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. 

Networking Reception

His Excellency Binalf Andualem Ashenef 

Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the 

United States of America

Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 pm

Washington, DC

Networking Reception

His Excellency Dr. Chibamba Kanyama

Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the

United States of America

Wednesday, March 4, 6:00 pm

Washington, DC

JSchaus + Assoc.

Webinar:  Creating A Capture Advantage:  A Guide To AI-Driven Strategies
Wednesday, February 11
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Register 

JSchaus + Assoc.
Webinar:   Building AI Prompts That Reflect Your Proposal Process
Wednesday, February 18
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Register

WECAA
5th Anniversary Cocktail Reception and Fundraiser
Tuesday, February 24
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Register

Mr. Mark Glauser was appointed Deputy Head of Mission to the Embassy of Canada to the United States of America in August 2025.

From 2019 to 2024, he was High Commissioner of Canada to Australia. He is a career diplomat, having previously served abroad in Washington, D.C., Amman, Jordan and Geneva, Switzerland.

During his 32 years of public service, he has held a number of senior leadership positions in Ottawa and abroad dealing with international security, national security and intelligence, Canada-US relations and the Middle East.

He holds a BA (Honours – History and Political Science) from the University of Saskatchewan and an MA (Political Science) from Dalhousie University.

Jan Du Plain is a seasoned public relations executive, cultural strategist, and diplomatic liaison with decades of experience at the intersection of international affairs, media, and cultural diplomacy. As President and CEO of Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc., she leads a premier firm specializing in international public relations and special events, representing embassies, cultural institutions, and global organizations.

Her dynamic career spans work with CBS Cinema Center Films in New York, historic Ford’s Theatre, and WETA TV and Radio, where she served as Director of Public Relations for 15 years. In Washington, D.C., Jan is renowned for her role as an Embassy Liaison, serving as a bridge between the diplomatic corps and the broader community.

She co-founded and is currently the Executive Director of the Washington Education and Cultural Attaché Association (WECAA); was on the executive team that launched the city’s signature cultural event, Passport DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour, 18 years ago. It is now one of the city’s most popular cultural programs, featuring over 60+ embassies and welcoming more than 40,000 visitors annually. She also was on the executive team that launched Embassy Chef Challenge, the popular annual culinary event that today features chefs from over 30+ participating embassies at sold out venues; Jan serves as a key advisor to the World Trade Center, Washington DC, where she helped establish the popular Winternational, an annual global holiday marketplace featuring 70+ embassies.

Jan is also a co-founder of Diplomacy and Fashion, an Emmy-winning producer, and a tireless champion of global engagement through the arts. She serves on several boards, including the American News Women’s Club and Theatre Washington, where she chaired the Helen Hayes Awards Gala for several years. She is also a longtime member of the National Press Club, Protocol & Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA), and the Capital Speakers Club.

Her many accolades include receiving the 2025 Fashionista Award from Global Couture, the 2024 American University Alum of the Year, the 2023 Mayor’s Arts Award, the Institute of Diplomacy & Humann Rights Global Achievement award and the National Press Club’s highest honors. She is currently writing her memoir.

Parker White assists clients in matters regarding national security and international trade, reinsurance disputes, and federal civil rights violations. He has published several articles on international arbitration, U.S. sanctions, and international trade. He is a primary member of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group and a secondary member of the Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations Practice Group.

In his previous role, Parker served as a judicial clerk at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, supervising 125+ civil cases on the general civil and habeas dockets, including cases involving employment discrimination, insurance, FLSA, ERISA, and civil rights. He drafted orders on motions including motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss, and motions to remand. He has also worked for a federal judge in the Northern District of California, where he drafted orders in cases involving maritime law, securities law, and criminal law—including the Elizabeth Holmes criminal trial.

During his time at Harvard Law School, Parker received internships with the Office of the Legal Counselor at the U.S. State Department and an international law firm in The Hague. He was a summer associate at the Public International Law & Policy Group in Washington, D.C.

Parker also holds a master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, through which he worked for the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, reporting on disinformation in elections and armed conflicts, and researching United States and Russia relations for Evelyn Farkas. He was a Fulbright AmeriCorps volunteer in Alabama, his home state.

Debbie Marshall has been on Chevron’s government affairs team since 2008 handling a
wide range of domestic and foreign policy issues. Previously Debbie served as Senior
Policy Advisor for the minority staff of the House Select Committee on Energy
Independence and Global Warming, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for
two congressmen. Debbie also spent six years as Federal Liaison for Governor John
Engler of Michigan in his Washington office. She also has experience working in the
Michigan State Legislature and on several campaigns.

Marshall holds a BA in Communications Arts and Sciences for Calvin University in
Grand Rapids, MI, and earned an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the
Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She recently participated in the Chevron
Leadership Forum and served a two-year term as a Corporate Member of the Council on
Foreign Relations.

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