For Erica Henry-Jackman, international trade has never been just about commerce. It has always been about building bridges between people, markets, and opportunities.
Long before she held a formal trade role, Erica’s journey into international affairs began on the global stage. In 1997, she was selected as a delegate to the Commonwealth Youth Programme, where she engaged with international leaders on issues of youth empowerment, sustainable development, and global cooperation. That same year, she contributed to the United Nations Awake Beyond Awareness campaign alongside former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Those early experiences would shape the trajectory of her career.
They exposed her to the power of international collaboration and demonstrated how leadership, diplomacy, and economic development can work together to create meaningful and lasting impact.
Shortly after, Erica joined the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, first serving as a youth ambassador and later as a trade intern. It was in these roles that international trade evolved from an interest into a defining part of her professional path.
One of her earliest assignments involved supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in the landmark World Trade Organization dispute against the United States regarding cross-border online gambling services. The experience provided firsthand exposure to trade law, international negotiations, and the realities smaller economies face within the global trading system.
“From that moment, I was drawn to the transformative power of strategic negotiation, fair market access, and well-designed trade frameworks in creating economic opportunity.”
That formative experience laid the foundation for a career spanning diplomacy, international relations, foreign direct investment, trade development, and economic development.
Learning that trade is built on trust
Over the past two decades, Erica has built a reputation for connecting governments, businesses, investors, and communities to advance shared economic objectives.
As Vice-Consul and Director of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda in Canada, she played a key role in strengthening trade, tourism, and investment relationships between Canada and the Caribbean. The position reinforced a lesson that has remained central throughout her career: successful economic partnerships are built as much on relationships and trust as they are on market access and policy.
Throughout her career, she has led and supported high-level missions involving investors, government officials, and international stakeholders, navigating diverse priorities while building consensus around common goals.
“Successful investment attraction and trade development are not just about numbers. They are about relationships, trust, and creating ecosystems where businesses and communities thrive together.”
Like many trade professionals, Erica initially focused on mastering technical frameworks, trade policy, and regulations. While those skills remain essential, her experience has reinforced a powerful lesson, relationships and trust are what enable trade to thrive. In an era marked by tariff uncertainty and rapidly changing global trade dynamics, organizations are increasingly looking for trusted partners who can help them navigate complexity with confidence.
“The strongest agreements aren’t built solely on rules and regulations. They’re built on understanding people, perspectives, priorities and trust. When there is uncertainty in the market, people look for partners who understand their priorities, respect their perspectives and are committed to finding solutions. That’s what transforms a transaction into a lasting partnership.”
Her advice to emerging trade professionals reflects that belief:
“Invest in relationships early. Listen carefully, embrace cultural awareness, and approach international partnerships with patience and empathy. These connections will become your most valuable currency in international trade and investment attraction.”
Bringing a global perspective to local economic development
Today, Erica brings a global lens to local economic development in Canada as Manager, Investment Attraction and International Relations with the City of Brampton Economic Development Office.
In this leadership role, she works to position Brampton as a competitive destination for global investment while helping local businesses access international opportunities, partnerships, and markets.
Among her most notable achievements is the creation of Canada’s first municipal Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Desk. The initiative was designed to strengthen commercial connections, facilitate market access, and unlock new opportunities between African, Caribbean, and Canadian business communities.
She has also spearheaded investment attraction initiatives that have strengthened Brampton’s position as a destination for foreign-direct investment while fostering cross-cultural partnerships focused on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic development.
For Erica, these accomplishments represent the convergence of decades spent working across diplomacy, trade, and investment.
The diplomatic skills developed through international representation, the understanding of global trade systems gained through her work with Antigua and Barbuda, and years of building international networks now inform her approach to economic development in one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.
It is global experience applied locally, creating tangible benefits for businesses, investors, and communities alike.
Why the CITP designation was a natural next step
After more than twenty years working across diplomacy, foreign direct investment, market development, and international partnership building, pursuing the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®) designation felt like a natural progression.
“I pursued the CITP designation because it is internationally recognized as a benchmark of credibility and professional excellence in global trade.”
For Erica, the designation represents more than professional recognition. It validates decades of practical experience against internationally recognized standards and strengthens confidence among investors, governments, and global partners.
Receiving the designation was also a significant personal milestone.
Reflecting on a journey that began with youth leadership initiatives and evolved into a career spanning international diplomacy and economic development, Erica viewed the achievement as an affirmation of both purpose and perseverance.
“It felt like an affirmation of purpose, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to creating meaningful global connections.”
Leveraging CITP expertise in a changing global economy
As international trade and investment continue to be shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting supply chains, evolving policy environments, and increasing competition for global capital, Erica believes professional credibility and trusted expertise have never been more important.
The ability to help businesses and governments navigate complexity, identify opportunities, and manage risk is becoming an increasingly valuable skill set.
“The CITP designation serves as a globally recognized benchmark of trust and professionalism, enhancing confidence when I engage with investors, governments, and international organizations.”
Looking ahead, she intends to continue advancing foreign direct investment, strengthening international partnerships, and advocating for more inclusive trade and equitable economic growth.
At the heart of that vision remains a principle that has guided her throughout her career: international trade is ultimately about connecting people.
From representing Antigua and Barbuda on the international stage to attracting investment and fostering economic growth in Canadian communities, Erica has spent her career creating connections that generate opportunity and prosperity.
Today, with the CITP designation complementing her extensive international experience, she continues to build those connections, helping communities, businesses, and investors succeed in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
LinkedIn: Erica Henry-Jackman, CITP
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