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Advancing External Engagement, Global Partnerships, and Workforce Readiness
Preparing learners for the demands of a dynamic workforce requires more than academic rigor—it requires strategic collaboration and real-world connectivity. Through intentional partnerships with industry, government, and global institutions, we are expanding our market reach and creating new pipelines to opportunity for our students. This section showcases our efforts to strengthen external engagement and elevate workforce readiness through strategic leadership development, the launch of GW CyberForge, expanded international programs and residencies, and cutting-edge executive education. Each effort reflects our commitment to aligning education with the evolving needs of the professional world.
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Goal Three of our strategic plan, Professional Progress, is defined as "partnering with businesses and government to broaden our student market reach and grow employment opportunities for students.”
GW CPS advanced external engagement this year through the new Dean’s Advisory Board, strategic advisory sessions on cybersecurity initiatives, and the innovative GWRevU platform. GSPM strengthened alumni and partner collaboration via strategic subcommittees, while CPS further solidified its cybersecurity education leadership by joining the National Coalition for Cyber Leadership (NCCL).
This year marked a significant step forward in CPS’s external engagement strategy with the successful launch of the CPS Dean’s Advisory Board. This milestone brings together industry leaders, alums, and changemakers committed to advancing the College’s mission. This newly established board serves as a thought partner, providing strategic insight and helping to elevate the College’s visibility and impact across sectors.
In tandem, the CPS Board of Advisors convened twice during the academic year, once in the fall and again in the spring. These sessions provided invaluable guidance on several key initiatives, including shaping the future of the Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference, refining the Cybersecurity Program curriculum, and advancing the development of the innovative GWRevU lifelong learning platform. The continued input from both boards plays a critical role in informing CPS’s strategic priorities and long-term planning.
GSPM deepened its impact through the continued development of strategic subcommittees, content collaborations, and cross-platform programming. These efforts have strengthened the School’s advisory capacity and amplified engagement with alumni, students, and external partners.
CPS advanced its leadership in cybersecurity education by joining the National Coalition for Cyber Leadership (NCCL), further cementing our commitment to preparing a future-ready cybersecurity workforce and aligning our offerings with national priorities.
CPS is developing impactful partnerships with FEMA and the Guardian Center to enhance CBRNE training and embed experiential learning into academic pathways for professionals in mission-critical fields.
Our work with Noodle on a customized lifelong learning platform was presented at national academic conferences, increasing CPS’s visibility and sharing innovative approaches to adult and professional education.
In partnership with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) launched a groundbreaking Youth Development Professional Certification program. The inaugural cohort of 30 students began a nine-month, immersive learning experience designed to build the core competencies and leadership skills necessary to mentor and support youth in educational and community-based settings.
This innovative certification program not only introduces participants to the field’s best practices but also connects them with leading experts and practitioners, positioning them to make lasting, meaningful impacts in their communities. Participants represent diverse professional backgrounds, enriching the learning environment with real-world perspectives and shared experiences.
To mark this significant milestone, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser officially declared January 24th as Youth Development Day at the program’s launch event. This recognition underscores the program's importance and reflects the District’s deep investment in youth services.
This partnership with the D.C. government exemplifies CEPL’s ongoing commitment to advancing public leadership and workforce development through strategic, high-impact collaborations. It also reflects GW’s broader institutional mission to strengthen communities through accessible, purpose-driven education and civic engagement.
The Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL) strengthened its local impact by engaging in the DC Innovation Consortium, a collaborative effort to transform workforce development across the District. Represented by Dean Riddle for CPS and Ina for CEPL, the Center is contributing to the Consortium's vision and initiatives. A stepping stone in building connections among Consortium members, CEPL also joined the CES delegation in Las Vegas, which fostered new ideas and solutions for workforce development. This collaboration continues to enhance networking and collective problem-solving, helping to build a more resilient and skilled workforce for the District.
As part of our commitment to aligning education with the evolving needs of the professional world, CPS launched the Professional Access Roundtable—a signature initiative designed to strengthen industry partnerships and create direct pathways to opportunity for our students. Reflecting the spirit of Goal Three: Professional Progress, this series of roundtable events served as a dynamic platform for connecting students with influential professionals across sectors.
Many of the 25 participants—alumni, long-time supporters, and industry leaders—shared their enthusiasm for deepening their engagement with CPS as mentors, guest speakers, and internship providers. Their involvement expands the College’s professional network and reinforces CPS’s role as a strategic connector between academic preparation and career success. By building these high-impact relationships, the Professional Access Roundtable directly contributes to workforce readiness, talent development, and the long-term success of our students.
Adam Glaser
Higher Education Leader at KPMG & Innovation District Expert
Amanda Brady
Chief Client Officer and Managing Director at The Alexander Group, a leading Global Executive Search Firm
Ariel Glassman
VP of Strategic Growth at Sage Communications
Chelsea Ritchie
Results-driven marketing strategist with over 10 years of experience in shaping global brands
Cheryl J. Nodarse
Advanced Certified Paralegal, Vlahakis Cole Law Firm, P.C., and President of NALA - The Paralegal Association
Donna Lucas
Founder and CEO of Lucas Public Affairs (LPA)
Jennifer Chiacchiaro
AIP Publishing, Director of Digital Marketing Operations
Jonathan J. McGee
Senior Consultant at Baker Tilly, an Accounting & Advisory Services Firm
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Jose Carlos Linares
CEO at IG DIGITAL, a Management & IT Solutions Company
Justin Moralez
Senior Intergovernmental Policy Manager at City of Milwaukee
Kevin Mack
Political Strategist, The Voter Project and Show Up Strong
Khalid Hassouneh
EVP and Defense Sector Lead at Agile Defense
Kimberly Tanner
Supervisory Paralegal at the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Money Laundering Section
Kristina Noell
Executive Director of the Anacostia BID
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Lindsay Morton
Vice President, Community Engagement and Corporate Impact at Redbrick, Ltd., a Sustainable Real Estate Company
Matt Rein
GW Law alum and experienced political strategist specializing in digital media.
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Mike Uster
Vice President, Community Engagement and Corporate Impact at Redbrick, Ltd., a Sustainable Real Estate Company
Molly Ringel
Communications and strategic marketing professional with experience in media campaigns, donor relations, and content creation across nonprofit, political, and media sectors.
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Natasha Streets
Deputy Director of Election Security, Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections
Olivia Byrd
Senior Performance Marketing Analyst at The Washington Post
Omer Khan
Vice President at Peraton
Peter Eck
Associate Partner at IBM
Sacha Chadwick
Book Professional & Teaching Assistant at George Washington University
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Tina Donnelly
Penguin Random House, Assistant Managing Editor
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Vitaliy Goncharuk
Founder and CEO at 12New.ai, an AI Solutions Firm
In a strategic evolution of its traditional Professional Access Roundtable series, the college introduced a program-specific micro-event in New York City for the Publishing Program. Organized in collaboration with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations and the program’s faculty director, the event was designed in response to the strong presence of CPS Publishing students and alums in the region. 'The roundtable created valuable opportunities for connection between current students, alumni, and industry leaders, enhancing professional development, fostering alumni engagement, and strengthening the broader CPS community.
The roundtable created valuable opportunities for connection between current students, alumni, and industry leaders, enhancing professional development, fostering alumni engagement, and strengthening the broader CPS community.
In October 2024, the college formalized a significant partnership with The Cyber Guild, establishing a shared commitment to advancing cyber literacy and expanding professional development opportunities—particularly for underrepresented groups in the cybersecurity workforce. This collaboration builds on CPS’s existing momentum in cybersecurity education and convening and positions the College as a key ecosystem partner in The Cyber Guild’s national network of thought leaders, practitioners, and advocates. Together, the organizations aim to co-develop programming, share resources, and expand access to impactful events and initiatives that reflect the evolving needs of the cybersecurity community.
As part of this partnership, CPS and The Cyber Guild have committed to cross-promotion of events, joint contributions to public-facing content, and collaborative programming such as speaking opportunities, mentoring initiatives, and educational webinars. CPS will host events in Washington, D.C., provide expert speakers, and contribute content to The Cyber Guild’s blog and social media platforms. In return, The Cyber Guild will showcase CPS’s thought leadership by amplifying its brand across newsletters, social media, and events, and by including GW voices in key national cybersecurity conversations. This mutually beneficial partnership strengthens CPS’s role as a cybersecurity education and workforce development leader while reinforcing its mission to build meaningful, mission-aligned partnerships that enhance access, visibility, and impact.
In addition, as part of the new partnership between CPS and CyberGuild, CEPL has been supporting CyberGuild’s new mentoring program through curriculum review and providing continuing professional education units (CPEs and CEUs). CEPL Executive Director, Dr. Natalie Houghtby-Haddon, will also co-facilitate the final all-day workshop for the program, “Rise and Elevate,” to be held on October 8th, 2025, followed by a Graduation Ceremony and Networking event.
A flagship initiative, the Cybersecurity, Stronger Together exemplifies how CPS leverages its convening power to address national priorities, foster strategic partnerships, and expand real-world opportunities for students. Co-hosted by The College of Professional Studies and The Cyber Guild, this high-impact conference and webinar series brings together leaders from government, industry, and academia to collaboratively tackle the nation’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.
