events, and public and media relations.
He was also responsible for promoting the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line and Disney Consumer Products in Mexico City.
After Disney, Leo established his own communications Mexico City, working with clients throughout Latin Am well as Universal Studios Florida. Upon moving back to United States, he joined MMGY Global to serve numero vacation destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Leo joined Visit Orlando in January 2015. Throughout Leo’s cultural background and experiences prepared h several volunteer efforts supporting Heart of Florida U Way, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and programs to raise awareness, diversity, and inclusion o Latin American, U.S. Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communitie workplace.
Leo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communicat the University of South Alabama and is fluent in Spani Portuguese.
He resides in Orlando with his husband, college-gradu nephews, many pets, and a never-ending stream of we from his large extended family.
Leo Salazar
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In his time off, Leo enjoys traveling, helping people find and buy their dream homes, and hosting family and friends from all over the world.
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Development Executive for SEKO Logistics and a frequent international logistics advisor for companies importing to and exporting from the USA.
Originally from Brazil, for the last 15 years he has been involved with remarkable multimodal logistics projects from inception to completion.
He holds an MBA degree from IBMEC and a unique sales & operations professional background with specialized services across the globe.
Marcellus Serpa
Mayra Uribe ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONER District 3 VICE MAYOR
Mayra Uribe was first elected to the Board of County CommissionDistrict 3, in 2018 and re elected in 2020.
She is an Orlando native, born and raised in the district she represents.
Mayra is of Colombian and Argentinean desc and celebrates the diversity in herself and in Community.
Prior to running for Commissioner, Mayra wa aide to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson.
There she helped the citizens of Florida deal concerns regarding the military, FEMA, immigration, transportation, and labor matte That experience hardened her resolve to serv community.
Mayra is the proud wife of Kevin Sutton, Dire Boot Camp for Dads, a fatherhood nonprofit program, mother to 18-year-old daughter, Fa and 5 year old son, Lincoln.
Being the matriarch of her family has strengthened her devotion to improving the lives of those in our community.
Mayra’s family, faith, and focus for our community’s future gives her the resolve and encouragement to make a difference in all of our lives.
Melissa Stires
Certified Advanced International Protocol Officerat Leadership and Success Coach
Melissa Stires is a Certified Advanced International Protocol Officer, a Leadership and Success Coach, and an accomplished event, marketing, and nonprofit executive with experience in the corporate, tech, and government sectors.
Melissa has been privileged to work with, advise, and train members of royal families, politicians, nonprofits, and business influencers worldwide. Melissa believes in the transformative power of ideas and the potential of business to drive social change for good.
Since 1999, Melissa has been driven by purpose and passion for creating connections and building relationships on a global scale. Through her public relations and international protocol training, Melissa developed unique insights and skills in cross cultural communication and cultural sensitivity.
From orchestrating opening day events for The Washington Nationals Ball Park to launching the first ever educational partnership with Fortune Magazine’s Global Forum to directing and producing the 40th Anniversary Celebration for H.E. Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman, and leading delegations on more than 60 international goodwill expeditions, Melissa's experience is as unique as she is. R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S P R O T O C O L
Melissa Stires
Certified Advanced International Protocol Officer at Leadership and Success Coach Protocol & Etiquette Consultant
| High-Performance Projects for the top 1% of the world, including royalty, dignitaries, & global VIPS | International Business Consultant | Executive Coach & Leadership Development
E X P E R I E N C E
Mindi Hertzog
Senior International Trade Specialist at the Orlando U.S. Export Assistance Center
Mindi Hertzog is a Senior International Trade Specialist at the Orlando U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC)/U.S. Commercial Service.
Mindi covers a range of sectors includin Healthcare, Energy, Environment, Trave Tourism, and Education. She spent 2015 São Paulo, Brazil serving as a Foreign Commercial Service Officer (FS-03) and Attaché.
Mindi has worked for the U.S. Departme Commerce/U.S. Foreign and Commercia since 2013. She obtained a 3/3 proficien Spanish (June 2018) and Portuguese (Ju
Before joining the Department of Comm Mindi was Managing Director at Pharme Inc., a consulting practice working with companies and the Government of Briti Columbia in the USA. Mindi served 6 yea Consul at UK Trade and Investment in L Angeles, CA.
Mindi started her career working at The Institute at the University of Pennsylva Philadelphia, conducting cancer resear was later a Scientist at GreenFuel Techn Corporation in Cambridge, MA.
Mindi possesses an Executive MBA from University of California Los Angeles, A School of Management, and a Bachelor in Biology from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA.
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W O R L D H E A L T H E X C H A N G E
Tim Armendinger CEO WORLD HEALTH EXCHANGE
Tim Armendinger is the Founder & CEO of the World Health Exchange (WHE). WHE is a healthcare solutions company, utilizing a first principles approach. WHE services include strategy & consulting, medical tourism, and technology development.
Tim’s experience has led diverse teams to serve clients across 30 countries for global health services, partnerships, and initiatives. WHE has a strong focus in technology development, with a company vision that industry professionals have called the "google of healthcare”. Tim is leading an executive team across multiple industry disciplines to scale the first worldwide health exchange providing real time market pricing second-by-second for a $7.8+ Trillion industry annually.
Tim previously served as the Director of Global Outreach for AdventHealth Central Florida Division, where he led the Global Strategy, Global Partnering, Global B i Intelligence, and Global Patient Program init the Central Florida Division network of hospi
Before serving the community in global healt served on the United States delegation for nu monitoring and held other diplomatic roles t supported global nuclear policies worldwide additionally the Lead National Liaison for the States National Capital Region for Nuclear Mo within the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise.
He is a retired military officer with leadership across strategy and planning, research & dev acquisitions, finance, and global operations.
Tim’s professional roots started as a research biotechnology, genetic engineering, and com chemistry.
Tim has supported the community by activel volunteering in various leadership roles, to in not limited to the Executive Committee for th American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) for C Florida (CFL), Committee Chair for Strategy & (AACC of CFL), Chairman of the President’s Co the National Association of Asian American Professionals of CFL, and Chairman of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Commemorations for the Florida Space Coast. Tim is a graduate of Leadership Orlando - Orlando Economic Partnership.
Tim was born in Seoul, Korea and has professionally served across the globe.
CEO WORLD HEALTH EXCHANGE CFICC VICE PRESIDENT