Miami WiTR+ event kicks off 2025 fundraising efforts during Summit of Americas gathering

Women in Travel Retail hosted a wonderful networking event to kick off the 2025 IAADFS Summit of the Americas exhibition in Miami.

Generously hosted by the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS), the gathering inclusively welcomed scores of industry colleagues (WiTR members and pluses), raised more than $500 for the group’s 2025 charity and honored a pioneer of the industry.

The gathering featured a raffle in support of WiTR+’s 2025 chosen charity, Toutes à l’école, an organization dedicated to providing quality education for underprivileged girls in Cambodia. This year, WiTR+ aims to raise €15,000 to renovated dormitories for 400 post-baccalaureate students, ensuring they have a healthy living environment to support their studies.

Raffle prizes included a travel case of award-winning Kroma Makeup made from organic-based natural botanicals & high-grade minerals; a collection of spirits from Waldemar Behn and the Family Brands Alliance; fragrances and accessories donated by Essence Corp’s Patricia Bona; selections from the new ABSOLU Luxury Fragrance Line from Cosper Distribution; and a selection of Geske Beauty tools donated by TMI.

WiTR+ Chair Sarah Branquinho welcomed attendees, briefly discussing the organization’s charity initiatives, membership and benefits, including the fast-growing global mentorship program. She reported that WiTR+ currently has 26 corporate partners and close to 800 members around the world.

A highlight of the evening – held on International Women’s Day – was when Sean Gazitua, President and CEO of Miami-based logistics company WTDC, shared a few words in honor of his late grandmother, Mercedes Gazitua. Mercedes, along with her husband Luis Rafael, founded one of the first logistics companies in Miami, and are considered pioneers of the trade that has enabled duty free and travel retail to flourish in the Americas.

WiTR+ was also delighted to welcome a visit from retired colleague Virginie Cordero, one of the organization’s very first members and a huge supporter over the years.