Barbara Kotschwar

Barbara Kotschwar is an adjunct professor of Latin American studies and economics at Georgetown University, where she has taught courses on political economy and trade and integration in the Americas since 1998. A trade economist and development consultant, Dr. Kotschwar’s career includes high-level positions in Fortune 500 corporations, global organizations and leading think tanks. She recently served as Executive Director of the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute where, among other issues, she led research on the importance of digital trade for MSMEs, particularly those led by women. Prior experience includes leading the World Bank’s portfolio on international investment agreements, conducting studies on trade, integration, emerging market trends and corporate gender balance at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and leading the OAS’s Foreign Trade Information Section in support of the Free Trade Area of the Americas negotiations. She has advised governments and organizations across the globe, including in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank, the OAS, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization.