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. 

Asian Summit of Global Health Briefing and Dim Sum Networking Lunch 

Ms. Elania Luk
Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office to the 
United States of America
April 2026

Cuban Rum and Cigar Night
Her Excellency Lianys Torres Rivera
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the
United States of America
May 2026

Networking Reception

His Excellency David Kerich

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the

United States of America

May 2026

African Leaders & Partners (ALP) Summit 2026

Hosted by WIPG Member Adjoa Adjei-Twum (EBII Group Corp.)
June 3-4, 2026
Register

Dr. Chibamba Kanyama currently serves as the 18th Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States of America, a role he assumed in April 2023, bringing to the post a distinguished career spanning economic policy, corporate leadership, and international communications. A seasoned public intellectual and strategic advisor, Ambassador Kanyama brings a multidimensional perspective to diplomacy rooted in development finance, governance, and institutional transformation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Economics from the University of Zambia and a Master of Science in Development Finance from the University of Reading (UK) in 2001, where he studied as a Chevening Scholar. His academic and professional expertise have made him a trusted voice in economic development discourse across Africa.

Prior to his diplomatic appointment, Dr. Kanyama served as Chief Executive Officer of Bridges Limited, a firm he founded in 2017 to provide advisory services in strategic communication, policy analysis, and organizational development. He also held a notable role as Communications Advisor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C., enhancing the visibility and impact of economic programs across emerging markets. Ambassador Kanyama’s leadership experience extends across both the public and private sectors. He has served as Director General of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Director of Corporate Affairs at Zambian Breweries Plc, and Corporate Affairs and Marketing Director at Zambia State Insurance Corporation Limited driving stakeholder engagement, public accountability, and brand transformation.

A published author, leadership trainer, and media personality, Ambassador Kanyama is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Customer Management and the Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication. He is also a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and Trainer, and has served on numerous boards across the corporate, public, and philanthropic sectors, advocating for transparency, youth empowerment, and strategic investment.

In his current diplomatic role, Ambassador Kanyama is advancing Zambia’s bilateral and multilateral engagements with the United States and the broader international community. He is a strong proponent of regional integration, infrastructure development, and climate-resilient economic growth—priorities that align closely with Zambia’s participation in transformative initiatives such as the Lobito Corridor, which aims to bolster connectivity and trade across Southern Africa. Dr. Kanyama’s blend of technical depth, public diplomacy, and visionary leadership continues to position him as a key voice in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between Zambia and the global community

José Ledonio is an experienced international government affairs professional with a strong track record in policy strategy, global trade, and multilateral engagement. At Abbott, he plays a key role in strategic policy initiatives within the International Government Affairs organization, working on advocacy priorities, complex trade matters, and engagement with government stakeholders in the United States and internationally.

Prior to rejoining Abbott in 2019, José served as an independent consultant specializing in geopolitical and security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. His earlier career includes 25 years in the Philippine Foreign Service, where he held diplomatic assignments in New York, Washington, D.C., Beijing, and Hong Kong. He managed high-impact portfolios involving ASEAN, APEC, human rights, sustainable development, peacekeeping, and global trade, and represented the Philippines in major international institutions including the World Bank, IMF, GEF, and ITSO. He also supported two Philippine Presidents and multiple Foreign Secretaries as Sherpa and Note-Taker.

José holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from De La Salle University in Manila.

As President of Smits Speidell Consulting, Shirley Speidell brings three decades of experience in federal government relations to her clients.

Throughout her distinguished career, Shirley has effectively advocated for a wide array of organizations, including local governments, Tribal governments, water and sewer districts, industry associations, and corporations. Her expertise spans a comprehensive range of policy issues including critical infrastructure, water resource development, ecosystem restoration, transportation, economic development, energy, public safety, telecommunications, technology, and nuanced taxation matters.

Shirley’s career on Capitol Hill included working for U.S. Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Robert Packwood (OR), and U.S. Representative Linda Smith (WA). She also served as professional staff for the U.S. House Committee on Science, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. Shirley holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Willamette University.

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.

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