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 Reception

Honoring:  Her Excellency Elsie Sia Kanza

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

Washington, DC

September 2026

Evening Reception

Honoring:  His Excellency Sedat Onal

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

Washington, DC

October, 2026

Breakfast Briefing

Election 2026 for Diplomats and WIPG Members
Hosted by:  The Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group and the World Trade Center, DC

Washington, DC
October, 2026

Evening Reception

Honoring:  Marlon Faisal Mohamed-Hoesein

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

Washington, DC

November 2026

American University’s School of International Service (SIS):  Project Management for International Development

Hosted by:  American University
September 1 to December 1, 2026
RSVP

American University’s School of International Service (SIS):  Trade Today – Measuring and Assessing Risk in Global Value Chains

Hosted by:  American University
September 22 to October 27, 2026
RSVP

What Your Contracting Officer Actually Wants from You
Hosted by:  JSchaus & Associates
October 6, 2026
RSVP

The GovCon Modification that Moved the Goalposts
Hosted by:  JSchaus & Associates
October 20, 2026
RSVP

Doing Business With DoW + The Intel Community

Hosted by:  JSchaus & Associates
December 4, 2026

RSVP

Ambassador Zavqizoda holds a PhD in Economics from the Australian National University with over 30 years of extensive experience in Economic Development Policy, International Finance, Central Banking, Macroeconomic Modeling and Forecasting, Diplomacy and has served in senior roles at the Government, Executive Office of the President, National Bank of Tajikistan, World Bank, IMF, IsDB and EBRD earning national and international recognition for his contributions to Tajikistan and regional sustainable economic development and reforms.

Specifically prior to his new appointment, he had worked as the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan for nearly 6 years (2020-2025), First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan (2017-2020), Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan on Economic Issues (2014-2017), Head of Secretariat of the Investment Council under the President and Consultant of the EBRD (2011-2014), Advisor to Executive Directors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund for Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Poland, Serbia, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan (2007-2011), Deputy Head of Open Market Operations Department at the National Bank of Tajikistan (2006-2007), Research Associate and Tutor at the Australian National University (2005-2006), Head of Credit Division and other positions at the National Bank of Tajikistan (1995-2002)

Ambassador Zavqizoda is a skillful communicator with diplomatic skills and multilingual fluency in Tajik (Persian, Dari), English and Russian.

Ambassador Zavqizoda holds Diploma with Honors in Accounting, Audit and Analysis of Economic Activities from the State University of Tajikistan (1990-1995), Master of Economics of Development from the Australian National University (1999-2001) and a PhD in Economics from the Australian National University (2003-2006).

Maria-Stella is a distinguished international affairs and protocol specialist with over 25 years of dedicated service supporting senior government officials, foreign dignitaries, and high-level delegations. Her extensive career is marked by a deep expertise in U.S. government, diplomatic, and military engagement, complemented by a proven ability to plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale international events, foreign liaison initiatives, and educational exchange programs.

Throughout her career, Maria-Stella has been recognized for her exceptional program management skills, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to cultural diplomacy. She has demonstrated a talent for fostering durable domestic and international partnerships, thereby strengthening diplomatic relations across diverse cultural contexts. Known for her professionalism, discretion, and tact, she navigates sensitive diplomatic environments with ease, ensuring that all interactions uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and diplomatic protocol.

Her areas of emphasis include event production and logistics, liaison and relationship management, cultural diplomacy and communication, and crisis and conflict resolution. She is fluent in English, Greek, French, and Spanish, which enhances her cross-cultural competency and effectiveness in international settings. Maria-Stella excels in project and program management, security and risk assessment, high-level delegation coordination, and stakeholder communication. She also possesses strong skills in vendor and venue management, cultural sensitivity, and mentors future professionals in the field.

From 2000 to 2025, Maria-Stella served at The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., where she delivered outstanding service and strategic outreach initiatives. Her work involved fostering international partnerships, ensuring adherence to diplomatic protocol, and leveraging her expertise to enhance the Center’s global engagement. Her contributions have significantly advanced the organization’s mission of promoting international understanding and cooperation.

Maria-Stella Gatzoulis’s career is characterized by her unwavering dedication to advancing organizations' interests through meticulous planning, innovative problem-solving, and fostering mutually beneficial international collaborations. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence in international relations and diplomacy, making her a highly respected figure in her field.

Alexandra Melillo is a Vice President at The Asia Group, where she supports the firm’s Japan portfolio. Alex provides clients with detailed research and analysis on market and regulatory trends in key industries in Japan, primarily focusing on Japan’s pharmaceutical and healthcare market. Alex also supports clients in crafting their Japan-focused business and advocacy strategies and offers comprehensive insights on Japan’s political landscape, with a focus on the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship.

Prior to joining The Asia Group, Alex worked at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) as the External Affairs Coordinator for U.S. Government Affairs. In this capacity, Alex gained a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities businesses face in Japan. She developed and managed strategic relationships with private and public stakeholders and supported the Chamber’s advocacy for policy changes in Japan’s business environment. Alex also regularly facilitated briefings with U.S.-Japan business leaders, thought leaders, and policy makers to ensure American business had a voice in policy discussions.

As an ACCJ Fellow, Alex investigated Japan’s healthcare and corporate governance policies, drafting reports that were used in the ACCJ’s 2017 Third Arrow of Abenomics: A Portrait of Evolving Change. Prior to her time at the ACCJ, Alex also worked as an Assistant Language Teacher and Regional Representative in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture for the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program from 2012-2015.

Alex graduated from Saint Michael’s College, magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and minors in East Asian studies and international relations. She studied advanced Japanese at the Stanford Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies and completed a separate year-long immersion program at Musashi University. Alex graduated from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs with a master’s in international policy, with a focus on East Asia and health policy.

In her spare time, Alex serves as co-president of the JET Alumni Board of DC (JETAADC), supporting activities to connect JET alumni in the DMV area, is a member of Saint Michael’s College’s Global Engagement Advisory Board, and volunteers with Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW), a veteran-founded non-profit. She can also be found outside or in a gym training for her next half or full marathon.

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