Washington Week 2026 Digital Hub

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Web Banner for 2026 Washington Week

 

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.

2026 Washington Week Agenda

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. 

Register for the Reception here.

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.
 


 

Career Presentation Facilitators

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.

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James Crowe, DSW, AM'17

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.

 

 

 


 

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Peter Gaumond, AM'93

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. 

 


 

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Melissa Wade, AM'05, LICSW

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.

 


 

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Abra Lyons-Warren, AM'13, MPP'13

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.

 

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Nicole Austin-Hillery, JD

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.

 


 

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Rachel Boyer

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.

 


 

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Richard Bush, PhD

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.


 

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Fiona Hill, PhD

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.

 


 

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Dina Kastner

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.

 


 

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Suzanne Maloney, PhD

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. 

 

 


 

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Carlos Monje, Jr.

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.

 


 

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Isabel V. Sawhill, PhD

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.

 


 

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Trudy Vincent, PhD

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.

 


 

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Kate Von Holle

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.

2026 Student Participants

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.

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Abby Castro 

Advanced Standing Full Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

I aspire to be involved in macro-level social work and advocacy work, with an aim to assist clients through policy-related or community-organizing fields. I am passionate about working with individuals of the immigrant and refugee population. After I graduate, I am aiming to find work in policy, continuing my passion towards advocating for this population. My ultimate career ambition is to be an international social worker, potentially working with clients on the border. 

 


 

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Ryan Johnson 

Advanced Standing Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

After graduation, I plan to continue working in government, ideally with the Cook County Circuit Court Social Service Department, where I am completing my field placement, or with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In addition to pursuing LCSW licensure, I want to use that experience to contribute to research and policy that lead to more effective, real-world solutions for families and communities. 

 


 

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Estrellita Mondragon  

 Advanced Standing Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

Upon graduation, I plan to work at the intersection of education policy, mental health, and community-driven reform. My goal is to help design and advocate for policies that expand school-based mental health support, fund basic-needs initiatives, and ensure that low-income, immigrant, and first-generation students receive the affirming, culturally grounded care they deserve, from K-12 through higher education. 

 


 

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Cheyenne Newkirk 

Advanced Standing Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

Career Aspirations: I have become interested in program evaluation and the process of aiding states and local governments in implementing programs intended to serve youth. I have spoken to professionals with experience in advocating for an increase in eligibility around Title IV funds, and I hope to continue building my knowledge on how we can use data and research to build these programs.  


 

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Jordan Watts  

Advanced Standing Full Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW) 

After graduation, I aspire to work with organizations like the United Nations and other global intergovernmental agencies to create systemic educational change worldwide. I hope to focus on large scale human rights initiatives, most particularly focusing on educational equity and safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable youth, in both America and other countries. 

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Lucy Beauchamp 

1st Year Full-Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

I eventually want to craft a career in which I can promote social welfare on a global scale by promoting the rights of children and families, especially those struggling with insecure or inadequate housing. I would love to integrate my passion for equitable education programs, immigrant rights, poverty alleviation, and community development.  

 


 

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Gabe Berger 

1st Year Full-Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

I want to be a clinician who is informed by a strong understanding of the policy and research context of my work. I am considering doing work around substance use disorder, and working with people who have interacted with the criminal legal system. I’m hoping for a career that allows me to combine my passion for clinical work and data analysis. 

 


 

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Déjà Brown 

1st Year Full-Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

My desired career path combines policy development, research, and advocacy within organizations that influence the design and implementation of social programs. I hope to work with think tanks, nonprofits, or governmental agencies that focus on improving how public policies impact people’s everyday lives.  

 

 


 

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Courtney Dillon  

1st Year Full-Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

After graduating from Crown, I plan to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) and work in roles that combine legal advocacy, federal policy work, and social work practice. My long-term goal is to create systemic change by advancing criminal justice reform, expanding youth-centered support, and helping shape policies that protect, and uplift communities disproportionately impacted by structural inequities. 

