Survive Washington (and Keep Your Soul Doing It!)

Working in Washington certainly has its perks, but often comes with handling ethical dilemmas, too. In this special event, SMPA alumna Torie Clarke (Journalism, 1982) discussed her new book “A Survivor's Guide to Washington: How to Succeed without Losing Your Soul."

Ms. Clarke was the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs under Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in the Bush Administration.

She was joined by other movers and shakers who have worked in and around the District for decades and all gave advice on how to navigate tricky situations in Washington careers. Each person talked about their time in Washington, and recounted some difficult decisions they have had to make for their careers.

A Q&A session, moderated by Tara Sonenshine | @TSonenshine (former Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public affairs and current SMPA Fellow) followed short presentations from the following:

P.J. Crowley | @PJCrowley: Current GW Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication Fellow, former Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs under President Obama.

Lorraine Voles | @lovoles (SMPA '82): Current Vice President for External Relations at GW, former Deputy White House Press Secretary for President Bill Clinton.

Hon. Mark Kennedy | @HonMarkKennedy:  Director of the GW Graduate School of Political Management, former U.S. Congressman from Minnesota.

Jamie Baker (GSPM graduate): Legislative Assistant for Congressman Burgess.

Janelle Carter Brevard (GSPM '01): Worked as a senior advisor and speechwriter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.