WHY WE ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR CAREER

A November 2011 article in The Economist ("Contact Sports") stated that "in the rarefied world of the corporate board, a good network matters."  The article went on to mention that executives with 400 contacts are, on average, paid 6 percent more than those with 200.  For non-executives, the gap is 14 percent. 

The Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group, LLC (WIPG) is the premier organization that introduces mid- to high-level professionals in the DC Metropolitan area to newly appointed Ambassadors from around the world, as well as newly elected Members of Congress.  We hold monthly networking events as a means of providing professionals extended exposure and access to key policy makers in the city.

WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR OUR SERVICES

As the demand for strategic partnerships and stronger networks with private and public sector groups continues to grow, it is clear that a need exists for DC-based professionals to expand their contacts among other key policy makers, business executives, political and community leaders. 

In the current economic times, DC-based professionals will need to depend on such contacts to obtain valuable information in the most cost-effective manner to ensure the best decisions are made when carrying out their business plans and policy goals. 

With the election of new members in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, the demand to interact with the Freshman Class of this Congress becomes even more apparent. WIPG can help you develop and organize Congressional Meet and Greets, staff briefings, and fly-in activities specifically designed for your needs that would allow for the continued growth of your contacts in Congress at very little cost.

WHY WE CAN BE A USEFUL RESOURCE FOR YOUR NEXT JOB

Networking is the best way to find your next job, especially since the vast majority of job openings are never advertised.  They are usually filled via word of mouth.  Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking opportunities because they feel it is a waste of time, nor do they recognize the value of making key necessary contacts.  But networking is not a useless excercise—it’s about building relationships. As you look for a new job, these relationships can provide much-needed feedback, advice, and support.

Networking may sound difficult, or even intimidating—especially when it comes to
finding a job or asking for help—but it doesn’t have to be. Networking can be
rewarding, and even fun.  It can be a useful tool even if you are new to the DC area and do not know that many people. 

Evening Exhibition and Reception Ethiopia Reimagined:  Ancient Origins, New Horizons

Featuring:  His Excellency Binalf Andualem Ashenef

The Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United States of America

Washington, DC

December 2026

Subcontracting & Teaming Part 2:  Prime vs Sub – The Financial Trade Offs

Hosted by:  JSchaus & Associates
November 17, 2026
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Getting Bonded in GovCon:  What Sureties Look for and How to Prepare
Hosted by:  JSchaus & Associates
December 1, 2026
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Doing Business With DoW + The Intel Community

Hosted by:  JSchaus & Associates
December 4, 2026

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How to Read Your Sam.gov Profile Like Federal Contracting Officer
Hosted by:  JSchaus & Associates
December 15, 2026
RSVP

GovCon Year in Review
Hosted by:  JSchaus & Associates
December 29, 2026
RSVP

The United States and Suriname enjoy a close and constructive partnership. Together, our countries work to promote economic prosperity, deepen trade ties, advance shared security interests, and safeguard democracy and human rights in the region. More than 500 Surinamese alumni of USG exchange programs continue to use their new knowledge, networks, and passion for community service to advance efforts to combat corruption, defend democratic values, expand media literacy, support entrepreneurs, and guarantee the protection of domestic violence victims. We highlight many shared values through cultural, athletic, and environmental programming. The United States and Suriname work together to enhance the security and prosperity of the region under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) by strengthening military cooperation and building the capacity to disrupt illicit trafficking and transnational crime.

The U.S. Government facilitates subject matter expert exchanges and shares best practices with Surinamese military, law enforcement, prosecutors, government officials, and policymakers to build capacity and bolster democratic institutions both locally and regionally. Under CBSI, Suriname benefits from U.S. counternarcotics and law enforcement assistance that facilitates professionalization and respect for civilian authority, improves the capacity to identify and prosecute money laundering, and more effectively combats illegal narcotics trafficking, trafficking in persons, corruption, and other crimes.