 


 

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Mia Hainer 

1st Year Full Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

I chose to attend Crown for its integrative approach between micro, mezzo, and macro social work. My coursework so far has deepened my passion for policy, and if I pursue macro social work, I foresee myself working at either the local, state, or federal level. I am also interested in direct practice, and I am interested in serving LGBTQ+ youth and adolescents.  

 


 

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Yolanda Li 

1st Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

After graduating, I hope to begin my career as a clinical social worker serving immigrant youth and families, potentially through community mental health clinics or organizations focused on immigrant well-being. I aim to deepen my expertise in trauma treatment, family therapy, and culturally grounded care while researching mental health inequities to inform policy change.

 


 

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Rachel Lu 

1st Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

I am interested in policy advocacy and global social welfare initiatives that promote dignity and opportunity for marginalized and oppressed communities. I hope to bring greater recognition to the social work perspective in global contexts, showing how our profession’s emphasis on empathy, equity, and community can make a difference in international policy and humanitarian work.  

 


 

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Tenzin Palmo  

1st Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

I feel genuinely drawn to multiple levels of social work practice. I love working directly with individuals, and I plan to pursue LCSW licensure. I am also interested in policy, community advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, fields where I can strengthen my professional skills while contributing to broader, structural change. I hope to combine social work with legal training to support refugee and immigrant populations, working at the intersection of advocacy, policy, healing, and human rights.  


 

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Dion Vo 

1st Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

After completing my degree at Crown, I hope to work in an organization that addresses inequities in health access for immigrant, low-income, and historically marginalized communities. I am particularly interested in policy and research roles that examine how the intersections of healthcare, philanthropy, education, and local governance, either protect or undermine fundamental human rights, especially the right to health, dignity, and culturally responsive care.   

 


 

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Quinn Williams

1st Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

After Crown, I am strongly considering acquiring a law degree, as I’m very interested in pursuing a career at the intersection of law and social work. The population I am hoping to work with after graduating is wrongfully incarcerated individuals and/or public defense offices, which will require deep legislative knowledge. I am very interested in policy work regarding this population, both at the state and federal levels.  

 


 

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Matias Zavala

1st Year Dual Degree Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW) and Public Policy  

Before graduate school, I held various public sector jobs. I hope to bring my experiences together by either working in program evaluation at a government level or working as a legislative staffer. While working at a child support office in undergrad, I saw the ripple effects that a lack of financial support can have on a family, as well as imprisonment due to the inability to meet child support obligations. As a legal secretary at a Public Defender's Office, I saw how laws and policies work to target certain demographics for incarceration. Working in government would allow me to think through various complex topics while remaining people-centered.  

 

 

 

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Sammie Candelario

2nd Year Full-Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

My desired career path is rooted in advocacy, healing, and education. I hope to bring more accessible mental health and holistic wellness resources to the South Side of Chicago, particularly for immigrant communities. After graduating from the Crown Family School, I hope to continue building community-based programs that center on culturally responsive therapy and holistic healing frameworks. 

 


 

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Alexander Cowan

2nd Year Full-Time Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

As a student focusing on Global Health and Social Development, I hope to work at the intersection of social work, community-based development, and global health. I want to work directly with communities that have been uprooted, whether through conflict, climate shifts, or migration, to help strengthen foundational systems and create spaces that reflect what people truly need and want.   


 

 

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Lindsey Noyed

2nd Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW) 

Before attending the Crown Family School, I worked as a housing case manager and volunteered at a community pantry and resource center. I am now focusing my studies on macro level housing instability and systems involvement through shelter stays and evictions. I am interested in the interconnected nature of systems that provide basic necessities to households.  

 


 

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Leslly Razo

2nd Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

I hope to work within Chicago Public Schools as a school social worker. I plan to earn my LCSW and work closely with children and adolescents, while also facilitating groups within the school setting to help destigmatize mental health services in the Latino community. A goal of mine is to drive meaningful change within school systems by stressing the importance of cultural humility and creating environments that genuinely support diverse learners.

 


 

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Karina Rosales

2nd Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW)  

I hope to work within Chicago Public Schools as a school social worker, supporting the social-emotional needs of diverse learners and their families. After obtaining LCSW licensure and gaining experience in the school system, I envision transitioning into mental health therapy, where I can provide holistic, culturally responsive support to marginalized communities in my hometown, Compton, California.  


 

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Adriana Siller 

3rd Year Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW) 

I entered the Crown program on the clinical track, and through my internship experiences, I have developed a strong passion for working with youth and have become deeply interested in trauma work. After graduation, I aspire to work at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, where I can engage in therapy and healing with youth. My goal is to provide them with a safe space to process and express emotions that are often misunderstood or judged by peers, families, and broader social structures. 

 

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Hailey Aldrich

1st Year Dual Degree Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW) and Social Sector Leadership & Nonprofit Management (SSL) 

My professional goal is to work in housing and homelessness policy advocacy at the state and local level. I am drawn to state and local work because of my deep belief that it is vital for any policy change to be directly informed by what is happening on the ground and by the individuals who will be directly impacted by its effects.  

 


 

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Levi Jenkins 

2nd Year Social Sector Leadership & Nonprofit Management (SSL)  

I serve as a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) employee wellness specialist. I design and execute a wellness initiative supporting more than 45,000 employees. As a former high school teacher, I am committed to advancing social change in Chicago’s South and West Side communities, focusing on strong organizational cultures that improve educator satisfaction, retention, and student success. My desired career path lies at the intersection of nonprofit leadership, government, and social impact.

 


 

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Ja’na Kelly 

1st Year Social Sector Leadership & Nonprofit Management (SSL) 

 I am currently using the SSL Nonprofit Management Program to develop an organization called Interference, which is tailored for black children on the northside of St. Louis, Missouri, who are at risk of incarceration or have a history of incarceration. The goal is to increase emotional regulation, self-actualization, and conflict resolution skills. This initiative will be grounded in holistic practices such as meditation, journaling, herbal/agricultural literacy, and frequency therapy. 

 


 

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Mariana Morales 

1st Year Social Sector Leadership & Nonprofit Management (SSL)   

After graduation, I aim to work at the intersection of policy, organizational strategy, and social justice. I envision joining a mission-driven institution—whether in government, philanthropy, or international development—that prioritizes equity, civic engagement, and systemic reform. My goal is to help redesign social organizations in Latin America and underserved U.S. communities, ensuring they are not just reactive but resilient, strategic, and central to public well-being.   

 

2026 Informational Interviewers with Alumni and Partners

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.  

Joy Borkholder, AM’06, is a Senior Research Coordinator at the AFL-CIO. Joy has conducted strategic research for labor unions in Washington, DC and Seattle. She spent several years working in journalism and other freelance roles. Ultimately, she returned to Washington, DC to engage with the global labor movement, and now focuses on domestic campaigns.


Faiza Jackson, AM’09, serves as the Supervisor of Social Work, providing oversight and supervision of the social work team across the Arlington Public Schools division. In this role, Faiza is responsible for hiring, evaluation, professional development support, and case consultation for team members, as well as supporting the McKinney-Vento program. 


Lynn S. Kim, AM’97, is an accomplished strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in organizational development and general management across large, complex organizations. Lynn held senior roles at the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Education, Homeland Security - FEMA, Justice, Labor, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where she successfully led initiatives in executive leadership training and development, HR operations, strategic planning, performance metrics, and employee engagement. 


Sheila Madhani, AB’93, AM’97, runs her own consulting firm, Sheila Madhani. She works with national physician and nurse medical societies on payment, coding, and coverage issues. Sheila moved to DC after graduation, and initially worked with HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations, both international and national. In 2001, Shelia partnered with physician specialty organizations to work on Medicare policy issues working with physician specialty organizations.