The 2025 GW Business & Policy Forum: The Future of Work is Now

 

 


The George Washington University’s School of Business is excited to announce its Third Annual Business & Policy Forum focusing on “The Future of Work is Now,” detailing its opportunities and implications for technology, organizations, employees and policymakers. This industry-expert-led two-day event will be in Duquès Hall (Day 1) and Jack Morton Auditorium (Day 2) from October 21-22, 2025. 

On Tuesday, October 21, the program will focus on students and feature workshops that provide tools to navigate AI and its impact on organizations in an industry of their interest. Connect and hear from industry experts on the latest trends and gain actionable insights to tailor strategies for entering and advancing in a prospective field.

On Wednesday, October 22, attendees can look forward to expert keynote speakers from various industries in the public and private sectors. With discussion topics ranging from how to adapt and thrive in the workplace of tomorrow to sustainability and social impact and AI, listen to expert panelists as they delve into current issues, opportunities and innovations in their respective fields. Discover how they navigated changes in policy, technology and business. 

For all questions about the 2025 GW Business & Policy Forum, please contact us at SBEventsatgwu [dot] edu (SBEvents[at]gwu[dot]edu).

 

 

The GW Business & Policy Forum draws from three primary areas of distinction

 

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Professor teaching in front of class where students have their hands raised

Our Reputation as a Research and Teaching Institution 

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capitol building

Our Location in Washington, D.C. 

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two people shaking hands

Our Commitment to the Dissemination of Knowledge and Ideas 

Bridging our partnership and collaboration with government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) where GW School of Business is a Center of Excellence Emeritus, the 2025 forum brings together a wide variety of public and private sector backgrounds to discuss the most critical issues in the future of work, business and policy.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., GW’s School of Business leverages its place within a leading global research university to bring together industry leaders in government, business and technology – bringing together experts from around the world to explore some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Forum attendees will not only hear from several of the most influential figures in the future of work, but also enjoy a premier networking opportunity to engage with key players, discover the innovations shifting business landscapes and learn to adapt to changing work environments.

 

 

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Student-Focused Program

Duquès Hall 150, Crain Center

2201 G Street NW

2:00 - 2:10 p.m. | Opening remarks from Cassin Dyson, Executive Director of Fowler Career Development Center or Sponsor
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Cassin Dyson
Cassin Dyson, Executive Director of Fowler Career Development Center or Sponsor
2:15 - 2:55 p.m. | Workshop I - Leveraging AI for Professional Development and Career Growth
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Hillary Kirtland
Hillary Kirtland, Founder at Path Pending
3:00 - 3:55 p.m. | Panel Discussion
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Umar Husain
Umar Husain, Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company
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Hillary Kirtland
Hillary Kirtland, Founder at Path Pending
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Dinesh Bisht
Dinesh Bisht, VP Engineering, Leading Technology and Products for Corporate Apps and Capital Markets at Newrez
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Rathish Moorthy
Rathish Moorthy, Managing Director – Industry Consulting at NTT DATA Services
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Dylan Tally
Dylan Tally, Director of Federal Operations at Lazarus AI
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Milinda Balthorp
Milinda Balthrop, Client Executive, Public & Government Sector at EY (Ernst & Young)

 

4:00 - 4:20 p.m. | Break (or Message from Sponsor)

No further details.

4:20 - 5:15 p.m. | Workshop II - Unlocking Career Pathways
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Dinesh Bisht
Dinesh Bisht, VP Engineering, Leading Technology and Products for Corporate Apps and Capital Markets at Newrez
5:20 - 6:15 p.m. | Workshop III - Unlocking Career Pathways
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Dylan Tally
Dylan Tally, Director of Federal Operations at Lazarus AI
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Milinda Balthorp
Milinda Balthrop, Client Executive, Public & Government Sector at EY (Ernst & Young)
VIP Dinner with Speakers, Sponsors and GW Leadership

No further details.

 

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Keynotes & Panels

Jack Morton Auditorium

Media and Public Affairs Building, First Floor

805 21st Street NW

12:30 - 12:45 p.m. | Welcome and Forum Opening

A warm welcome from the president of the university and the new dean of the Business School, a highly respected macroeconomics scholar, known for her research that spans fiscal policy and social insurance design.

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Ellen Granberg
President Ellen Granberg, George Washington University
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Dean Sevin Yeltekin
Dean Sevin Yeltekin, GW School of Business
12:45 - 1:15 p.m. | The Future of Work Through Gallup’s Lens

Tune in to Jim Clifton as he shares how his research is used to help leaders and organizations be prepared for the future of work in 2025.

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Jim Clifton
Jim Clifton, Chairman of Gallup
1:20 - 2:05 p.m. | Workplace of Tomorrow: Thriving and Adapting

Listen to a panel discussion that explores transformative workplace trends and “new norms” while uncovering actionable strategies for building critical skills and thriving in an evolving environment.

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Chris Kayes
Chris Kayes, Chair, Department of Management; Professor of Management
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Diana Wu
Diana Wu David, Global Work Futurist
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Zach Hyrnowski
Zach Hrynowski, Senior Education Research Consultant, Gallup
2:10 - 2:50 p.m. | Sustainability as a Cornerstone in the Future of Work

Engage in a panel discussion that examines how companies integrate sustainability into their portfolios, commitments and employment opportunities as sustainability moves from a buzzword to a core part of corporate culture.

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Maggie Smith
Margaret Smith, Senior Managing Director, Accenture
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Laura Gitman
Laura Gitman, Chief Impact Officer - BSR
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Keith Mambretti
Keith Mambretti, Chief of Staff to the CEO of HSBC US
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Roger Ford
Roger Ford, Managing Director and Global Lead, Accenture
2:55 - 3:40 p.m. | C-Suite Roundtable

Join this roundtable discussion, with topics to be announced.

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Dean Sevin Yeltekin
Dean Sevin Yeltekin, GW School of Business
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Nela Richardson
Nela Richardson, Chief Economist and ESG Officer & Head of ADP Research
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Andrew Hodge
Andrew Hodge, President, Atlantic Union Bank
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Jon Kessler
Jon Kessler, Former CEO, WageWorks; HealthWorks
3:45 - 4:30 p.m. | Unveiling AI’s Role in Transforming Organizations

Navigate AI’s impact on traditional work assumptions through a panel discussion that showcases practical innovation for driving growth and illustrates how to collaborate effectively with AI-driven systems.

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Sharon Hill
Sharon Hill, Professor of Management
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Valerie Abend
Valerie Abend, FS Lead Cybersecurity, Accenture
4:35 - 5:05 p.m. | Closing Remarks

Conclude with a thoughtful reflection on key insights shared by today’s keynote speakers and panelists.

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Helmuth Ludwig
Helmuth Ludwig, Prof. Cox School of Business, Former CIO (Germany) and CEO Industry Sector North at Siemens, sits on the Boards of Hitatch, Humanetics Group and Farmington Hill
5:15 - 6:45 p.m. | Networking Reception

No further details

Press Requests
 

Press are welcome to attend this event. Please reach out to our media relations team at gwmediaatgwu [dot] edu (gwmedia[at]gwu[dot]edu) to gain a press pass or for further information.

 

Plan Your Visit

The 2025 Business & Policy Forum will be held on GW's Foggy Bottom campus in the Jack Morton Auditorium housed in the Media and Public Affairs building on the first floor at 805 21st Street NW.

Our Foggy Bottom campus is conveniently located in the heart of Washington, D.C., close to three major airports — Ronald Reagan Washington National, Washington Dulles International and Baltimore Washington International — as well as Union Station, from which you can take the bus or train. The Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro stop is located right on campus, with service to the the Orange, Blue and Silver Metro lines. Taxis and rideshare programs are available throughout the city, and there are more than 4,000 bikes and 500+ bike stations around the District; visit Capital Bikeshare for maps and details on how to access a bike.

 

Take a Virtual Tour

 

 

Directions & Accommodations

From Ronald Reagan National Airport

Located in downtown Washington, D.C., the George Washington University School of Business is easily accessible by taxi, rideshare, bus or subway (Metrorail) from the region's airports.

From Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), take the Blue Line of the Metrorail from the Ronald Reagan National Airport Station to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station.

From Dulles International Airport (IAD), take the Silver Line Express bus to the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station, and then take the Silver Line to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station. You may also take the Washington Flyer private bus service directly to many downtown hotels.

From Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), take the Super Shuttle or Amtrak train directly to Union Station in downtown Washington, D.C., then take the Metrorail Red Line from Union Station to the Metro Center Station and transfer to the Blue, Silver or Orange Lines to go to the Foggy Bottom-GWU Station.

By Metrorail (Subway)

The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metrorail Station is located on campus. It offers access to Metrorail’s Blue, Orange and Silver lines. For more information on Metrorail, visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

By Car

From North:

  • Take Interstate 95 South to Interstate 495 North toward Silver Spring/Northern Virginia
  • Take Exit 33, heading south on Connecticut Avenue for about nine miles
  • Turn right onto Florida Avenue (just past the Washington Hilton) and then turn left immediately onto 21st Street NW
  • The visitor entrance to the G Street Garage is on the left between G and F Streets NW

From Northwest:

  • Take Interstate 270 to Interstate 495 North toward Silver Spring/Northern Virginia
  • Follow directions as shown above in “From North”

From West:

  • Take Interstate 66 or Route 50 to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge
  • Cross the bridge and exit left at E Street NW, then again at Virginia Avenue NW
  • Stay to the left, following signs for 23rd Street NW
  • Turn left onto 23rd Street NW and continue a few blocks to campus
  • Turn right onto H Street
  • The visitor entrance to the University Parking Garage is on the left on H Street between 23rd and 22nd Streets

From South:

  • Interstate 95 to Interstate 395, Arlington Memorial Bridge Exit
  • Cross the bridge and stay to the left at the Lincoln Memorial
  • Turn left onto 23rd Street NW
  • Turn right on H Street
  • The visitor entrance to the University Parking Garage is on the left on H Street between 23rd and 22nd Streets

 

Where to Park

University Parking Garage

Access on H Street NW between 22nd and 23rd Streets NW. Located under the Science and Engineering Hall.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

This is a self-service garage for visitors. This garage only accepts MasterCard, American Express, and Visa for payment. Rates:

  • 1 hour: $10
  • Up to 2 hours $16
  • Daily Maximum: $22
  • Weekend Daily Maximum: $12
  • Evening Maximum Rate (after 5 p.m. until midnight): $10

G Street Garage

Access from both 20th Street NW and 21st Street NW between F and G Streets NW.

Hours: Open 24 hours a day

This is a self-service garage for visitors. This garage only accepts MasterCard, American Express and Visa for payment. Rates: see University Parking Garage rates.

University Student Center Garage

Access on H Street NW between 21st and 22nd Streets NW.

Hours: Open Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Closed on weekends and holidays.

This is a self-service garage for visitors. This garage only accepts MasterCard, American Express, and Visa for payment. Rates: see University Parking Garage rates.

Elliott School Garage

Access on 19th Street NW near E Street NW.

Hours: Open Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Closed on holidays and weekends.

This is a self-service garage for visitors. This garage only accepts MasterCard, American Express, and Visa for payment. Rates:

  • Up to 1 hour: $10
  • Up to 2 hours: $17
  • Daily Maximum: $26
  • Evening Maximum Rate (5 p.m.-11 p.m.): $14

Ambulatory Care Center Garage

Patients and visitors of the George Washington University Hospital and of the Ambulatory Care Center are welcome to park at the Ambulatory Care Center Garage. In the event that this garage is full, patients may park at the other university visitor parking locations.

For more information, visit GW’s transportation website.

Discounted Hotels and Lodging

There are many options for accomodations across the D.C. area.