INL sponsors Suriname’s participation in the Container Control Program of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a regional project addressing port security and trafficking of illicit goods. USAID plans to complete an impact assessment on organized crime and the status of local and regional illegal organizations and networks.

The United States and Suriname work together under the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis, which elevates U.S.-Caribbean cooperation to strengthen energy security, the resilience of critical infrastructure, and local economies. Through the Department’s Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, alumni promote recycling and raise awareness of climate change. With its Small Grants Program, the embassy supports a NGOs working with indigenous tribes to preserve rare species while establishing eco-tourism as an alternate source of income.

Additionally, USAID installed sixteen automatic weather stations to track and forecast weather patterns. USAID supports the Surinamese government to integrate comprehensive disaster management into national policies, legislation, and regulations.

USAID works to accelerate climate action and access to finance through activities, strengthening regional institutional capacity and increasing private sector investments. USAID works to enhance food security in Suriname through the Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA). CAPA focuses on increasing fruit and vegetable productivity, building connections between buyers, sellers, and farmers, and improving farm-level extension systems.

In 2024, the South Dakota National Guard utilized Humanitarian Assistance Program funding through SOUTHCOM to renovate two schools. Each school project received $30,000 worth of materials and $15,000 for school supplies. South Dakota, as Suriname’s partner in the State Partnership Program (SPP), boasts one of the most robust SPP programs in the region. South Dakota National Guard’s 32 medical professionals treated over 1,600 Surinamese patients during the 2024 Gran Mati operation. Every year, around ten Surinamese students participate in the International Military Education and Training program, attending courses that range from Professional Military Education to technical and tactical training. Additionally, one Surinamese pilot will attend the U.S. Air Force flight school through the Aviation Leadership Program. In addition, the USG supports Suriname through the Country Health Information Systems and Data Use program and works to increase vaccine uptake. USAID donated $20,000 worth of arbovirus test kits to the Caribbean Public Health Agency to control the spread of diseases like Dengue, Chickunguyna and Zika.

USAID continues to help expand Surinamese economic growth.  Through the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre, USAID supports improved public financial management, particularly on climate-resilient planning and gender-based budgeting to improve the ability of financial systems to withstand natural disasters. USAID activities also focus on promoting robust private sector-led economic growth and improving female entrepreneurs’ access to credit.

The emerging economy of Suriname creates opportunities for U.S. exports and investments. The United States remains one of Suriname’s principal trading partners. In 2023, trade in goods between the United States and Suriname totaled $406 million. U.S. companies have long-standing investments in the extractive industries, including Surgold, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Newmont Mining. Surgold opened a gold mine and refinery in Suriname in 2016. U.S. companies also have agreements for oil and gas exploration with state oil company Staatsolie. French company TotalEnergies, in partnership with U.S. firm APA, announced a Final Investment Decision October 1 regarding offshore oil fields.

Principal U.S. exports to Suriname include chemicals, excavating machinery, machine parts, and food. U.S. consumer products are widely available through privately held trading and import-export companies. Opportunities for U.S. exporters, service companies, and engineering firms are poised to continue expanding as we see increased U.S. activity in the mining and oil sectors. Suriname looks to United States and other foreign investors to assist in commercial development of natural resources and to help finance infrastructure improvements.

Suriname belongs to several international organizations, including the UN, OAS, CARICOM, IMF, the Union of South American Nations, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Tashina is the Director of International Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives for American University. Before joining AU, she spent the past 14 years working in France with the Kedge Business School Group. In her most recent position, she served as the Director of International Operations and Relations piloting the Group’s international relations and operations and managing their global partnerships and academic programing. Before working with the Group, she began her career in West Africa working for inter-governmental agencies and NGOs, managing programs in electoral reform, development, and peace activities. Throughout her career, Tashina has gained extensive experience and expertise in intercultural communication, student mobility, international recruitment, and campus internalization.

Outside of her scholarship and work, she is deeply committed to sustainability and served 10 years as the President of the Calanaques National Park’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council.

Click here:  https://causes.anedot.com/washington-intergovernmental-professional-group