Wolcott Foundation Expands Legacy of Supporting Students in Public Service with $4 Million Gift

Provost Christopher Bracey (l), President Ellen M. Granberg and Wolcott Foundation Chair Michael Clark. (William Atkins/GW Today)

Endowment continues a 70-year tradition that has opened doors for more than 500 GW students.

Authored by: Rahim Jessani

Provost Christopher Bracey (l), President Ellen M. Granberg and Wolcott Foundation Chair Michael Clark. (William Atkins/GW Today)

To realize her dream of working in international trade policy, Tiffany Smith, M.A. ‘91, knew she needed a graduate degree. But attending GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs in the nation’s capital seemed out of reach for the Texan.

Smith’s career path opened up when she received the Wolcott Foundation Fellowship, which helped with her tuition and gave her the financial stability to pursue unpaid internships during her studies.

“I never would have made it to D.C. for graduate school without the Wolcott Foundation Fellowship,” said Smith, now the National Foreign Trade Council’s vice president of global trade policy. “Everything that I have achieved in my career in trade policy is directly a result of being selected as a Wolcott Fellow and attending GW.”

Since 1953, more than 500 GW students like Smith have benefited directly from the foundation’s annual funding of the Wolcott Foundation Fellowship program. Now, thanks to a $4 million gift to GW’s endowment from the Wolcott Foundation, more students like Smith can pursue careers in public service for generations to come. This gift also transitions the fellowship’s administration to GW—a meaningful tribute to the enduring seven-decade relationship between the Wolcott Foundation and GW.

The Wolcott Foundation’s investment in these students stems from its mission of using education as the driving force to create a “moral compass in government,” an ode to its Masonic origins. According to Michael Clark, chair of the Wolcott Foundation, GW is the ideal university that unites education and public service because of its location in the nation’s capital and its revered founder, George Washington, who was a Mason.

“I believe in GW, and I am thrilled that the positive impact we have on students now will last forever because of the tremendous work of GW,” said Clark. The Wolcott Foundation is a non-profit supported by High Twelve International, an organization of Master Masons dedicated to the welfare of humankind and civic affairs.

The fellowships provide critical support for students seeking to learn from GW’s internationally recognized faculty, participate in impactful research and service, and take advantage of the mentoring and career development opportunities that prepare them to serve the public interest and influence public policy, GW President Ellen M. Granberg noted.

“Students seeking public service careers have a passion for changing the world, and GW is one of the best institutions in the world when it comes to cultivating the next generation of leaders in this sector,” Granberg said. “We are immensely grateful for the Wolcott Foundation’s longstanding support of talented students and value their trust in our ability to continue their legacy.”

Donna Arbide, GW’s vice president for development and alumni relations, explained that alumni from this cohort have gone on to serve in important capacities in the federal government, international business and represent the U.S. in foreign relations, such as former American ambassador to Honduras, Charles Ford, M.A. ‘75.

“It’s impossible to understate the positive impact of the Wolcott Fellows on individuals, society and frankly, on our democracy,” Arbide said. “At GW, we change the world one life at a time, and the Wolcott Foundation has helped hundreds of students go on to make a real difference. It’s an amazing illustration of the power of philanthropy in action.”

President Granberg (c) with current Wolcott Foundation fellows and trustees of the Wolcott Foundation. (William Atkins/GW Today)

The Wolcott Foundation funds fellowships of up to $30,000 for graduate students in GW’s School of Business (GWSB), the Elliott School of International Affairs (ESIA) or the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration (TSPPPA). Award criteria are outstanding academic, civic and social credentials and a commitment to civic service.

“Thanks to my Wolcott Fellowship, I achieved my aspirations to devote my life as a public servant and a catalyst for international goodwill,” said G. Lincoln McCurdy, M.A.‘75, who has received multiple international awards for his work in building U.S.-Turkey commercial relations and people-to-people diplomacy. “The Wolcott Foundation not only provided me with the financial means to study at GW, but members of the foundation took an interest in the fellows and provided a supportive social network.”

During their degree programs, Wolcott Fellows benefit from strong mentoring and networking opportunities provided by the foundation. After graduation, the foundation’s robust support of its award recipients helps Wolcott Fellows build community and achieve their career aspirations.

