Board of Directors

Leslie Levy August, Chief Marketing Officer & Investor, KYG Trade, Inc.

Leslie Levy August is a third-generation global trade professional with a career in trade spanning 40 years. She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer for and an investor in software start-up, KYG Trade, Inc. Ms. August leads the marketing and sales for KYG Trade with a unique combination of global trade compliance and facilitation knowledge and marketing skills and experience.

Prior to KYG Trade, Leslie founded a small M&A firm, Fremont Peak Capital, which was focused on the acquisition and growth of small businesses. For the previous 20+ years she was responsible for marketing and operations of Boomerang Carnets.

Her career in trade began at Roanoke Trade, a trade and transportation insurance broker in Elk Grove Village, IL. There she rose from Assistant to the President to Regional Vice President of the largest office by revenue, New York.

Leslie previously served on the WIT-NC board for ten years and has been a Trusted Advisor since she retired as Chair in 2018. She returned as Sponsorship Director in 2024 and is now honored to serve as Co-President.

Jessica Latham serves as Principal Trade Compliance Counsel with Netflix, Inc. where she collaborates with in-house teams to support Netflix's operations around the world. She is responsible for providing international trade regulation guidance on a broad range of global sanctions, import and export compliance matters. Some of her priorities are the support of content delivery technology and testing equipment, supporting filming activities around the world, advising on consumer product distribution, and providing sanctions and export control contract language and counseling for all aspects of the business.

Jessica previously worked as a Manager in the Trade & Customs Practice at KPMG where she led teams responding to simultaneous client project requests. Her responsibilities included advising U.S. companies on sanctions programs and license requirements together with practical procedures for restricted party screening, export hold clearing, designing import compliance programs and mitigation strategies for companies in response to Section 232 and 301 duties. Prior to KPMG, Jessica worked as Import-Export Compliance Counsel for Fortinet, Inc. and as Compliance Counsel for Global4PL Supply Chain Services.

She received her juris doctorate from UCLA School of Law and is admitted to practice in California. She has served on the WIT-NC Board of Directors since 2015 and is proud to serve as Co-President in 2025.

Jessica lives in Paso Robles wine country with her amazing husband Greg, Riley the Regulatory Compliance dog and the deer mafia that takes over her driveway to eat the acorns that fall from the oak forest around her house. In her limited spare time, she enjoys exploring local wineries and restaurants as well as spending time with friends.

Gabrielle Griffith is currently a Director with BPE Global. Gabrielle offers a unique perspective having worked in-house across the public, private, and government sectors. She understands the challenges an organization faces from multiple facets, builds, and implements effective trade compliance programs by addressing improvements within organizations’ people, processes, and systems. In the area of U.S. export controls, Gabrielle advises clients on compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, and the various embargo and sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Controls. On import compliance matters, Gabrielle advises on classification, country of origin, special duty programs such as USMCA, focused assessments, C-TPAT, antidumping/countervailing duty as well as Section 232 and Section 301 matters. Her goal is to not only serve as an advocate for the importance of an effective trade compliance program, but to also make it relatable and engaging so that others can share in her enthusiasm for the thrilling world the industry offers.

BPE Global has been a Corporate Member of WIT-NC for 20 years. Gabrielle is excited to serve as President-elect for WIT-NC in 2025.

Khang is a Global Export Trade Manager at Cisco Systems, managing U.S. and Latin America export operations with focus on AI and quantum computing technologies. Previously at GLOBALFOUNDRIES, he led export compliance programs for semiconductor manufacturing sites in Vermont and New York, developing Technology Control Plans and ensuring ITAR/EAR compliance through cross-functional collaboration.

Originally from Vietnam and holding a degree in International Business and Logistics from Cal Maritime Academy, Khang discovered his passion for export controls through the Women in International Trade organization in 2017. His journey in international trade was inspired by technology's power to connect people globally.

Priscilla Dobbs is a Staff Program Manager with Tesla. Prior to this she spent the last 13 years studying and working in the Boston area. Her previous experience includes various trade and logistics positions at Waters, Corp (analytical laboratory instrument company); Converse, Inc (footwear) and Hologic, Inc (medical device). Priscilla is a licensed customs broker and has an MBA from Central Michigan University. She received her BS degree from Northeastern University in International Business with a concentration in Supply Chain and German. She is passionate about all things supply chain and global trade!

