Member Feature: Svetlana Yazovskikh

Svetlana Yazovskikh, Vice President of Global Tourism at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), has spent nearly two decades championing Philadelphia as a premier global destination. Her deep-rooted passion for international engagement and elevating the city’s global profile led her to the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABCPHL), where she found a natural fit.

“As someone who has spent nearly twenty years positioning Philadelphia on the world stage, I was drawn to BABCPHL’s mission of strengthening transatlantic business relationships,” Svetlana shares. “The UK is our largest overseas tourism market, and the opportunity to connect with globally minded professionals who share my enthusiasm for international collaboration was incredibly compelling.” Since joining, Svetlana has found the BABCPHL to be an invaluable resource for both business and personal growth, especially in strengthening local relationships with internationally focused partners. “Whether through engaging programming or informal conversations, this network has helped me grow as a leader in a space that thrives on cross-sector collaboration.”

Among the many events hosted by BABCPHL, a few stand out as especially impactful. “The Signature Holiday Luncheon is always a favorite—not just for its festive atmosphere, but because it’s one of the most effective networking events of the year,” Svetlana explains. “I’m also a big fan of the annual International Business Networking Reception at Yards Brewing Company. The event brings together more than 100 professionals engaged in global business for an evening of meaningful relationship-building and fun. I find it especially inspiring to see how a beloved local brand like Yards is expanding into international markets, starting with a pilot distribution effort in the UK. It’s a great reminder of the global potential rooted right here in Philadelphia.”

When asked what she values most about being part of the BABCPHL community, Svetlana emphasizes the importance of the perspective. “BABCPHL consistently brings together a diverse range of voices and expertise to address the real issues shaping international business. From AI and innovation to political outlooks and the evolving intricacies of immigration policy, the programming is timely, relevant, and incredibly useful for anyone working in a cross-border environment.”

Svetlana’s advice to new members or those considering getting involved is one that echoes across member spotlight articles: “Show up. The more you engage—whether at events, panels, or informal meetups—the more value you’ll find. This is a community where participation truly pays off.”