Student-Athletes Network with Alumni and Partners to go Pro in the Fields of Their Choice

GW Athletics recently hosted its 8th Annual Alumni-Athlete Networking Forum on the main floor of the Charles E. Smith Center to accommodate a record turnout.

More than 130 current student-athletes attended the networking forum and had the opportunity to listen to and network with professional leaders in various industries. The nearly 30 professionals and panelists in attendance braved the weather to connect with and guide current athletes, in an event that annually results in numerous internship opportunities directly from contacts made at the forum.

"It is rewarding to see our current student-athletes and alumni come together to network with the shared belief that one of the things that GW does best is providing internship opportunities," noted Rashard Fant, Assistant Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Development & Inclusive Excellence. "We were thrilled to welcome back so many of our alumni and area companies to engage with the next generation of leaders in their field. Experiences like this are the building blocks of a career, and provide mutually beneficial opportunities for providers and interns alike."

The annual forum event started with an introduction from Fant to Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz. In identifying the keynote speaker - Camilia Tapias - as a model for what a GW education offers, he turned the mic over to the women's basketball alumna and university trustee to share how her time at GW set her up for extraordinary life success.

The SPIN Global leader delivered remarks urging student attendees that they pursue career goals with the confidence of knowing that they are already prepared for the work environment. "You already know how to show up when you're tired," she said. "You already know how to compete. Bet on yourself." Tapias also echoed Lipitz's sentiments to "stay curious."

Student-athletes were provided with detailed descriptions of the attending alumni before the session, and they broke out into roundtable discussions with the esteemed group.

Companies and individuals who are interested in being a part of future GW Athletics' career services initiatives and mentorship programs are invited to contact Rashard Fant at rashard.fant@gwu.edu.

Alumni and companies that attended included, Nefertiti Anderson (gymnastics), Braeden Arthur (men's rowing), Teeyah Barfield, (Northwestern Mutual), Faith Blethen (women's basketball), Raquel Crossley (Northwest Federal Credit Union), Rich DiPippo (wrestling), Samantha Dos Santos (softball), Maxine Engel (women's basketball), Sandi Gohn (softball), Billy Grant (baseball), Jabari Henley-Edwards (men's basketball), Katie Hipp (lacrosse), Amy Hughes (48 Blocks Fine Candy), Arthur Jones II (ABC News), Payton Lynch (gymnastics), Hannah Munnelly (gymnastics), Katie Norton (lacrosse), Leah Pascarella (tennis), Bria Roach (cheerleading), Mayowa Taiwo (women's basketball), Ron Tipton (GW LAW), Alexis Valdovinos (Department of State) and Mark Watkins (Arthrex).

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