Professional Access Roundtables

Find out more about the discussion leaders in fields such as publishing, cybersecurity, IT, public relations, paralegal studies, sustainable urban planning and homeland security. Prior to the event, students will receive a set of thought-provoking questions, allowing them to come prepared for insightful and dynamic discussions. 

Location: GW Arlington Education Center, 950 N. Glebe Road, Arlington VA 22203

REGISTER TODAY & Select Roundtable Leader

Olivia Byrd: Expert in Digital Marketing and Analytics

Olivia is a Senior Performance Marketing Analyst at The Washington Post, where she crafts data-driven advertising strategies that deliver measurable results. With nearly 10 years of digital marketing experience spanning branding, advertising, and analytics, she has a comprehensive understanding of the advertising funnel.

Peter Eck: Cybersecurity Leader and Business Innovator

As an Associate Partner at IBM, Peter Eck manages complex engagements for IBM Cyber Security Services, delivering cutting-edge solutions to top clients across industries. With a Master of Science in Management of IT from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Dubuque, Peter expertly balances business objectives with cybersecurity requirements.

Peter’s expertise includes strategic planning, program management, and data analytics, ensuring operational and financial excellence. As an Advisory Board member for George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies, he is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity practices that drive growth and innovation.

Ariel Glassman: Federal Sector Marketing and Growth Expert

Ariel Glassman is a seasoned growth leader in the federal sector with over 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, and PR. As VP of Strategic Growth at Sage Communications, she develops marketing strategies, drives business development, and fosters partnerships to support growth.

Previously, Ariel led MARCOM efforts at Deep Water Point and has worked with clients across all areas of the federal government. She is an active leader in organizations like AFCEA, Women in Technology, and the Growth Officers Association. Ariel holds an MA in Educational Technology Leadership from George Washington University and a BA in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Khalid Hassouneh: Leader in National Security and Technology

As EVP and Defense Sector Lead at Agile Defense, Khalid Hassouneh drives strategy, growth, and advanced technology solutions for national security missions. With leadership roles at IntelliBridge and U.Group, Khalid has spearheaded digital transformation and large-scale technology integration initiatives.

Starting his career advising the Department of Defense on industrial policy, Khalid’s passion for mission-driven solutions led to a focus on emerging technologies and building high-performing teams. He holds a Master’s in Economics from the University of South Florida and an MBA from George Washington University.

Omer Khan: IT Leader Driving Innovation in Health and Security

With over 25 years of experience in IT, Omer Khan specializes in Health IT, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems. As Vice President at Peraton, he leads operations supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). His team ensures IT modernization, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention using advanced analytics and machine learning. Omer’s expertise spans program management, enterprise integration, and IT transformation.

Kristina Noell: Champion for Small Business and Community Development

Kristina Noell, Executive Director of the Anacostia BID since 2018, brings over 20 years of experience in small business and neighborhood development. Before joining the BID, she was the Director of Business Development, Strategic Alliances, and Initiatives at the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP).

Kristina has been recognized for her enthusiasm for supporting DC small businesses, creativity in accomplishing the Anacostia BID's mission, and ability to expand member capacity and success.

Kimberly Tanner: Supervisory Paralegal

Kimberly is a paralegal with over 4 years of experience in government law, complex financial crimes, general business litigation, and cryptocurrency regulations. Kimberly currently works with the U.S. Department of Justice's criminal Money Laundering Section.

While a student at GW, Kimberly conducted research on topics like juvenile criminal justice policies and the intersection of disabilities with the school-to-prison pipeline. Kimberly is currently a fourth year evening law student at the American University Washington College of Law where she is working towards a Juris Doctor degree . She is set to earn her J.D.in May 2025 and plans to become a prosecutor upon graduation.

Mike Uster: Innovator in IT Leadership

As ManTech's Chief Information and Technology Officer, Mike Uster oversees enterprise IT services supporting 14,000+ users across 80 global locations. He drives innovation through a “proven here first” approach, implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experiences and support national security missions.

Our "Professional Access Roundtables” create an opportunity for students, alumni and employers to connect and network, while discussing current hot topics within their professions and disciplines. These small-group, semi-structured conversations are designed to catalyze an exchange of ideas and experience to enhance students’ professional development and build community.

Roundtable discussions are led by experienced alumni and employment partner professionals, who craft an initial set of thought-provoking questions shared with students in advance. This gives students the opportunity to prepare for and make the most of these exciting conversations. It also gives discussion leaders the ability to efficiently broaden and deepen students’ understanding of the discussion topics.

At our Professional Access Roundtable events, students not only benefit from meeting experts in their field but they also grow their professional network by meeting other students that share a common interest in a particular profession and industry. Discussion leaders from our alumni and employment partner community enjoy the opportunity to support, connect and develop the next generation of leaders in their field.

Professional Access Roundtables aim to inspire, educate and connect you to a world of possibilities, ensuring that your journey through the multifaceted terrain of professions and industries is nothing short of transformative.

Small groups of CPS graduate students are paired with discussion leaders from among the alumni, corporate partners, and other business and policy professionals who have volunteered to participate in our Professional Access Roundtable events.

Students meet with their assigned discussion leader in small groups, and discussion leaders facilitate a 45-60 minute conversation among the group, starting with the three assigned discussion questions. A plenary debrief session follows the small group discussions. On-campus Professional Access  Roundtables are also preceded by a networking mixer, allowing students, discussion leaders, and CPS faculty and staff to meet one another in an informal setting.