“Getting to know the other Wolcott Fellows and Wolcott alumni network—including leaders in government and those dedicated to public service—was a springboard for my own career,” said David Okun, M.A. ‘16, a State Department country officer working to deter and resolve international child abductions.

Former fellow Alivia P. Roberts, M.P.A. ‘20, believes the foundation’s holistic approach to the student experience transforms the pathway for public servants to succeed.

“The Wolcott Foundation should be proud of their work as it changes the trajectory of public servants,” said Roberts, director of federal government affairs at the Motion Picture Association. “Being a Wolcott Fellow gave me an advantage when entering the workforce and in my life. I am so grateful for the foundation’s commitment in helping students like me become better versions of themselves, build relationships with like-minded scholars, and serve their communities.”

Interested students can find more information, including the fellowship application, online. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15, 2024.

In Memoriam: Susan K. Sell, Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs

Susan Sell headshot

Susan K. Sell, Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs

Emeriti passed away on December 24, 2023. Susan was a faculty member in the political science department from 1991 to 2016. She served as Director of the Institute for Global and International Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs from 2007-2012. Upon retiring from the department as an emerita professor, she took a position at the Australian National University. 

During her time at GW, Susan was a vital figure in the department and the Elliott School. She was passionate about her research in international relations, which was innovative and influential, bolstering GW’s reputation in this field. She was also a devoted mentor to students and scholars. Her wit, which could be razor-sharp, was buffered by her deep humanity and care for others. 

Mike Brown, Dean of the Elliott School during part of Susan’s tenure, offered these reflections.

“Susan stood out as a great scholar, teacher, and institution-builder. At the Elliott School, she served for many years as Director of the Institute for Global and International Studies (IGIS), organizing programs and events that brought people together from across campus and around the world. Bringing people together was one of Susan’s hallmarks. She also taught the school’s core course for undergraduates, Introduction to International Affairs, for many years, launching 500 students per year into their academic and professional careers. Helping people was another of Susan’s hallmarks. Above all, Susan was a great colleague and a great person. Susan was exceptionally generous, supportive, cheerful, and kind in every interaction I had with her — How often does one get to say that? — and I’m sure that was the case with all of the countless people she touched in her life.

The Elliott School community sends its condolences to Susan’s family. She was a vibrant member of the faculty and will be missed by all who knew her.

Elliott Alumnus Earns Prestigious Rhodes Scholarship

Yosef Bukhari headshot
Yosef Bukhari, MA ’23 headshot

Congratulations to recent Elliott School alumnus Yosef Bukhari, MA ’23, who has been awarded a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to attend the University of Oxford in England beginning in Fall 2024. He plans to pursue a PhD in international relations, focusing his research on nuclear deterrence.

“We are all so thrilled that Yosef has received the distinction of a Rhodes Scholarship. It is a testament to his hard work and his leadership qualities. I have no doubt that Yosef will go on to excel in his work on nuclear deterrence,” Dean Ayres said. “This honor not only reflects his abilities, but it also brings immense pride to the Elliott School and the faculty and advisors who assisted him.”

The Rhodes Scholarship provides all educational and living expenses for 2-3 years of postgraduate study at Oxford. Scholars are chosen based on outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated leadership potential, and a commitment to “fighting the world’s fight” through potential social impact.

The Rhodes Scholarship is considered one of the world’s most prestigious academic honors. Bukhari joins an extensive network of influential Rhodes Scholar alumni making an impact in fields like government, science, and the arts. Rhodes Scholar alumni include astronomer Edwin Hubble, President Bill Clinton, Ambassador Susan Rice, Senator Cory A. Booker, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and journalist Rachel Maddow, to name a few.

Elliott faculty applauded Bukhari on his achievements. “Yosef is an excellent student and was always insightful in my Transnational Security class,” Rollie Lal, Associate Professor of International Affairs, said. “He is a model Elliott graduate, and I am so glad that he will represent us through the Rhodes Scholarship in the future!”

Bukhari describes feeling excitement and some disbelief upon learning of his selection, “I began to imagine myself as a Rhodes Scholar—as already a part of the community. So I definitely began to feel excitement at the realization that I did not need to imagine that anymore,” he said.

Bukhari hopes his research at Oxford will contribute even small steps towards nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. “I aim to answer the question of what size and type of nuclear arsenal is sufficient to deter,” he said.

Bukhari credits GW and the Elliott School faculty for their support during the highly competitive application process. He advises current students to utilize available resources like the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research (CUFR) and the Office of Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships (OGASF) for assistance with applications to many fellowship and research opportunities like the Rhodes Scholarship.

“Dr. Jacob English at the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research; Dr. Lakeisha Harrison, Assistant Dean for Student Services, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ESIA; and Joshua Lissauer and Meg Wurm in Graduate Student Services at ESIA have all supported me in my application. In short, be sure to contact the relevant resource and also your professors. GW and ESIA are well-equipped to support you,” noted Bukhari.

CUFR serves all GW undergraduates and alumni pursuing intellectual development through scholarship, fellowship competitions and undergraduate and postgraduate research participation. OGASF does the same for graduate students.

“The resources at the Elliott School and GW are there to help you,” Bukhari said.

After his Oxford studies, Bukhari plans to return to Saudi Arabia to work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, striving for nonproliferation in the Middle East.

Athens Roundtable on AI and Rule of Law Spotlights Ethical, Legislative Issues

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hi.) discussed the importance of proactive legislation around AI. (William Atkins/GW Today)

Marking a year since the introduction of ChatGPT, the two-day summit featured five members of Congress and dozens of leaders in research, industry, policy and law.

Authored by: Ruth Steinhardt | Read the original GW Today article.

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hi.) discussed the importance of proactive legislation around AI. (William Atkins/GW Today)

On Nov. 30, 2022, OpenAI introduced its game-changing large language model ChatGPT to the public. A year later, global leaders in research, industry, thought and policy including multiple members of Congress convened at the George Washington University for the fifth edition of the Athens Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law, a summit on ethical AI development and governance.

Co-founded and sponsored by the nonprofit The Future Society,this year’s edition of the roundtable featured more than a dozen co-sponsors, including GW’S Institute for International Science and Technology Policy; NIST-NSF Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society; the Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C.; OECD; World Bank; Center for AI and Digital Policy; UNESCO; Homo Digitalis; IEEE; Paul, Weiss LLP; Arnold & Porter; and the Patrick J .Mcgovern Foundation. The event is an opportunity to share knowledge across disciplines and, through that dialogue, develop future-proof policies with real-world impact in a rapidly evolving field.

That mission aligns precisely with GW’s strengths and its institutional tradition of evidence-based policy impact, President Ellen M. Granberg said in introductory remarks Thursday at the Jack Morton Auditorium. 

“We’re not an institution that is content with just publishing scholarship and hoping someone else will decide what to do with it,” Granberg said. “What makes GW unique is the way in which we extend our scholarship to direct applications across education, policy, patient care and other areas. The university’s location in the nation’s capital, combined with its diverse and highly talented faculty, can connect science, technology and innovation with law, policy and ethics like very few other institutions can across the globe. Together our students and faculty are working to find real solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.”

Featured speakers at the two-day event included U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hi.) and U.S. Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) and Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.); representatives from the governments of Tanzania, the Czech Republic and others and from intergovernmental organizations including the European Union and the United Nations; industry leaders from Google and elsewhere; and researchers and academics from across the United States and the world.

U.S. lawmakers stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation to create meaningful federal regulations for AI development and deployment, enabling innovation but preventing AI’s potentially catastrophic societal outcomes. That means such regulation needs to be nimble rather than purely reactive. Some areas of concern are already identifiable—data security, fraudulent AI-generated data, the electoral impact of “deepfakes”—while others will arise as these technologies develop.

“What we need are some basic, common sense, future-proof principles that set clear rules of the road to help developers and companies innovate responsibly while also protecting consumers from potential harms,” said Schatz, who has introduced legislation to label AI-generated content and to empower a federal commission to develop a regulatory structure for AI, much as the Communications Act did for radio and television in the 1930s and the Communications Decency Act did for the internet in the 1990s.

Klobuchar said the issue is of bipartisan concern, particularly when it comes to misinformation and fraud. She has partnered across the aisle with Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo) to ban the use of AI to generate deceptive content influencing federal elections.

“Leaders from both sides of the aisle agree: We can’t sit on the sidelines while AI continues to advance,” Klobuchar said. “I really believe this is our moment to ensure that future generations around the world can take advantage of the benefits of AI without sacrificing their personal security or endangering our democracy.”

Legislative approaches to AI should also be based on a thorough understanding of the regulatory failures in the 2010s that led to a few monolithic corporations’ domination of the current social media landscape, the lawmakers said.

“Congress had a choice: Should we protect consumer privacy? Should we stop companies from amassing power?” Blumenthal said. “We all know how that story ended. Congress failed. It failed to act and now gigantic monopolies have disproportionate and info-rich power over huge segments of our economy and our law.”

GW has established itself as a leader in the AI space, particularly on questions of policy and ethical governance. The university co-leads the NIST-NSF $20 million Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAiLS), which works to develop new AI technologies that mitigate risk and promote trust by empowering and educating the public.

GW faculty experts, including TRAiLS principal investigators Susan Ariel Aaronson and David Broniatowski and Institute for Data, Democracy and Policy Director Rebekah Tromble, participated in panels and conversations throughout the summit, as did Elliott School of International Affairs Dean Alyssa Ayres. Vice Provost for Research Pamela M. Norris delivered welcoming remarks on the second day of the event.

“We all understand that AI systems have great potential to increase productivity and to spur innovation. AI will touch every aspect of our lives,” Norris said. “But in our haste to realize these gains, conversations like this are critical to consider the questions of governance and the guardrails that may be necessary. We owe this to the next generation. GW is not only convening these conversations but shaping them.”

Elliott Faculty and Students Attend 28th Annual Climate Change Conference

Light green (left) and dark green (right) hand holding a globe. The water on the globe is light green and the continents are dark green.

Light green (left) and dark green (right) hand holding a globe. The water on the globe is light green and the continents are dark green.

Robert Orttung, research professor of international affairs and the director of research at Sustainability GW was there as some of the world’s biggest oil companies announced an unexpected pledge over the weekend that they would slash methane emissions from their wells and drilling by more than 80 percent by 2030 in an effort to curb methane gas emissions. The announcement came during the UN’s annual climate conference, COP28, happening in Dubai.

Robert Orttung headshot

Orttung leads two National Science Foundation grants focused on promoting urban sustainability in the Arctic and is the editor of the forthcoming publication, Sustaining Russia’s Arctic Cities.

Orttung is attending COP28 this week as part of a GW delegation along with GW students, where they will present their research findings around climate change.

Orttung says there’s great opportunity to work with oil and gas companies in finding productive ways to combat the climate crisis.

“Obviously, it’s a little ironic to have a climate change conference in a Petro state, which depends heavily on selling oil and gas, but that might be the actual solution is trying to find a way to work with these companies that make their money now from selling fossil fuels. They might be the main people blocking progress, but it might also be a useful way to think about how they can use the enormous leverage and resources that they have, incredible financial gain from fossil fuels, and put that into renewable energy. That’s something we’re seeing in the Middle East starting to happen.

One strategy could be to constantly attack [these companies]. The other strategy would be to figure out ways to work together, and I’m hoping we can do something like that.” 

WATCH: Hear more from Prof. Orttung about GW’s role at COP28 and the key themes he’ll be paying attention to at this year’s UN climate conference in this video here.

Connecting cultures: A workshop on building cultural diplomacy programs

By Yvonne Oh and Alexis Posel

John Ferguson headshot

IPDGC kicked off its workshop on cultural diplomacy programming “Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop”, collaborating with the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. The workshop was conceived with the two-pronged purpose of broadening awareness about cultural diplomacy, and encouraging GW students to consider how their fields of study can be part of U.S. global engagement.

Highly experienced trainers with nonprofit, American Voices, John Ferguson and Amr Selim – both acclaimed musicians – will be conducting this free, hybrid workshop. American Voices is the implementing partner for the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad Program and the Arts Envoy Program.

On Friday, September 29, the in-person session was held at a beautiful at the Flagg Building, home to the Corcoran School (originally the Corcoran Gallery of Art, 1869).  John and Amr led discussions with GW student participants about navigating foreign environments, the importance of sustainable programming, and exploring different avenues for funding.

In different sessions of the workshop, participants met with cultural specialists who Zoomed in to share their expertise in cultural programming – dancers, singers, filmmakers, and other creative talents from all over the globe. They also met with former U.S. diplomats who encouraged their efforts as part of U.S. engagement and shared tips on funding and building networks.

At the end of the workshop. participants will present their proposals for a cultural program using the ideas and guidance from the sessions.

Dean Alyssa Ayres, dean of the Elliott School, dropped in for a quick visit and expressed her enthusiasm for the workshop; sharing how cultural diplomacy programs dovetail well with international development work.

The Walter Roberts Endowment has provided support to the “Connecting Cultures: Cultural Diplomacy and Engagement Workshop”.

###

For more about cultural programming and American Voices, listen to John Ferguson on Public Diplomacy Examined (PDx). IPDGC summer intern Adeniyi Funsho interviewed John in 2021 – PDX podcast: Connecting Cultures through Performance

Elliott Student Amplifies Community Voices in Local Government

Dasia Bandy speaking at podium with the Department of Defense logo on the front of it.

When senior Dasia Bandy first moved to Washington, D.C. to start her college career at GW, she knew she wanted to get involved in the local community. Having grown up watching her parents dedicate themselves to civic engagement, Dasia felt a calling to public service from a young age.

Eager to get involved in her new community, Dasia became an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for the Foggy Bottom area. In this role, Dasia acts as a critical liaison between residents and local government, advising on issues from public safety to transportation. 

“I was inspired by the opportunity to serve my entire community and to leave a sustainable and long-lasting impact,” Dasia said. “I have a passion for policy issues related to safety, homelessness, community engagement, and our military community within Foggy Bottom.”

In her role, Dasia advises local government agencies on issues like zoning, transportation, and public safety that impact her constituents. She provides recommendations to influence policy based on the interests and concerns of community members. 

Dasia also holds public meetings where residents can voice their opinions and learn about new proposals that could affect their neighborhood. By engaging constituents and amplifying their voices, she hopes to foster a spirit of participation in local government.

“My primary responsibility and most crucial role is to represent the interests and concerns of my constituents,” Dasia said. “At its core, I am a liaison for community members and government agencies and oversee the delivery of community needs.”

For Dasia, the most valuable part of this experience has been witnessing firsthand the intricacies of D.C. governance and seeing how interconnected agency operations can be. She says it has given her a greater appreciation for the impact individuals can have on policy outcomes.

Beyond her role as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, Dasia has seized other opportunities for leadership and growth during her time at GW. As the student speaker at President Ellen Granberg’s first convocation, Dasia had the opportunity to practice public speaking before a large audience. 

“Serving as the student speaker has significantly impacted my personal and professional development by requiring me to overcome self-doubt and develop self-confidence that has spilled into various aspects of my life,” she said.

From networking events to academic challenges, Dasia’s passion for service continues to grow stronger.

“While being away at college is often students’ first time away from family for an extended period of time, it can be very easy to forget who you are and to lose your passions that lead you to a very different path,” says Dasia. “However, with all the classmates, professors, mentors, and faculty members at GW, I have been continuously reminded of my passion for public service.”

New Program Helps Elliott School Alumni Navigate the Job Market

Amidst the ever-changing landscape of today’s job market, the transition from student life to a professional career frequently proves to be a nerve-wracking journey. 

Recognizing and supporting the unique needs of alumni and recent graduates in this journey, the Elliott School’s Graduate Student Services (GSS) has introduced Job Stormers, a resilient support network meticulously designed to address the demands of the present job climate and the complexities brought about by the pandemic.

Led by Joshua Lissauer, a Senior Career Coach at GSS, Job Stormers serves as both a career support program and offers a community for alumni facing a range of challenges. It specializes in supporting alumni seeking an opportunity to reinvent their professional lives or change career directions.

Job Stormer alumni have gone on to work at the Federal Reserve, the Department of Defense and other employers. Elliott alum Nicole Wright Patrick shared, “I felt as though I had reached a dead end in my job search when I found Job Stormers. After years of sporadic job searching, I lacked momentum and became discouraged. I joined Job Stormers hoping to connect with others in a similar situation and to find an added layer of accountability. I found all of that and more through this team of supportive individuals. I am now two days into what I can only describe as my dream job, having gone through the application and interview process feeling fully supported and prepared to put my best self forward. I can’t say enough about the experience of being in a cohort and the coaching I received throughout this entire process.”

“I think Josh’s design and delivery had just the right balance of job search and career content, peer support, and motivation,” James Wylde, Former Director of Graduate Student Services, said. “The first year of Job Stormers was a success; we look forward to fine-tuning the program for next year.”

One striking aspect of the Job Stormers program is its focus on recent alumni. Many new graduates often find themselves at a crossroads, and this program has become a valuable resource for them. 

Associate Director of GSS, Meg Wurm, added, “Job Stormers serves as a great opportunity for alumni who are interested in more than just the one-on-one support we offer to alumni. Josh has worked hard to build a program that creates a collaborative support system for those individuals.”

Beyond just job hunting, Job Stormers provides a safe space for participants to reflect on the stressors and anxieties surrounding their job searches. “It’s a support group for individuals who are lost, stuck, or stressed out about their job search, and we serve the unemployed, those that are laid off, and those that are trying to get everything back on track—supporting alumni is the cornerstone of what we do,” Lissauer said.

This support group meets biweekly for six weeks during each semester, allowing participants to voice their frustrations, share experiences, and work on individual action goals. For information on how to apply, please email esiagss@gwu.edu

New Middle East Study Abroad Program Partners with Howard University 

In a new partnership, the Elliott School’s Institute for Middle East Studies (IMES) is collaborating with Howard University to offer a Middle East Studies Abroad Program in Oman, offering GW students an immersive experience in the heart of the Middle East’s rich culture and history.

IMES’s latest project is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This partnership between the Elliott School and Howard University underscores IMES’s commitment to expanding access to Middle East-focused resources within ESIA, enriching the experiences of students and faculty alike.

The Elliott School is known for its standalone degree program in Middle East Studies. 

Leading the program is Dr. Attiya Ahmed, the Director of the Institute for Middle East Studies. Collaborating on this effort is Dr. Shana Marshall, the Associate Director of IMES.

Dr. Ahmed’s leadership has been instrumental in crafting an immersive educational experience for students, set to take place in Oman during the upcoming Spring semester.

At the heart of this project is Professor Mohssen Esseesy from GW, an authority in Middle East Studies. His expertise promises an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience for all participants. Collaborating closely with him is Raslan Moutraji, an Arabic instructor at Howard University, who has played a pivotal role in identifying advanced Arabic students from Howard, ensuring a diverse and enriching learning environment.

IMES’s Middle East Studies Abroad Program in Oman offers an exceptional opportunity for GW students, alumni, and faculty to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture, language, and history of the region. This partnership with Howard University underscores GW’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education and global experiences to its community members.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to fostering global perspectives within the ESIA community and providing our students with transformative educational experiences,” noted Dr. Shana Marshall, Associate Director of IMES.

This partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration between academic institutions in enhancing the educational journey of students, alumni, and faculty members. As the Spring semester approaches, members of the GW community are preparing for an adventure that will broaden their horizons and deepen their appreciation for the cultures of the Middle East.

For more information about this collaboration and updates on the Middle East Studies Abroad Program in Oman, please reach out to Dr. Shana Marshall, Associate Director of the Institute for Middle East Studies at GW. IMES continues to serve as a valuable resource within the ESIA community, promoting academic growth and cultural understanding.

Meet the GW Institute for International Economic Policy Executive Circle’s New Chairs

IIEP Welcomes New Executive Circle Co-Chairs Lisa Schroeter & Carl Richardson

Lisa Schroeter, BA ’92, and Carl Richardson, MA ’99, are stepping up to co-chair the IIEP Executive Circle, which offers strategic guidance to the GW Institute for International Economic Policy (IIEP), located at the Elliott School. The global group also mentors and supports students in the Elliott School’s MA program in international economic policy.