When she is off the clock you can find her hiking, traveling, or trying a new restaurant. She is excited to discover all that the Bay area and California have to offer.

Linda He is currently working with the trade compliance team in Lumentum Operations LLC based in San Jose, overseeing trade compliance operations in North America and projects in Asia Pacific Regions. Before relocating to the SF Bay Area, she had more than 20 years of working experience with AT&T/Lucent Technologies, Agilent Technologies, and Merck Inc. based in Shanghai, China, contributing to or leading a number of business projects, such as new sites setup, distribution center setup, product transition, product outsourcing, and supply chain solutions.

After settling down with family in the Bay Area in 2016, Linda joined an Electric Vehicle startup company to establish a global import and export process from scratch. During this time, she had the opportunity to meet WIT-NC and has been excited to be a member and volunteer ever since. She has been inspired by so many professionals and experts during the events and program planning activities. The community makes her feel proud of being a trade compliance professional.

Ann M. McGrath is a Senior Director, Corporate Counsel at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. within the Industrial Operations and Product Supply (IOPS) organization. She is responsible for providing legal advice on operational contracts, third party collaboration agreements, as well as certain regulatory areas, including global economic sanctions regulation, export controls, and customs and import regulation. She has been a member of IOPS’s Operational Leadership Team since 2020. Prior to joining Regeneron, Ann worked at GlobalFoundries (a semiconductor manufacturer) and NetApp (a data infrastructure company) where her focus was international trade law and compliance.

She received her Juris Doctor, in International Law from Albany Law School and is admitted to practice in New York.

Ann has been on the Board or serving as a Volunteer with WIT-NC for 10+ years. She is honored to serve as Programs Co Vice-President in 2025.

Puneet Dhillon is currently an Enterprise Account Executive at Flexport, where she helps clients analyze and improve their supply chains. In her previous roles at C.H. Robinson, XPO and ArcBest, she served clientele in industries such as aerospace, food and wine, construction, technology, and consumer products. 

Complementary to her sales skills, Puneet was raised in an entrepreneurial setting. Her father started his trucking venture in the 1990s, which gave her the opportunity to learn firsthand as he grew his business. This initial exposure is what led her to pursue her career in the transportation and supply chain industry at C.H. Robinson.  

Puneet has had an active leadership presence over the years. She served on the Board of Directors for the Carmichael Improvement District, which works to improve the community by highlighting the needs of local businesses. More recently, she was the Vice-President of Mosaic, a employee resource group at ArcBest dedicated to elevating the experiences of employees of color.  

Puneet holds a Bachelor's from the University of California, Davis, where she majored in International Relations, with a focus on world trade. She also studied abroad in Mendoza, Argentina at La Universidad Nacional de Cuyo.

For over twenty years, Laura Putnam has worked in the San Francisco Bay Area for wide range of high technology and biotechnology companies. She gained invaluable experience in the areas of import and export compliance and made her way up to the corporate head of trade compliance. She changed course by becoming a Content Development Manager for Descartes Systems Group, where she leverages her expertise to create trade compliance content and to implement software solutions designed to support trade compliance operations. Laura also writes blogs addressing critical issues facing trade compliance professionals.

Along with her work in trade compliance, she provides support to local charities benefiting students, people without homes, and women-owned businesses. She shares many hobbies and outdoor activities with her husband Ron such as cycling, hiking, fine dining, and wine-tasting. They have two cats, Jules, and Mike whom they adore and spoil terribly.

As a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Francisco State University, specializing in International Business, Mahnoor brings a strong blend of cross-cultural communication, strategic thinking, and project management expertise to her role as Events Co-Director for WIT-NC.

Her professional journey spans diverse roles, including managing large teams, leading innovative healthcare projects, and volunteering with organizations focused on international trade. Mahnoor's passion for fostering inclusivity and cultural collaboration is evident in her contributions to organizing conferences, webinars, and networking events aimed at empowering professionals in global trade.

