Our recent Explorations trip to Washington, D.C. through the Luther Hodges Scholars program provided the opportunity to visit the Department of Commerce (DoC) which offered us a unique perspective on how the federal government collaborates with and supports both the domestic and international business sectors. Kicking off our discussions, we met with Tonya Williams, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Commerce and double Tar-Heel alum (B.A. ’95 & J.D. ’99), whose journey through government roles underscored the value of pursuing your passions and creating a continuous learning path. Throughout her career, Tonya has navigated a range of responsibilities, from working closely with the White House to leading strategic initiatives at the DoC, which employs a staggering 45,000 people.
Her key piece of advice was whether navigating technical areas or hot-button political issues, it is critical to be able to quickly educate yourself in order to be an effective leader. Tonya’s advice resonated deeply: in a government system that is inherently cyclical, with priorities shifting with each administration, staying relevant requires a commitment to lifelong learning and strong relationship-building. She talked about the value of making key connections and being a reliable, knowledgeable resource, which helps one stand out and build lasting influence across political cycles. It’s clear that her ability to adapt and maintain relationships has been central to her success, especially in a world where being the go-to person can mean the difference between merely holding a role and truly driving impactful change.
Our next session with Maria Cameron, Deputy Director for the Office of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Jonathan Garon, an ICT Industry Analyst, opened a window into the complex world of international trade. Maria, a seasoned expert on Latin American relations, and Jonathan, who specializes in information and communication technologies (ICT), shared their insights on how the DoC’s International Trade Administration and Commercial Service approach inter-country relationships. We explored the multi-faceted nature of trade, covering everything from economic impacts and negotiation strategies to the cooperative relationships that are critical between governments and private enterprises.
Maria highlighted the practical aspects of trade, using examples like the U.S.-Brazil Dialogue to show how these partnerships are maintained through frequent, high-level visits and ongoing conversations with both political and business leaders. Her experience has shown her firsthand the importance of having strong, trust-based relationships across borders, especially in regions with growing economic significance like Latin America. These connections enable smoother negotiation processes and provide invaluable cultural and industry-specific insights, which are essential for navigating the economic and political landscape.
Jonathan expanded on the DoC’s role in promoting U.S. exports, particularly within the ICT sector. His work centers on reducing trade barriers, analyzing supply chains, and fostering competitiveness in areas like telecommunications and manufacturing. By collaborating with U.S. businesses to open up international markets, Jonathan’s team at the DoC directly affects the global reach and resilience of American industries. This aspect of the Department’s mission—supporting U.S. exports by breaking down barriers and building cooperative frameworks—echoes the larger theme of our visit: the importance of partnerships in achieving both public and private sector goals. Through these conversations, we gained a nuanced understanding of how the Department of Commerce operates as a bridge between the U.S. government and the international business world. It is a role that requires not only expertise and diplomacy but also a long-term vision. Thank you to Tonya Williams, Maria Cameron, Jonathan Garon and Emily Gereffi at the Department of Commerce for making this impactful visit with dedicated and passionate leaders possible!