Carl A. Richardson is a partner at Richardson Capital LLP. 

Based in London, Carl jointly leads the Richardson business, a multi-generational, international investment firm with a business portfolio embedded across the world.

The independent family business was founded more than 70 years ago in the West Midlands, the heart of the United Kingdom. Current growth capital investments include an award-winning Swiss technology company, a UK financial services business, a US-based medical real estate company, and the largest avocado grower in New Zealand. 

Real estate holdings encompass significant office and residential holdings, distribution centers, and leisure, and infrastructure properties.

Real estate holdings are significant in scale and content, encompassing office, residential, distribution centers, leisure, and infrastructure properties. 

Carl is also Trustee of the Richardson Brothers’ Foundation, and recent past posts include Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy Reserve and Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands (representing the Royal Family in the region).

Earlier in his career Carl was an International Officer at HSBC Bank, working in London, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong. Carl was educated at King’s College London, the Sorbonne, and the George Washington University.

“As a proud alumnus of the Elliott School of International Affairs, I am delighted to now serve as co-chair of the IIEP’s Executive Circle alongside Lisa Schroeter,” Carl noted.

Lisa Schroeter, who joins Carl as co-chair, is also a passionate leader in the business world.

GW has been a formative part of Lisa’s DC experience and launched her lifelong commitment to international affairs, especially when she studied abroad in Paris and Brussels during her junior year. Living on her own in the City of Light, Lisa says, led her to “a level of independence and cultural curiosity that has been an essential part of my success, personally and professionally.”

All these experiences have contributed to Lisa’s long-standing career in trade, including the current position as Global Director of Trade & Investment Policy at Dow. In that role, Lisa sees firsthand the opportunity to bring communities together, to create development opportunities through access to innovative products and technologies, and to promote circular economy approaches for a more sustainable world.   

Along with her day job, Lisa chairs the Association of Women in International Trade Trust, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is a senior docent at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Her colleagues know her as an outstanding thought leader with a contagious passion for trade policy, a champion for gender equality, and a generous mentor.

“I am truly honored to co-chair the IIEP Executive Circle with Carl,” noted Lisa “We welcome the opportunity to bring our private sector perspective to the executive circle, especially engaging across the GW community – in DC and around the world. This is a unique opportunity to create dialogue for action.”

Lisa and Carl step into shoes recently worn by Deborah Lehr, MA ’89, and Frank Chi-Hong Wong, BA ’79, who, as the executive circle’s first co-chairs, established a robust dynamic for the group. 

Since 2021, the executive circle’s two dozen members from around the world have become trusted advisors to IIEP’s faculty director, as well as to Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres. Through its philanthropy, the IIEP Executive Circle contributes to student employment at IIEP and student research with an emphasis on geo-economic policy.

In particular, IIEP Executive Circle members have supported six fellowships for students in the Elliott School’s MA program in international economic policy and 10 doctoral-level student research assistants to faculty, as well as thought-leadership programs in business, development, climate, and trade policy.

“With Deborah and Frank as inaugural co-chairs, the IIEP Executive Circle deepened our alumni community’s connection to IIEP, strengthening the institute and providing opportunities for student engagement – a consequential accomplishment,” Dean Ayres said. “We are immensely grateful to them.

“As we move ahead, I am delighted and excited that Lisa and Carl are the new chairs. Their inspiring leadership will help us to strengthen the IIEP Executive Circle and deepen interactions across the GW and Elliott School global community – students, faculty, alumni, parents, and other school leadership groups.”

The executive circle kicked off the year with the “GW International Economic Policy Breakfast” in New York on September 26. Lisa was instrumental in developing the program, which features a high-powered panel of senior financial leaders. “Bringing people together is a catalyst for great ideas,” Lisa said.

Carl also is focused on forging new global relationships that will enhance opportunities for members of the GW and Elliott School community. “The co-chairs will build synergies and create more international networking opportunities,” he said.

————————————————————————————————————–

Interested in joining or supporting the GW IIEP Executive Circle? Please contact Joe Strodel, assistant vice president for development, at jstrodel@gwu.edu .