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

To be announced.

UPCOMING EVENTS FROM WIPG MEMBERS AND PARTNERS

Hong Kong’s Business Environment and Hong Kong’s Role as an International Center for Finance and Trade.  
Hosted by:  The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office
June 24, 2026
RSVP:  events@hketowashington.gov.hk (Provide Full Name, Job Title, Organization, and Number of Guests Attending)

 

 

64th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Burundi
Hosted by:  The Embassy of the Republic of Burundi
July 11, 2026
RSVP:  rsvpburundiembassydc@gmail.com
(Invitation is transferable, so please feel free to attend)

 

WIPG Networking and Reception with                              His Excellency Wilbard Hellao                                            The Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to the            United States of America

Over the past 35 years, Namibia has executed a foreign policy strategy based on a diplomatic footprint that has grown in leaps and bounds with the objective of strengthening the foundations of peace, progress and economic prosperity in the Namibian House. 

 

Moreover, Namibia has made use of its diplomatic presence in favor of tangible contributions to the maintenance of peace, security and human progress.

 

H.E. Wilbard Hellao is the Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to the United States, concurrently accredited to Costa Rica, Canada, and Mexico. 

 

A veteran diplomat in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, he presented his diplomatic credentials to U.S. President Donald Trump in December 2025.

He formally presented his Letters of Credence in San José, Costa Rica, in April 2026, establishing a new chapter of bilateral relations

 

His work primarily centers on strategic trade and mobilizing U.S. investment. 

He actively champions partnerships across Namibia’s priority sectors, including critical minerals (like uranium and lithium), oil and gas, tourism, and ethical diamond mining.

NEW MEMBER PROFILE

Aarron Balfour                                                                  Director of Business Development                              Monarc Construction, Inc.

As Director of Business Development at Monarc Construction, Aarron is focused on creating strategic partnerships and identifying opportunities that drive long-term growth for both their clients and their organization. With more than 10 years of business development experience in the construction industry, Aarron has built a reputation for connecting market opportunities with effective project delivery through strong relationships and a client-focused approach.

 

Monarc Construction is a commercial general contractor serving the DMV region, delivering a diverse portfolio of commercial projects. Their ability to self-perform key trades allows them to maintain greater control over quality, schedule, and execution, resulting in a dependable reputation and successful outcomes for their clients.

 

His professional focus is on cultivating relationships with owners, developers, architects, and industry partners to create strategic value and support project success from concept through completion. He is passionate about understanding client goals, aligning resources to meet project objectives, and fostering partnerships built on trust, transparency, and performance.

 

Aarron welcomes opportunities to connect with professionals across the commercial real estate, development, architecture, and construction communities to explore how they can work together to bring exceptional projects to life.

Jeff Berkowitz                                                                    CEO                                                                                    Delve

Jeff Berkowitz is the founder and CEO of Washington’s preeminent competitive intelligence and risk advisory firm, Delve. Delve helps heavily regulated and highly scrutinized sectors − including energy and utilities, life sciences, financial services and beyond − anticipate and mitigate public affairs challenges.

 

Recognized by POLITICO as an “opposition research and policy ace” and “one of the best-known policy and opposition researchers in D.C.” by The Daily Beast, Berkowitz previously served as the Research Director of the Republican National Committee (RNC), where he served three tours under four chairmen across five election cycles. At the RNC, Berkowitz helped to craft the GOP response to current events and long-term initiatives, ranging from Supreme Court nominations to Obamacare to the Dodd-Frank financial regulations.

 

Berkowitz also served on staff or advised on five major presidential campaigns and has shepherded research and messaging operations at The White House, the U.S. Department of State, and several prominent private sector and non-profit organizations.

 

As a member of the Forbes Business Council and a leader in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Berkowitz provides both commentary and guidance to businesses and industries of all sizes. He also sits on the board of the America’s Future Foundation, a nationwide network fostering the next generation of liberty-minded leaders.

 

To interview or invite Jeff Berkowitz to speak at your event, please email Kevin Norton at kevin@delvedc.com.

Trenton Marsolek                                                              Senior Manager, Programs                                                  US-China Business Council

Trenton Marsolek is a senior programs manager at the US-China Business Council, where he leads member briefings, policy discussions, diplomatic engagements, and other signature events that connect American companies with key stakeholders in the US-China relationship.

 

Before joining USCBC, Trenton spent three years at the US-China Education Trust, advancing from intern to program officer and special assistant to Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch. Earlier in his career he held internships with the Institute for China-America Studies, the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence, and supported student-led, China-focused initiatives through Global China Connection and the US-China Strong Foundation.

 

Trenton’s interest in US-China relations began in 2015 when he received a scholarship from the US Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth program, during which he studied Mandarin in Sichuan Province. He is proficient in Mandarin and earned a master’s degree in Chinese politics, foreign policy, and international relations from Tsinghua University and a bachelor’s in international studies from American University.

Join Online Using Your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express!