Aggie Sikora
International Trade Manager
Clinton,USA
Summary
Dynamic international business professional with a strong background in global trade promotion, with a decade of experience driving global business development for the State of Mississippi. Skilled in managing trade missions, and strengthening export programs. Proven ability to build cross-border partnerships, advise SMEs on market entry, and promote state industries in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Close to two decades of success in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) with extensive experience in international relations and event management. Fluent in Polish, English, intermediate French, and beginner proficiency in Spanish and German.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior International Trade Manager
Mississippi Development Authority
Jackson, MS
12.2022 - Current
- Drives Mississippi’s international trade expansion across Canada, Europe, and Australia, empowering SMEs to enter and grow in global markets.
- Assesses export readiness and design tailored market-entry strategies, ensuring compliance and competitiveness
- Plans, coordinates, and leads trade missions, exhibitions, and business forums, securing contracts, partnerships, and measurable business outcomes.
- Builds strategic partnerships with foreign trade offices, chambers of commerce, and consulates to promote state industries and attract investment.
- Supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in export readiness, compliance, and market-entry strategies.
- Delivers market intelligence, industry insights, and export education through seminars, consultations, and customized reports.
- Assists in securing federal and state funding to enhance international business development initiatives.
- Educates business community about divisional trade promotion services, resources, trade regulations, specific industry sectors, markets, or topics to inform clients interested in doing business abroad via stated hosts seminars/briefings/activities (in-person/virtual)
- Leverage CRM tools and Microsoft Suite to document activities, generate reports, and ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Project Manager II, Mississippi Child Health and Development Project (MS Thrive!)
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
Jackson, MS
05.2021 - 11.2022
- Assisted with building strategic networks to support the creation of a statewide integrated early childhood developmental and behavioral health system.
- Led planning, recruitment, and execution efforts for the 250+ attendee Mississippi Early Child Development Post-COVID Era Summit.
- Coordinator for the statewide Mississippi Early Child Development economic impact assessment project.
- Created, designed, and managed a custom-built Microsoft SharePoint and interfacing Microsoft Teams site for the MS Thrive project.
- Convened and assisted in the coordination of multiple advisory workgroups, and supported partners in advancing relevant strategies between meetings.
- Worked closely with the evaluation and reporting team to develop plans and monitor progress.s
- Assisted with writing reports, memos, professional correspondence, and policy briefs.
- Assisted with effort allocation for staff members.
- Researched policies and investigated trends in early childhood development.
Project Manager II, Telehealth Center of Excellence (TCOE)
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
Jackson, MS
10.2020 - 04.2021
- Served as primary liaison to the Health and Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the TCOE
- Lead project manager responsible for TCOE operations and grant administration of 40+ research project portfolio
- Led UMMC’s efforts for successful re-compete application for the Telehealth Center of Excellence HRSA designation
- Served as primary point of contact to the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL) for joint national telehealth data utilization project efforts
- Offered strategic guidance related to opportunities for further growth, federal government opportunities, and potential partnerships with industry and other associations/organizations to ensure TCOE long-term sustainability
- Oversaw and participated in preparation of renewal grant applications, summaries, annual reports, and other deliverables to funding agency
- Designed systems & tools that allowed the TCOE team to be agile; planned and coordinated activities, set deadlines, assigned responsibilities to staff members, ensured that duties were carried out
- Developed processes that maximized productivity and improved administrative processes
- Established and maintained comprehensive and current record- keeping system of research activities, timelines and deadlines
- Reported directly to UMMC’s Vice Chancellor of Research
Project Manager, Telehealth Center of Excellence (TCOE)
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
Jackson, MS
07.2018 - 09.2020
- Served as liaison between principal investigators, TCOE staff, and HRSA in negotiation and interpretation of terms and conditions of the award
- Communicated clear goals, timelines, expectations, and standards to assigned projects, as well as timely feedback to senior leadership
- Established operating procedures; monitored and evaluated programmatic and operational effectiveness, made changes as necessary
- Led efforts to coordinate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for TCOE project portfolio
- Led efforts to prepare and assemble pilot proposal submissions to HRSA for each upcoming fiscal year
- Collaborated with various disciplines in the UMMC Center of Telehealth to plan, implement, maintain, and adjust research efforts for the TCOE
- Assisted with contract execution, invoicing, time allocations. spend down and FFR
- Assisted with subaward and contract reimbursement
- Identified opportunities to collaborate with internal and external partners to promote TCOE activities and deliverables
- Managed marketing and social media for the TCOE and serves as liaison to UMMC’s Office of Communications and Marketing
- Stayed abreast of current and developing state and federal regulations and compliance issues
- Drafted, edited, and submitted comments to federal agencies regarding in response to requests for public comments
- Drafted, edited, and submitted letters of interest, letters of support, project briefs, RFI responses, etc.
