Washington Week 2026 Digital Hub
Explore the vibrant lineup for 2026 Washington Week and delve into the myriad career sectors students will experience. From immersive direct practice to impactful social administration, policy, academia, and government roles, our program offers diverse pathways to professional success.
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Career Presentations: University of Chicago Office of Federal Relations
Trudy Vincent
Associate Vice President of Federal Relations
Kate Von Holle
Assistant Vice President of Federal Relations
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Career Presentation: James Crowe, DSW, AM ‘17
Research Manager
Council of Institutional Investors (CII)
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Break
12:30-2 p.m.
Career Talk: DC Edition with Nicole Austin-Hillery
President and CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
3-4 p.m.
Career Presentation: Peter Gaumond, AM ‘93
Senior Policy Analyst/Chief Recovery Branch
Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President
Crown Family School Alumni Association Board Member
6-8 p.m.
Washington Week Reception
The annual gathering brings together alumni, current students, and friends for an evening of networking, conversation, and light bites. Connect with fellow members of the UChicago community, celebrate career milestones, and support current students as they explore opportunities in the nation's capital.
9-10 a.m.
Career Presentation: Carlos Monje, Jr.
Managing Director and Head of the JP Morgan Policy Center
JP Morgan Chase
10-11 a.m.
Career Presentation: Melissa Wade AM ‘05, LICSW
Senior Managing Director of Mental Health
KIPP DC Public Schools
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Lunch
1-2 p.m.
Career Presentation: Abra Lyons-Warren, AM and MPP '13
Director, Housing Is
The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA)
Career Presentations: National Association of Social Workers
Rachel Boyer, MSW, LMSW
Public Policy Associate
Dina L. Kastner, MSS, MLSP
Public Policy and Advocacy Manager
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Career Presentations: Brookings Institute
Richard Bush
Nonresident Senior Fellow - Foreign Policy, Center for Asia Policy Studies, John L. Thornton China Center
Fiona Hill
Senior Fellow - Foreign Policy, Center on the United States and Europe
Suzanne Maloney
Vice President and Director - Foreign Policy
Belle Sawhill
Senior Fellow Emeritus - Economic Studies, Center for Economic Security and Opportunity
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Students participate in Informational Interviews.
4:30-6 p.m.
Group Reflection Gathering
Students participate in the Washington Week Group Reflection, the program's culminating experience. This important session invites you to share your insights and feedback on the week’s events, fostering thoughtful reflection, open discussion, and meaningful evaluation of your Washington Week journey. Enjoy food and conversation as we come together to celebrate and learn from our collective experiences.
Washington Week facilitators bring a breadth of real-world experience across social work, policy, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. The group includes Crown Family School alumni and industry partners who offer students practical insights, candid perspectives, and guidance for navigating diverse career pathways and professional environments across the social sector.
James Crowe, DSW, AM'17, is research manager at the Council of Institutional Investors in Washington, D.C., where he focuses on financial regulation, corporate governance, and economic equity. His work aligns with the social work Grand Challenge to build financial capability and assets for all. He holds an AM from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, and a Doctorate of Social Work from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.
Peter Gaumond, AM'93, is a senior policy analyst at the Office of National Drug Control Policy within the Executive Office of the President, where he develops national drug control policy and coordinates implementation across federal agencies. His work focuses on expanding the recovery support services workforce, strengthening organizational infrastructure, reducing barriers to recovery, addressing stigma, and increasing substance use literacy. He brings extensive experience in federal policy development and interagency coordination. He holds an AM degree from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice.
Melissa Wade, AM'05, LICSW, is senior managing director of mental health for KIPP DC Public Schools, where she leads regional mental health strategy and oversees a multidisciplinary team supporting students across schools. She has more than 20 years of experience developing school-based mental health programs and providing clinical services in urban settings. Before joining KIPP DC in 2014, she spent nine years in Chicago South Side charter schools. She is from the Washington, D.C., area and, holds a BA from the University of Maryland, an AM from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, and a certificate from Loyola University Chicago.
Abra Lyons-Warren, AM'13, MPP'13, is director of Housing Is at the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, where she leads efforts to align better housing with education, health, and other systems to improve outcomes for low-income families. She joined CLPHA in 2014 and launched Housing Is as a subsidiary initiative. Previously, she worked in housing and social policy with the Center for the Study of Social Policy and the office of Illinois Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie and as a workforce development practitioner in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. She holds degrees from the University of Chicago and Brandeis University.
Nicole Austin-Hillery, JD, is president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, leading national and global efforts to advance policy, leadership development, and equity for Black communities. A nationally recognized civil and human rights leader, she previously led Human Rights Watch’s U.S. program and directed the Brennan Center for Justice’s Washington office, representing the organization before Congress and the executive branch. Her career spans civil rights litigation, housing advocacy, and voting rights reform. Under her leadership, CBCF has expanded its reach, partnerships, and influence. She is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and Howard University School of Law.
