Your Primary Professional Network in Washington, DC

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Networking Reception

Hosted by WIPG and the World Trade Center, DC

Featuring: His Excellency Miloslav Stasek

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States of America

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Washington, DC

Private Breakfast Briefing for Diplomats and WIPG Members

"How to Effectively Lobby Congress and the Administration"

Hosted by WIPG and the World Trade Center, DC

Featuring: Panel to be announced

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Washington, DC

Webinar:

2024 Big Tech in Federal Government - ADOBE
Hosted by: WIPG Member Jennifer Schaus (JSchaus & Associates)
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm EST
Washington DC
Information: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1145271539621942361

Reception

Winter Soiree Networking Event at the Kennedy Center
Hosted by: WIPG Member Jennifer Schaus (JSchaus & Associates)
Monday, December 9, 2024
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm EST
Washington, DC
Information: https://2024winterfederal.eventbrite.com/

WIPG Professional Networking Reception with His Excellency Audace Niyonzima, The Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning of the Republic of Burundi, and His Excellency Jean Bosco Barege, The Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the United States of America

Minister Audace Niyonzima was appointed Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning of the Republic of Burundi in 2022.

The Minister earned an economics degree from the University of Yaoundé in 2002. From 2003 to 2017, he worked as an economist in the Bank of the Republic of Burundi. From 2017 to 2021, he worked in the Burundi Revenue Authority. In April 2021 he was appointed and the first deputy governor of Bank of the Republic of Burundi.

Ambassador Jean Bosco Barege, with extensive experience as the Head of Burundian Missions across multiple countries since June 2012, was recently elevated to the esteemed rank of Special Ambassador (Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary) by the State of Burundi. This recognition stems from his demonstrated expertise in diplomatic affairs.

Early Career and International Assignments:

• Burundi Ambassador to Kampala, Uganda (June 2012 - September 2019): Ambassador Barege represented Burundi in Uganda, fostering bilateral ties, and overseeing diplomatic relations. His responsibilities extended to covering the Aga Khan Development Foundation.

• Burundi Ambassador to Nairobi, Kenya (September 2019 - January 2021): In Nairobi, Ambassador Barege coordinated diplomatic efforts with the Federal Republic of Somalia and the United Office in Nairobi (UNoN).

• Deputy Chief of State Protocol (May 2022 - December 2023): At the office of the President of the Republic of Burundi, Ambassador Barege played a pivotal role in protocol matters, ensuring smooth interactions with foreign dignitaries.

• Political Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation (January 2021 - February 2021): Before becoming a career diplomat, Mr. Jean Bosco BAREGE was the Chief of Staff at the Ministry Responsible for the East African Community Affairs (MEACA) where he coordinated the Integration of the Republic of Burundi to the regional block from September 2008 to June 2012.

Pre-Diplomatic Roles:

From March 2004 to September 2008, he worked at the Ministry of Public Service, Labour &Employment in various Departments, namely the Adviser to the Director General of Public Service, Adviser to the Minister, Adviser to the Director of Career, Adviser to the Director of Recruitment and Staffing and Head of the Recruitment and Staffing Service.

Educational Background and Multilingual Skills:

• Ambassador Barege holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature.

• He is fluent in both English and French and proficient in Kiswahili—the Lingua Franca of the EAC.

Ambassador Jean Bosco BAREGE’s remarkable journey exemplifies dedication, expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing Burundi’s interests on the global stage. His contributions to diplomacy and cultural exchange are invaluable, and he continues to represent his nation with distinction.

NEW MEMBER PROFILE

Richard Winfield Lewis Founder and Strategy Director Lewis Group, LLC

30 years of professional experience including some of the best known brands in their respective industries:

Department of Homeland Security
Freddie Mac
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
The Points of Light Foundation
National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI)
Palm Beach County - Information System Services (ISS)

Prior to forming Augur Marketing Mr. Lewis was the International Director of New Media & Partnerships at the Youth Federation for World Peace, a global not for profit. Richard has now formed Lewis Group, LLC which specializes in strategic, government to government and international communications. Richard worked on contracts with and/or has been a consultant to:

China Railway Construction Company (CRCC)
Peet’s Coffee
United States Mint

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