Dear CACC Members and Friends:
I write to you today with mixed emotions. My last day as Executive Director of the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia will be this Friday, February 19th. For more than six years, I have had the privilege of working with the CACC’s dedicated Board of Directors to broaden the Chamber’s scope and to grow our network in Chile and the Greater Philadelphia region. Little did I know, my role as an Intern during the last semester of my senior year at Temple University, assisting with a reception for the President of Chile, would be the entrée to this role. I’m truly grateful for all of the experience you have afforded me.
Highlights include several trips to and extended time in Chile—this business and cultural immersion gave me the drive and confidence to build the CACC into what it is today. Our partnership with Chile a Digital Country (Ch1l3) is one of my proudest achievements. Expanding upon Chile’s bounty of fruit that reaches our shores every winter, Ch1l3 represents Chile’s expert IT service industry. Testament to our growing partnership, we recently signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding with ProChile and the City of Philadelphia. The opening of ProChile’s commercial office in Philadelphia in November 2020, notwithstanding the global pandemic, signals a new chapter of collaboration. A particularly special honor for me was representing Chile in Philadelphia’s diverse international business community. I’ve been lucky to collaborate with regional international chambers of commerce, consulates, the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department, the PA Office of International Business Development, and many other important global leaders in the area.
I could not have accomplished any of this without the CACC’s steadfast Board of Directors and Membership, who have made my time as CACC Executive Director full of learning, laughter, friendship, and success. I’d especially like to express my sincere gratitude to the Executive Board: Bob—thank you for being our fearless leader and always willing to impart your wisdom; Andy—thank you for placing your confidence in me and being generous with your support; and Miriam—thank you for being my confidante and a true example of what I hope to accomplish and aspire to become one day.
Despite my departure, the CACC will remain vibrant and engaged. On the agenda is the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s “Beyond our Borders: Philadelphia and the World,” a six-month long series of programming aimed at highlighting our region’s robust international connections. The first installment of this series will focus on Chile, including a diverse set of programs to provide the Greater Philadelphia community with a deeper understanding of Chilean culture, politics, cuisine, and its role in the world at large.
I look forward to remaining involved with the CACC through the port industry as well as other areas in my new role as Communications Manager with the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay. This is not goodbye, rather heartfelt thanks for your kindness, generosity and support.
With best wishes and sincere gratitude,
Christina Lista
Executive Director
Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia
Photo from my first trip to Chile in 2017.
