GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership

Join us on Tuesday, April 7, for a free webinar that starts our new 3-part leadership series. Register and learn more at: cepl.cps.gwu.edu/America-250

From May 6–8, 2026, we’ll gather a global cohort of women leaders for a 3-day, fully virtual immersive experience. Together, you will strengthen strategic communication, executive presence, negotiation, and influence, all while developing a clearer vision of your leadership path.

What an unforgettable night!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in support of our CEPL Alumni & Friends community. Your energy, curiosity, and leadership made the event come alive.

From the reveal of CEPL 4.0, to speed networking with our Senior Fellows, interactive leadership activities, video stories, raffle prizes, and plenty of CEPL swag…the room was buzzing until the very end.

Inspired to support CEPL’s mission? Give at go.gwu.edu/give2gw → select Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. (Link in bio)

Register now! https://ceplconnectionsalumniandfriends.eventbrite.com

Highlighting Latrena M. Owens, Executive Director of the St. Elizabeths East Redevelopment — a powerhouse leader within the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). With nearly two decades of public service, Latrena is the visionary at the helm of the monumental $1 billion revitalization of the 183-acre campus in Congress Heights.
By transforming the “Soul of the City” through community-focused development, Latrena and her team have turned decades of setbacks into a historic game-changer. In just four years, her leadership has delivered five major projects—from the Sycamore and Oak retail hub for Black-owned businesses to The Residences at St. Elizabeths East, providing over 200 affordable units.
From the new Whitman-Walker Max Robinson facility to over 1,500 planned residential units, Latrena ensures every detail reflects the needs of District residents. Her work proves that bold infrastructure and community heart can go hand-in-hand.

Applications for the 2026 Calvin Cafritz Awards are now open until February 20th!

👉 Tap the link in bio to apply today. Let’s celebrate the next wave of changemakers!

       

Highlighting the Peer Case Management Institute (PCMI) Team — winners of the 23rd Calvin Cafritz Awards! Led by A. D. Rachel Pierre, Lindsay Curtin, and Miati Taliaferro, PCMI is a groundbreaking effort by the Department of Human Services to transform workforce development through lived experience.

By preparing individuals who have experienced homelessness to become professional case managers, this team has built a powerful bridge from resilience to public service. In partnership with the Howard University School of Social Work, their 14-week program achieved an 88% completion rate, with 20 graduates now working directly within the District’s homeless services system.

From strategic policy and operational oversight to daily on-site mentorship, Rachel, Lindsay, and Miati ensured every detail reflected dignity and care. Their vision is now a national model, proving that lived experience is a superpower for serving others.

Applications for the 2026 Calvin Cafritz Awards are now open until February 20th!

👉 Tap the link in bio to apply today. Let’s celebrate the next wave of changemakers!

Highlighting Gashaw Woldehanna — one of the 22nd Calvin Cafritz Award winners! As Cluster Controller for the Government Operations Cluster at the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Gashaw has modernized core financial systems across the District. He led major reforms including the implementation of the Paymentus System, which enabled digital payments, resolved long‑standing audit issues, and recovered $6.59 million in delinquent leasing debt — all while improving transparency, security, and efficiency.

Gashaw also transformed internal operations by automating the Direct Voucher process through SeamlessDocs, reducing approval times and strengthening compliance with the Quick Payment Act. His enhancements to capital asset reporting, year‑end accrual processes, and the integration of complex GASB standards have elevated accuracy, accountability, and financial stewardship across more than 40 agencies, setting a new benchmark for excellence in government operations.

Applications for the 2026 Calvin Cafritz Awards are now open until February 20th!

👉 Tap the link in bio to apply today. Let’s celebrate the next wave of changemakers!

Highlighting Dr. Kofi Onumah — one of the 22nd Calvin Cafritz Award winners!

Dr. Kofi played a pivotal role in DC’s COVID‑19 response, helping design the city’s vaccination rollout, coordinating partners across sectors, and bringing mobile clinics directly into underserved neighborhoods. His leadership ensured equitable access to lifesaving care and helped restore trust in public health during a moment of crisis.

He strengthened the District’s opioid‑response system, and modernized clinical education through the DCRx platform. His work continues to shape how DC approaches health equity, crisis response, and fair treatment for government employees.

Applications for the 2026 Calvin Cafritz Award are now open until February 20th!

👉 Tap the link in bio to apply today. Let’s celebrate the next wave of changemakers!

Interested in applying or nominating someone? Join us on February 4th or February 12th for the final two information sessions before applications close on February 20th!

More info at the link in bio! https://www.cafritzawards.org

The Senior Leader Program—designed for professionals aspiring to join the SES—begins Monday, February 23. This 5‑week program is offered entirely online.

What sets this program apart?
☑️ Expert-led sessions, including former and current SES leaders
☑️ Cohort-based learning that expands your interagency network and deepens peer learning
☑️ Targeted coaching to help you succeed with the new ECQs

Sign up NOW ➡️: https://lnkd.in/eFjXgh-d