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Archives for November 2023

Washington AI Network and General Catalyst host ‘cocktails and conversation’ on investing in global resilience

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The Washington AI Network and General Catalyst co-hosted an evening of cocktails and conversation on Thursday, November 9 at the House of 1229. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, spanning the intelligence community, government representatives, the defense industry, and technology innovators for an insightful discussion on investing in global resilience.

The evening commenced with an engaging discussion on responsible innovation featuring Washington AI Network founder Tammy Haddad, along with Paul Kwan, General Catalyst’s managing director, and Teresa Carlton, a new Catalyst advisor for General Catalyst. 

A second panel featured George Barnes, former Deputy Director of the National Security Agency and partner at Red Cell Partners, alongside Matt Steckman, Anduril’s chief revenue officer, and Cameron McCord, co-founder and CEO of Nominal.

Guests included Kara Swisher, Sec. Elaine Chao, Dorothy McAuliffe, Sue Gordon, White House Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Political Engagement John McCarthy, CISA director Jen Easterly, Lt. Gen. Scott Howell (ret.), Daniel Koh and Amy Sennett, British DCM James Roscoe, Elizabeth Falcone, Michael Allen, and CNN’s David Urban. 

Washington Attracts Unique Fashion & Artisan Designers for Exclusive Unveiling

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Mi Jong Lee Fashion Designer, Event Organizer Ida Abdalkhani (Wearing Mi Jong Lee Fall 2023 Line & To-be-available-soon Sheron Barber Diamond Bag), Sheron Barber Leather Artisan, Photo Credit: Ben Droz Photography

On September 14, designers Mi Jong Lee, Sheron Barber and their teams traveled to Washington D.C. for an exclusive fashion event. Distinguished guests across business, government, nonprofit, fashion and media came from around the U.S. and abroad to attend the invitation-only event and unveiling of Lee’s fall collection and Barber’s newest creation, the diamond bag.

Mi Jong Lee’s Team & Sheron Barber’s Leather Designs. Photo Credit: Ben Droz Photography

Both designers spoke about their unique journeys, bringing them from unlikely backgrounds and challenges to great success in the fashion world. Wine was provided by minority-owned Michael LaVelle Wines and bites from women-owned Centrolina.

Lee shared her Fall 2023 collection and announced her plans to expand her New York City atelier to a full design-to-production studio in the coming months. Barber created and unveiled an exclusive “Hathaway” handbag, named after Theodore Roosevelt’s wife, to meet the needs of the multi- faceted leader. He also shared his never-before-seen diamond bag, which will be available for purchase to the public beginning mid-November.

We look forward to more inspiring designers bringing their fashion-forward creativity to the area!

Lafayette 148 NY Holiday Gathering in Support of American University’s Women & Politics Institute

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Betsy Fischer Martin, executive director of AU’s Women & Politics Institute, and Meta’s Nkechi Nneji

On the evening of Thursday, November 4th, Lafayette 148 NY at Tysons Galleria hosted a festive evening of shopping, cocktails and conversation  in support of the important work of American University’s Women & Politics Institute.  

Guests shopping at Lafayette 148 NY in support of the Women & Politics Institute

AU’s Women & Politics Institute prepares and encourages women to become involved in the political process by offering training and research opportunities to understand the challenges and opportunities they have in the political arena. 

Axios DC’s Paige Hopkins, CNN’s Eva McKend, event co-host Yamiche Alcindor of NBC News, and Meta’s Nkechi Nneji

Hosts for the evening included Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute and Executive in Residence at American University and former NBC “Meet the Press” Executive Producer Betsy Fischer Martin, Director of the First Ladies Initiative at American University, School of Public Affairs Anita McBride, Haddad Media and Washington AI Network’s Tammy Haddad, Chevron’s Vice President and General Manager of Government Affairs Karen Knutson and new mother NBC Washington Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor.

Guests included: Hilary Rosen, Sara Fagen, Julie Tsirkin, Eva McKend, Robyn Bash, Sydney Harvey, Ann Klenk, Nkechi Nneji, Annie Linskey, Maggie O’Neill, Paige Hopkins and Daisy Buenrostro-Avila.