International Focus Magazine Vol. 1, #2 | Page 9

if WHAT iF is one of the smallest words in the English language, but it communicates enormous potential. “What iF” is one of the most empowering questions on the planet because it evokes creativity and possibility which spur development and innovation. Let me ask you, what if you had a valuable resource that provided a platform for business growth and development? iF Magazine is the platform that takes that small word and translates it into enormous potential for your business not only in Houston, but worldwide. Every year thousands of international visitors come to Houston for both business and pleasure. Insightful articles highlighting a member of the consular corps or a high profile business executive have the potential to gain interest from around the world. Our Houston audience includes people from the international community and those interested in the international community. We at iF want to make sure that these international travelers and Houstonians know about your business. We can refer to our city as a melting pot within a melting pot or maybe now it would be more appropriate to call ourselves a salad within a salad because our diversity is so distinct. I have often remarked that Houston is fantastic because one can seemingly travel the world without ever leaving the city. Our international community is thriving and all of us benefit from this type of environment. I love thinking about all the possibilities that are available to us. In Houston, we can see that there are limitless opportunities to advance our careers, provide for our families, learn different languages and cultures and expand who we are as people. When we share our ideas, perspectives and interests, we find that we have more in common than might have been seen on the surface. This understanding provides more opportunities for our communities to peacefully coexist and profit. Being part of a team that facilitates building bridges of understanding and connection is very exciting. As the third largest city in the United States, Houston offers many opportunities. The Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) covers 9,444 square miles which is slightly larger than New Jersey. There are 6.6 million people living in the MSA and it includes nearly 90 languages. Houston boasts the 30th largest economy in the world. There are 11,000 restaurants and Houstonians eat out more than any other city in the US. There are more than 500 cultural, visual and performing arts organizations. We have more than 40 colleges, universities and institutions in the Houston area. It is the energy capital of the world hosting more than 5,000 energy companies. Our port is the 10th largest port in the world and first in total waterborne tonnage in the US. International Focus Magazine is the magnifying glass that highlights interesting people, events, industry and leaders in the Houston international community. Our goal at iF Magazine is to recognize the tremendous diversity and opportunity of our great city and emphasize what we have in common in order to prosper together! As the Director of Business Development at iF Magazine I look forward to using my extensive experience in business to help you connect with your prospective clients not only in Houston, but around the world. In the nearly 25 years that I have lived here, I have become extremely familiar with the city from a geographical, demographical and business standpoint. I’ve worked with many members of the international business community and understand the challenges they face bringing their products and services to market. I have been privileged to work with high level business executives, small business owners and individuals from several industries and communities. The international community holds a special place in my heart because of my vast interest in understanding different cultures and languages. I feel so fortunate to live in an international city which affords me the opportunity to frequently use my language skills – English, Spanish, Russian, and German. My degree in Political Science and International Relations has allowed me to work with high level politicians and diplomats. This is one reason why I am so passionate about iF Magazine’s goal to bring consulate corps members to the forefront and introduce them to our readers. From my perspective, it is of great value and interest for us to be able to meet and get an inside view from our Consular Corps members and international business executives on who they are as individuals, how they arrived here and what they see for the future. Their work in Houston is tremendously impactful on all of us and can provide insight into future business opportunities. I am excited to help you use iF Magazine to further your commercial endeavors. Don’t be surprised to see me at your business in the near future or at an event in your community.