Set to take place in February 2026 at GW’s Jack Morton Auditorium, the Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference will feature thought-provoking panels and high-level discussions on securing critical infrastructure, advancing emerging technologies, developing a robust cyber workforce, and enhancing resilience in an era of rapidly evolving threats. A key focus will be on examining how the incoming presidential administration’s policy priorities will shape public-private collaboration and the future of cybersecurity. With its collaborative, solutions-oriented framework, the conference is a powerful platform to share insights, catalyze innovation, and build cross-sector relationships that strengthen the nation's digital ecosystem.
The Webinar Series
To extend the conference's reach and impact, the Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Webinar Series—produced in partnership with FedInsider—provides a year-round virtual forum to explore conference themes further and highlight featured panelists. These webinars attract 500+ participants per session from across the country, offering broad exposure and continuing dialogue on critical topics in cybersecurity. The series not only amplifies thought leadership but also solidifies CPS’s role as a connector of ideas, institutions, and talent.
Strategic Impact & Partnerships
Beyond content, the Cybersecurity, Stronger Together initiative has catalyzed strategic partnerships. Through ongoing collaboration with The Cyber Guild, FedInsider, and a growing roster of influential partners—including:
CPS is building a network of influence and innovation at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. These relationships are already yielding tangible results: partners are expressing interest in mentoring students, supporting experiential learning, contributing to program development, and exploring applied research collaborations. Together, these efforts are strengthening GW’s position as a hub for cybersecurity education and leadership—meeting workforce needs while responding to urgent national security priorities.
This year, CPS continued to expand its global reach through a robust portfolio of international programs and residencies designed to foster cross-cultural learning and leadership development in political management and public service.
Our Global Residencies continue to offer transformative learning experiences, blending classroom theory with immersive, on-the-ground engagement worldwide. Through academic partnerships, policy discussions, and firsthand exposure to global governance, our students gain a deeper understanding of complex political, economic, and cultural systems—all while building meaningful international networks.
Spain | Fall 2025: Hosted by the Global Perspectives Residency team, this short-term study abroad experience invites students to explore Spain’s political system, governance, and international relations, focusing on U.S.-E.U.-Latin America dynamics.
Berlin | Spring 2025: Coinciding with pivotal moments in U.S.-Germany relations, this residency featured tours of the Bundestag and Bundesrat, networking with local policy professionals, and visits with political foundations and firms such as Miller & Meier. Special sessions included a discussion with Dr. Sandra Michel, Bundesrat Head of Parliamentary Relations, a policy-focused networking mixer with Junge DGAP (Young German Council on Foreign Relations), and a cultural learning around the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate.
Washington, D.C. | Spring 2025: Held during the cherry blossom season, this domestic residency included exclusive sessions with organizations like the RNC, NPR, Teamsters, and staffers on Capitol Hill—culminating in a private tour of the House Floor on March 30. Highlights included meeting with Ms. Cheryl Thompson, NPR Investigative Reporter and GW faculty, a Capitol briefing with Emily Berret, Senior Advisor to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, discussing Jan. 6 response planning, and tours of the Pentagon and Capitol with Pentagon Correspondent Nancy Youssef and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Chief of Staff, John Lawrence.
Brazil | Summer 2025: In collaboration with Academic Operations, this residency takes students to Brazil for a deep dive into politics, policy, business, and security, while exploring the nation’s cultural and historical footprint.
Mexico City | Fall 2024: Back in Mexico City, students engaged with the Mexican Senate, Chamber of Deputies, and the Mexican Business Council. Notable sessions included Talks with GSPM alumna Senator Cynthia Lopez Castro and Senator Susana Zatarain Garcia and a cultural excursion to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, which provided historical context for modern political dynamics.
Brussels | Summer 2024: Students explored EU institutions, including the European Parliament, European Council, and the U.S. Mission to the EU. Program highlights included discussions at the European Commission with trade and migration policy experts, meeting with MEP Michal Szczerba and other high-ranking EU officials, alumni networking with GW graduates like José María Castilla and Marcin Bylica, and a cultural day trip to Bruges, rounding out an academically rich and immersive experience.
South Africa | Summer 2025: In partnership with the Global Food Institute, this residency offers students a chance to engage with farmers, city planners, food distributors, and policymakers while attending the 9th Urbanization and Poverty Reduction Conference in Cape Town. This unique opportunity deepens students' understanding of food systems and urban development in a global context.
Across these residencies, our students not only deepened their global understanding but also carried the CPS mission of applied learning, international collaboration, and civic leadership into every interaction.
The Semester in Washington (SIW) Program saw significant growth and progress across multiple areas. Our social media presence expanded notably, with Instagram surpassing 250 followers and LinkedIn reaching 140 followers—helping to increase visibility and engagement.
Applications to the program exceeded 200, marking a substantial increase from 2024. In addition, communication with prospective students became more streamlined and effective by adopting digital tracking tools. We also proudly reduced tuition, making the program more accessible, and hosted two weekly information sessions, engaging 2–5 students per session on average.
