Patricia A. Skaff, M.O.L., B.A.
Education: M.O.L., B.A., Lourdes University
Title: Adjunct Instructor of Business and Leadership
Patricia is a former International Sales, Accounts and Export Manager for Impact Products LLC ,a local manufacturer of cleaning supplies for the janitorial/sanitary maintenance industry whose products are exported to over 80 countries of the world. She has worked at Impact for 25 years as an international sales manager for 20 years. She has traveled extensively to Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East among other countries. She assisted the company to twice receive the State of Ohio Governor’s Excellence in Exporting Award.
Patricia is also past president and member of the former Toledo Area International Trade Association, a local networking organization that brought members of the exporting community together to discuss international trade issues.
In February/March of 2011 Patricia participated in a U.S. State Department sponsored trip to the countries of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The trip was organized by the Great Lakes Consortium for Training and Education (GLC), which is a local nonprofit organization whose members include Lourdes University, the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University. The trip was part of a two year grant to study the transition of family owned businesses from the founder to the next generation of family members in these emerging global markets. Patricia currently serves on the GLC advisory board.
In 2014, Patricia participated in the visitation of 6 women leaders from Ukraine arranged by the GLC. They visited businesses, universities and civic organizations to seek opportunities and gain knowledge to empower their citizens to improve their economy and their quality of life.
In 2016, 8 young adults from Romania and Hungary visited NW Ohio through a grant from the GLC to learn about social service programs and how to start a business. Patricia arranged for the international business students to attend a community event that allowed them to socialize and exchange ideas experiences with the visitors.
Patricia is a member of the advisory committee and founding member of the University of Toledo’s Export Success Program. She is a presenter, discussing the importance of understanding cultures and accepted business etiquette when conducting business in various countries. She also provides mentoring services to the participating businesses.
BUS 320 International Business
Focuses on global business concepts in further detail. Topics include global economies, international monetary systems, cultural/legal/political/ technological factors in conducting global business, and multinational corporations.