U.S. Secretary of Commerce reappoints Nigerian-American, Toyin Umesiri, to Illinois District Export Council

Handing over the certificate of membership and reappointment are to Toyin Umesiri recently are Sam Odeh, President Power Energy Group and Chairman of the Illinois District Export Council and Dan Kim, State Director, U.S. Commercial Services, International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Umesiri’s reappointment provides the opportunity for her to continue to contribute leadership and business experience in support of the Nation’s joint industry/government export expansion effort.

A world-class Business Educator, Founder and CEO of Nazaru as well as Convener of the acclaimed Trade with Africa Business Summit, Toyin Umesiri provides Entrepreneurship and International Trade Support, Training and Advisory Services to Business leaders, Government Agencies and Multilateral Institutions.

She serves on the Board of Directors of Westrock Coffee Company, a leading integrated coffee, tea, and extract service provider in the US, providing sourcing and financing, supply chain management, roasting, packaging, and distribution services to retailers, restaurants, convenience stores, commercial accounts, and hospitality customers around the world. With offices in ten countries, Westrock Coffee sources coffee from 35 origin countries.

Toyin was first appointed to serve as member on the Illinois District Export Council (ILDEC) by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in 2022.

She also previously served as Ambassador for Intra-African Trade Fair, by appointment, of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Union (AU), the governing body of the 55 African nations.

She teaches at Business Schools and mentors a global community of business, trade and investment stakeholders to accelerate business growth and success.

Prior to launching her ventures, Toyin served as Business Strategist at the Headquarters of Fortune #1; Walmart, and Solutions Architect at Whirlpool Corporation supporting supply chain functions and programs including in merchandising, technology, manufacturing and global sourcing.

She is a Certified SAP Solutions Consultant and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences (Computer Science concentration) from University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria and a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) from Central Michigan University.

Toyin is a global influencer and inspirational speaker and has featured in books such as: Leading Women: Portraits of Inspirational Women in Technology; Founded by Women: Inspiration and Advice from 100 Female Founders and the Who’s Who of the Nigerian Diaspora.

She was also recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women by Leading Ladies Africa and was awarded a distinguished honor by Consul General of Nigeria, Nigerian Consulate, New York.

Toyin, the creator and host of the highly successful TV Show: Quantum Leap, airing in Aurora, Illinois, is the Author of ‘Mindset of an Entrepreneur: Strategies, Skills; and Mindset for Achieving Business Growth and Success.’ The books are available on Amazon.