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Anna Ouattara
Global Trade Compliance Principal at LII
Anna Ouattara: A Trailblazer in International Trade and Supply Chain Management
Professional Background
Anna Ouattara is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in international trade compliance, tariff classification, and supply chain management. As the Global Trade Compliance Principal at LII, Anna has driven significant savings through her expertise in Section 301 and 232 China tariffs and tariff exclusion analyses. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead complex projects that streamline operations and enhance compliance in the trade sector. Anna's career includes a notable tenure at 3M as a Compliance Trade Analyst, where she further honed her skills in customs regulations under CFR 19 and tariff classifications.
Anna's leadership abilities have also shone through her role as President of the Midwest Global Trade Association (MGTA), where she made pivotal contributions to fostering collaboration and innovation among trade professionals. Her project management skills are complemented by her experience as a consultant at Knowlogistics Consulting, LLC, where she provided strategic guidance to organizations seeking to optimize their supply chains and enhance compliance frameworks.
Education and Achievements
Anna holds a wealth of academic qualifications that underscore her expertise in international business and supply chain management. She earned a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Global Supply Chain from Walden University. Additionally, she obtained a Master's degree in International Business from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and a Certificate in International Trade Professional from Saint Paul College. This educational background equips her with a robust understanding of the global marketplace and the complexities of trade operations.
Throughout her career, Anna has achieved numerous accolades. She led several successful projects that yielded impressive financial benefits for her organizations:
- An analysis on Section 301 tariff classification and PSC filings that resulted in an estimated refund of $5 million.
- A healthcare suppliers medication project that saved $3 million.
- A Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) product classification project with an estimated saving of $2.3 million.
- A Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and Bonded Warehouse compliance project leading to $1.2 million in savings.
- Participation in NAFTA regulatory compliance initiatives that generated $1 million in savings.
- Leading a project under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) that realized $800,000 in estimated savings.
- Engaging in a country of origin manufacturing relocation analysis that delivered $750,000 in savings.
- Overseeing a Duty Drawback project that yielded $300,000 in savings.
- Leading a global project for product relocation from Mexico to China that generated $1 million in landed cost savings.
Her expertise in global transportation was notable in her contribution to a project with Polaroid and Toyota, which resulted in an estimated savings of $3 million. Anna exemplifies the attributes of a strategic thinker and a diligent project manager, always striving to optimize processes and produce measurable outcomes.
Skills and Certifications
Anna's diverse skill set extends beyond project management and compliance analysis. She is proficient in various software applications, including Microsoft Office, Visio for process mapping, SAP for supply chain management, and OCR technology. These tools enable her to analyze data effectively and communicate insights clearly. With an established record in customs regulations, Anna is adept at navigating complex compliance requirements, making her an invaluable asset to any organization involved in global trade.
In terms of professional development, Anna has received Green Belt certification, showcasing her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in project execution. She is also recognized as a Project Management Professional (PMP), enabling her to lead teams and projects with sophistication and technical expertise.
Organizational Involvement
Anna Ouattara is not only a skilled trade compliance principal but also an active member of various professional organizations. Her role on the Board of Directors at the French American Chamber of Commerce in Minneapolis demonstrates her dedication to enhancing trade relationships between the United States and France.
Furthermore, her involvement with KIPP: Stand Academy and as a board member of MGTA underscores her commitment to fostering educational opportunities and promoting the future of global trade among the next generation of professionals. Anna's experiences as a Business Professor in Supply Chain and Global Trade at Saint Paul College and as an adjunct professor at the University of Saint Mary reflect her passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge with others in the field.
Language Proficiency
An asset in today’s global economy, Anna is fluent in French and has a basic understanding of Spanish. She is actively learning Japanese and Chinese, reflecting her commitment to connecting with diverse international partners and customers. This linguistic ability enhances her communication with clients and stakeholders across various regions, making her an effective bridge between cultures in trades.
Conclusion
In summary, Anna Ouattara is a highly skilled and respected leader in the fields of international trade compliance and supply chain management. With a wealth of experience, a robust educational background, and an impressive track record of successful projects that have fostered significant savings for organizations, Anna stands as a beacon of professionalism and integrity in her field. Her ongoing commitment to learning, combined with her strong communication skills and strategic approach to project management, emphasizes her value in any role she undertakes. Anna continues to make meaningful contributions to the landscape of global trade and supply chain management, guiding others and pioneering pathways for future advancements.
Achievements
- Section 301 tariff classification analysis - $5M refund
- Healthcare suppliers medication project - $3M savings
- HTS product classification project - $2.3M savings
- FTZ and Bonded Warehouse compliance - $1.2M savings
- NAFTA compliance - $1M savings
- GSP project - $800,000 savings
- Manufacturing relocation analysis - $750,000 savings
- Duty Drawback project - $300,000 savings
- Product relocation project - $1M savings
- Global transportation project - $3M savings
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