- Assisted with Center for Telehealth’s efforts to operationalize telemedicine services institution-wide during COVID-19 pandemic
Senior International Trade Specialist
Mississippi Development Authority
Jackson, MS
07.2012 - 06.2018
- Led Mississippi’s trade promotion initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), driving export growth and long-term sales projections exceeding $350M.
- Recruited, planned, and coordinated overseas trade missions and international trade shows, expanding market access for Mississippi companies.
- Designed and executed official programs and protocol for international delegations and visiting heads of government.
- Advised companies across diverse industries on export readiness and the development of strategically positioned international marketing plans.
- Delivered educational seminars and provided technical assistance on all aspects of the international sales cycle, from market entry to compliance.
- Built and sustained relationships with foreign governments, chambers of commerce, and trade facilitators to advance Mississippi companies’ international business development.
- Researched and analyzed global economic data, industry trends, and competitive advantages to create tailored country- and sector-specific marketing strategies.
- Promoted and administered the STEP Grant Program, enabling Mississippi SMEs to strengthen business relationships and secure partnerships in the EMEA region.
- Managed project budgets, consultant selection, and performance oversight to ensure timely execution and compliance.
- Directed the Mississippi International Trade Office (MISO) student internship program, including recruitment, mentorship, and performance management.
International Sales Coordinator
Trilogy Communications, Inc.
Pearl, MS
03.2010 - 07.2012
- Completed close to $2.5MM in international sales
- Prepared sales forecasts responsible for achieving measurable sales goals for all global markets
- Maintained customer relationships and consistently followed-up on sales leads
- Conducted marketing research to identify key players and win new opportunities
- Coordinated with all departments to ensure all international sales transactions were followed through and completed by promised lead time
- Worked closely with Accounting Department to secure payment
- Involved in overseeing compliance with export procedures, shipping, and international payment processes
- Involved in negotiation of pricing and payment terms, translation of documents, and drafting letters of credit
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Trilogy Communications, Inc.
Pearl, MS
06.2009 - 03.2010
- Created marketing materials including specification comparisons, price lists, brochures and sales presentations
- Prepared and provided market research, monitored industry trends, and evaluated competitor analysis
- Provided sales quotes, maintained communication, and supported all international customer requests
Education
MBA -
MILLSAPS COLLEGE
Jackson, MS05-2009
BA - Philosophy
MILLSAPS COLLEGE
Jackson, MS05-2007
Economic Development Certificate
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MSSkills
- Business development
- Project management
- Program design and development
- Grant administration
- International sales
- Export regulations
- Event planning and organization
- Agile
- International trade compliance
- Market strategy and promotion
- Economic impact assessment
- Networking skills
- B2B and B2G matchmaking
- Market research
- Competitive analysis
- Government and industry relations
- Cross-cultural communication
- Export finance
- Foreign policy
- Advanced Microsoft Office Suite
- CRM (all platforms)
- Sales forecasting
- JobsEQ
- ArcGIS Community Analyst
- Data analysis and reporting
- Analytical thinking
Activities And Certifications
- U.S. Department of Commerce “Complying with U.S. Export Controls, 2013
- True South Basic Economic Development Course, 2014
- Int’l Trade Certificate, World Trade Center of New Orleans, Inc., 2015
- NASBITE Global Business Professional Certification, 2016
- Mississippi Economic Development Council, 2012-2018, 2022-present
- Millsaps Young Alumni Advisory Board, 2014-2018
- Toastmasters Int’l, Club 3284 Guess Who’s Talking Now, 2013-2018
- FBI Civilian Academy, 2018
- Leadership Greater Jackson, 2018-2019
- America’s Future Foundation, Board Member, 2018, Present
- CTeL Advisory Board, Member, 2020-2021
- UMMC Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities (MEWI) Community Advisory Board (CAB), 2022-present
Timeline
Senior International Trade Manager
Mississippi Development Authority
12.2022 - Current
Project Manager II, Mississippi Child Health and Development Project (MS Thrive!)
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
05.2021 - 11.2022
Project Manager II, Telehealth Center of Excellence (TCOE)
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
10.2020 - 04.2021
Project Manager, Telehealth Center of Excellence (TCOE)
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
07.2018 - 09.2020
Senior International Trade Specialist
Mississippi Development Authority
07.2012 - 06.2018
International Sales Coordinator
Trilogy Communications, Inc.
03.2010 - 07.2012
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Trilogy Communications, Inc.
06.2009 - 03.2010
MBA -
MILLSAPS COLLEGE
BA - Philosophy
MILLSAPS COLLEGE
Economic Development Certificate
University of Southern Mississippi
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