GW Alumni Blog

Stories from Our Community

GW alumni are change makers, creators, and leaders in virtually every industry. Through their stories, we see the transformative impact of a GW education.

 


GW Gate

Corcoran Alumna Selected for New York Times Fellowship

Tierney Cross will be part of the 2025-2026 cohort of New York Times fellows.
David Shinn at Grand Tour of Switzerland - there are snowcapped mountains behind him and he is standing with a woman

The Road to Addis Ababa

As a grade-school student in Yakima, Washington, Ambassador David H. Shinn little knew that his avid interest in National Geographic Magazine and in stamps from around the world would launch a journey that culminated in ambassadorships to Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.
Sharmishta Sivaramakrishnan

Championing International Development and Cross-Sector Collaboration

From the halls of GW to a global health organization, Sharmishta Sivaramakrishnan, ESIA BA ’16, has built a cross-sectoral career at the intersection of public policy, corporate strategy, and international development.
Alumna Jonquel Jones, B.A. ’19, the 2021 WNBA most valuable player and reigning MVP of the WNBA Finals for the champion New York Liberty, will deliver the Commencement address at the George Washington University’s Commencement on the National Mall on May 18.

Reigning WNBA Finals MVP and Alumna Jonquel Jones to Deliver the Commencement Address to GW’s Class of 2025

The GW Athletics Hall of Famer has become a household name in professional women’s basketball for her prowess on the court and humanitarian work off it.
Mark Lerner (l), Eleanor Holmes Norton and Mark Shenkman will be awarded with honorary degrees at Commencement on the National Mall on May 18.

Distinguished GW Alumni Mark Lerner and Mark Shenkman, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to Receive Honorary Degrees

Lerner and Shenkman have served the university in multiple capacities, while Norton is a longtime activist on behalf of civil rights.

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GW Alumni in Focus

Whether it’s volunteering in their communities, running for office, or excelling at professional endeavors, GW alumni are carving their own paths and building a greater world.

Lisa Friedman

Alumni in Focus: Lisa Friedman

February 12, 2025

Author, essayist, and CCAS alumna Lisa Friedman, BA ‘82, discusses her writing career and the importance of never giving up, as well as how GW helped her accomplish her goals.

Mohanad Alsaid

Alumni in Focus: Mohanad Alsaid

February 12, 2025

GSEHD alumni Mohanad Alsaid, MA ‘23, shares his passion for advancing education and sustainable development in the Middle East and beyond through his non-profit the Alsaid Foundation.

Margaux Manley Lima

Alumni in Focus: Margaux Manley Lima, EdD ‘14

January 15, 2025

GSEHD alumna Margaux Manley Lima, EdD ‘14, currently serves as an executive coach for leaders and organizations who want to make a difference.