Rachel Boyer is a public policy associate at the National Association of Social Workers, where she lobbies Congress on Public Policy Blueprint priorities and mobilizes social workers on issues affecting the workforce and the communities they serve. She joined NASW’s national staff in spring 2024. Before becoming a social worker, Boyer worked as a strategic communicator, leading communications teams for state political parties, issue-based campaigns, and on Capitol Hill. Her background strengthens NASW’s advocacy through clear, effective messaging and coalition engagement. She holds degrees from Concordia College and Howard University.
Richard Bush, PhD, is a nonresident senior fellow in the Center for Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution and holds a joint appointment with the John L. Thornton China Center. He previously served as director of the Center for Asia Policy Studies and as the inaugural Chen-Fu and Cecilia Yen Koo Chair in Taiwan Studies. Before joining Brookings, Bush was chairman and managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan, overseeing U.S.-Taiwan relations. His work focuses on East Asian security and cross-strait relations. He holds degrees from institutions not listed. He holds degrees from Lawrence University and Columbia University.
Fiona Hill, PhD, is a senior fellow in the Center on the United States and Europe in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution. She also serves as chancellor of Durham University in the United Kingdom and is a member of the Harvard University Board of Overseers. Hill previously served as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council and as national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia. She is widely recognized for her expertise on global security and transatlantic relations. She holds degrees from University of St. Andrews and Harvard.
Dina Kastner is public policy and advocacy manager at the National Association of Social Workers, where she manages the Political Action Committee, lobbies Congress, and mobilizes social workers around legislative and electoral priorities. She has worked at NASW since 2003 and previously focused on Medicaid and SCHIP access in Illinois with the Campaign for Better Health Care. Her work centers on professional advocacy and social justice. She holds a Professional Lobbying Certificate from the Association of Government Relations Professionals. She is from the Chicago area and holds degrees from Elizabethtown College and Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.
Suzanne Maloney, PhD, is vice president and director of the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution, where she leads research on Iran and Persian Gulf energy issues. A leading expert on U.S. policy toward Iran and the Middle East, she regularly testifies before Congress and briefs policymakers. She also serves on the External Research Council for the National Intelligence Council and is a frequent media commentator. Previously, she was deputy director of Foreign Policy at Brookings. She holds a doctorate degree from Tufts University.
Carlos Monje, Jr. is managing director and head of the Policy Center at JPMorgan Chase, where he leads policy strategy at the intersection of government, business, and economic development. He previously served as under secretary of transportation for policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation and held senior roles in the Obama and Biden administrations. Across public service and the private sector, Monje has shaped major initiatives in infrastructure, transportation, and inclusive growth. He is widely recognized for his expertise in policy analysis, leadership, and cross-sector strategy. He holds a degree from Harvard University.
Isabel V. Sawhill, PhD, is a senior fellow emeritus in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution. She previously served as vice president and director of Economic Studies and as codirector of the Center on Children and Families. Earlier in her career, Sawhill was a senior fellow at the Urban Institute and an associate director at the Office of Management and Budget, overseeing federal human resource programs. Her research has shaped national conversations on economic mobility, family policy, and children’s well-being. She holds degrees from institutions not listed. She earned a doctorate degree from New York University.
Trudy Vincent, PhD, is senior associate vice president for federal relations in the University of Chicago’s Office of Federal Relations, where she leads the Washington, D.C.-based team and represents the University in federal policy discussions affecting research funding, student aid, and health care. She also supports faculty and students engaged in policy work. Before joining the University in 2013, Vincent spent 26 years on Capitol Hill, working for three U.S. senators, including serving as chief of staff to Sen. Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. She holds degrees from Duke University and the University of Maryland.
Kate Von Holle is assistant vice president in the University of Chicago’s Office of Federal Relations, where she supports local, national, and international research initiatives tied to the Office of the Vice President for Research and National Laboratories. Based in Washington, D.C., she provides subject matter expertise, policy analysis, and political strategy on federal science and technology issues. Her work includes advocacy related to NIH, NSF, and other agencies whose priorities affect the University’s research enterprise. She engages with Congress and the administration to advance and protect institutional research interests. She holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and William & Mary.
Washington Week students represent a wide range of academic backgrounds and career goals across the social sector. The 2026 cohort includes Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration students and Social Sector and Nonprofit Management students, all exploring careers in practice, policy, leadership, research, and advocacy.
