Onward! GSS Career Panel Series: Private Sector Development and Global Food Security

When: Monday, February 2nd 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST

Location: Virtual

Join GWU's Elliott School of International Affairs and Trachtenberg School for Public Policy & Administration for a panel discussion on navigating the job market, with Elliott GSS's semester-long career panel series “Onward!"  This month's featured topic Private Sector Development and Global Food Security & Sustainability.  This session will explore how individuals with Public Policy and International Affairs backgrounds can leverage their passion and expertise to translate that to the private sector.This virtual panel will feature GW Alumni and professionals in their field, highlighting their experiences and offering guidance on careers in the public/private sector. Panel will be followed by Virtual Networking in breakout rooms where students and alumni can make valuable connectionsCONFIRMED attendees include: 

Dominque Harris, MPA '11- Nat'l Strategic Acct. Manager, Cargill

Katie Cronin, MPA (Int'l Dev. Mgmt) '14- Sr. Mgr Sustainable Food,  Walmart

Sean McMahon, Global Sustainability Lead, Covian
INVITED attendees include:

Justin Pollard, MPA  (Intl Dev. Management (Africa), Manager, Global Ethics and Case Intake @ Tysons. 

Cara Hayes, MA IDS '12- Program Director, TechnoServe- with Hatching Hope (Founded by Cargill and Heifer) 
Moderator, TBD
AGENDA12:00- Introductions of Panelists & Panel Discussion 12:40- Q & A Audience1:00- Virtual Networking/Break Out Sessions with each panelist.1:30- ConcludeWhat you will learn:
How the panelists forged their career path from International Development and Public Policy studies sector work to private sector careers
Potential internship programs, fellowships and young professional positions.
The value Masters students with International Development and Public Policy studies backgrounds can provide to private sector industries.
NO-SHOW POLICY IS IN EFFECT FOR THIS EVENT.In order to ensure the effectiveness of the services offered by the Elliott School's Graduate Student Services and maintain professionalism and courtesy between graduate students, alumni, professional staff, and our Employer Partners, the No-Show Policy is in effect for this event. Should you need to cancel your registration, you must log in to Handshake and update your RSVP, or contact our office [email protected] no later than 24 hours before any career event.Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions and thank you again for registering!