With a proven track record in event planning, stakeholder coordination, and leadership, Mahnoor excels at creating impactful experiences that bring industry leaders, experts, and professionals together. Her mission is to promote knowledge sharing and networking opportunities within the international trade community, contributing to a more connected and culturally aware industry.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Mahnoor is passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion, leveraging her multicultural background to inspire equitable practices in the workplace and beyond.

Jassana is currently the Import Program Manager for Lam Research Corp. With 20 plus years of experience in the Import & Export Trade Compliance, including regulatory audit processes backed up by strong knowledge of the BIS’ Export Administration Regulations (EAR), DDTC’s International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and CBP’s Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), who would have known that she started her career as an accountant having a Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Accounting degree? Her career took a turn and found trade to be more interesting. She learned all sides of the trade industry while working for Singapore Airlines, Expeditors, KLA Tencor, and Infineon.

Her deep knowledge in the import and export industry had earned her recognition from leaders and peers. Through the years, she has made significant contributions on process improvements tackling issues with grace. No doubt, her coworkers find her admirable. She knows the business well and knows how to have fun in the process.

Maria Pechurina is an Executive Assistant at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and is honored to serve WIT-NC as Membership Co-Director.

With a master's degree in international trade and economic diplomacy and fluency in Russian, Spanish, and Chinese from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Maria is a skilled and versatile professional. In her role at the Chamber of Commerce, she supports international business development efforts, serves as a Board of Directors Liaison, and leads special projects. She has over two years of work experience supporting executive-level management, conducting open-source research, and providing writing and analysis services as an independent contractor. As a graduate research assistant, she also contributed to the mission of Diverting Hate, a non-profit organization that aims to prevent radicalization and violent extremism. Maria’s core competencies include intercultural communication, research & writing, translation, public speaking, and project management.

Izabella Smith is a Sales Development Representative with KYG Trade and has been serving as an Events Volunteer with WIT-NC in 2024. She is pleased to move up and serve as Membership Co-Director in 2025.

Izabella graduated from Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in 2024, with a focus on law, diplomatic organizations, Middle Eastern studies, and the histories of China and Russia. She secured internships as a Local Governance Public Finance Intern with UNICEF and with the AFS Intercultural Programs.

In her previous role as Program Coordinator and Social Media Manager at the World Affairs Council of Las Vegas, she organized projects for international visitors, strengthening their online community engagement. Izabella has also engaged in practical learning experiences, such as the Diplomacy Lab Project, where she researched current affairs in Malaysia and contributed to a published memo for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Fluent in French and confident in Japanese, Izabella is driven by a commitment to fostering international understanding and cooperation. She enjoys new opportunities to leverage her skills and knowledge in international trade and economic development to contribute meaningfully to global initiatives

Peyton Montei is a young professional in international trade, working at KYG Trade in information management. Her role involves leveraging advanced AI/ML capabilities to address complex challenges in import/export classification, FTA qualification, forced labor and supplier screening, and ESG scoring. She also collaborates on custom configurations for enterprise clients, product testing, and new business development. Peyton is

committed to delivering high standards, passionate about navigate trade complexities, and has a commitment to continuous learning.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Management of Technology with a concentration in Data Analytics at NYU Tandon School of Engineering (expected graduation in 2025), Peyton

graduated from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo in 2023. Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Peyton is a Research Assistant Lead at NYU, where she focuses on developing offshore wind energy platforms, and she has a history of

volunteering with organizations like Lumina Alliance to support domestic violence prevention efforts in San Luis Obispo County.

As a member of WIT-NC, Peyton values the organization’s role in fostering innovation and addressing the complexities of international trade. She is honored to bring her education, skills in networking, and professional experience to serve as WIT-NC’s Sponsorship

Director in 2025.

Raymond is a Business Analytics Professional with strong global cross-functional collaboration skills. He has a proven ability to enhance business insights and technology implementations. Prior to pursuing his M.S. in Business Analytics at the USC Marshall School of Business, he was a Customs and Trade Compliance Analyst at Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. Raymond has a great passion for global trade analytics focusing on supply chain & operations. He actively strives for a range of capabilities to help automate and streamline global trade management processes to propel industries forward and drive economic growth.

Raymond is excited to continue to serve as Volunteer Director again in 2025.