As part of Washington Week, students take part in a day-long series of informational interviews, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with alumni and leaders based in Washington, D.C. This segment of the program offers access to professionals across a wide spectrum of sectors, including direct practice, social administration, policy, academia, and government, who share their insights and career journeys.
The list below is organized b professional areas of practice and features the current roles of each professional. This is a valuable opportunity for students to explore diverse sectors, expand their professional networks, and gain meaningful guidance as they prepare for their future career paths.
Jeffrey Glick, AM’75, is an Affiliated Professor at Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy and a Professor of Practice at Virginia Tech.
Kevin Bauer, AM’10 is a Housing Coordinator, Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League. He coordinates housing and services for a 20-person rapid rehousing program for queer young folks who have experienced housing instability or have been unhoused.
Simone Harris, AM’09, is the Founder of Empowered Today Counseling. In 2023 she opened the private practice and is devoted to helping children, teens, and adults build resilience and navigate anxiety, depression and low self-esteem with confidence and hope.
Rachel Narrow, AM’13, is a private therapy owner and therapist at Rock Creek Forest Counseling. She is a registered Play Therapist and a Certified Animal Assisted Play Therapist.
Michal Berkson Powell, AM’07, works as a school social worker with two private preschools and one pre-K through 5th-grade school, while also maintaining a private practice. In the summer, Michal serves as a mental health professional at a large sleepaway camp.
Melissa Susser, AM’13, has over 11 years of experience working with adults. Their practice has naturally evolved to include Millennials and Gen X, allowing them to provide a diverse range of therapeutic experiences. This work has enabled Melissa to develop a deep understanding of the aging process, caregiver stress, and intergenerational dynamics within families.
Thomas Bates, AM’22, works on homelessness policy and programs such as the Continuum of Care (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) programs. They also focus on data policy, analysis, and issues related to artificial intelligence in the context of homelessness.
Lindsay Bostwick, AM’07, is a Statistician for the Department of Justice. As a statistician with the Bureau of Justice Statistics, she oversees and develops new national criminal justice data collections and conducts research and analysis.
Keisha Keith, AM’15, assists global public servants who have experienced direct or threatened physical, emotional, psychological, and/or financial harm as a result of crime. Their work includes providing victim-centered crisis intervention, de-escalation, establishing safety, and addressing urgent emergency needs.
Ann Maxwell, AM’96, is a Deputy Inspector General of Evaluation and Inspections at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ann leads a 120-person evaluation unit responsible for providing independent and objective oversight of all HHS programs, with a focus on promoting efficiency, economy, and effectiveness, as well as preventing fraud, waste, and abuse.
Ann Stock, AM’12 is the Chief of Staff at the Maryland State Department of Education. After graduating in 2012, she was selected as a Presidential Management Fellow and moved to Washington, DC, where she worked on early childhood policy and programs for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) until 2025.
Jennifer Van Ee is the Legislative Director at the Fairfax County Government. She works with County leadership and the Board of Supervisors to establish legislative priorities and communicate with state and federal administrations, legislative bodies, and community partners. Their role includes advocating on local government issues and building strategic coalitions. Jennifer’s professional experience also includes for-profit consulting with the Department of Justice focused on supporting victims of crime, serving as an intake director for an international adoption agency, working as an audit and privacy associate for the Arlington County Human Services Department, and holding the position of Legislative Deputy Director in support of the Director.
Joshua Rideaux, EdD, is a Senior Program Manager at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Leadership Institute. He oversees the curriculum and operations of the CBCF Congressional and C-Suite Internship Programs. After beginning their career as a music educator, they transitioned into the realm of higher education, serving as an Academic Advisor at both HBCU and PWI institutions. Their interests later shifted toward children and families within public policy, which led them to serve in several thought leadership roles within the Office of Head Start, the United States Congress, and the White House prior to their current position with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Ashley Stone, PhD, is a Senior Director of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Ashley provides strategic leadership for CBCF’s policy research and programming, ensuring that research directly informs high-impact programs, fellowships, and initiatives advancing equity and justice for Black communities. Her career began in higher education as an advisor and program manager focused on service learning, where she supported students and built programs connecting academic study to community impact. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Central Florida, an M.A. in Sociology from DePaul University, and a B.A. in Communication and African American Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Ryan E. Tucker, EdD, is a Senior Director at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF). He focuses on cultivating the next tier of Black leadership in public service and policy by enhancing educational programs and widening access to fellowships, internships, and scholarships. His role leverages deep expertise in leadership training and fundraising to forge pathways for underrepresented talent. The skills he honed as the Deputy Executive Director of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, including program guidance, staff supervision, and financial management, have been instrumental in driving strategic growth and operational excellence. He finds fulfillment in contributing to a mission that shapes the leaders of tomorrow while advancing community service and policy development.