Foreign Service

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

💡 How Money Really Works Strategies • Education • Networking Join us for a powerful session designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals who want to take control of their financial future. What you’ll learn: • How money truly works (and why most people were never taught) • Simple wealth-building strategies used by high earners • How to protect, grow, and leverage your income • How to build financial confidence and clarity Plus free light food and beverages will be served

Grow your professional network across industries, swap ideas, and unwind in a friendly, collaborative vibe, ideal for career-minded pros seeking connections. All professionals in the DMV and MidAtlantic area are invited! This event is to every and each professional in different industry, sector and specialization to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment, to meet other professionals, to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global professionalism. ***GRAB A BOOZE OR A BITE AND YOU WILL BE SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD:) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will give out name tags and you write your name and your industry/sector/specialization. However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that area. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to connect with others as well. 3. We all are professionals in one or two fields and be willing to share your knowledge and experience to others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't belong the other person's required specialization, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face networking event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](mailto:info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** \- Come one\, come all; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member\. \- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us\. ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITELINK. IT RULES.** [) [) [) [) [) [) [)

***Venue Notes:*** *We'll be at la Madeline in Kingstowne for the winter! This space has both indoor and outdoor seating, so we can sit outside if it is unseasonably warm* https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13530.Foreign_Correspondence Foreign Correspondence: A Pen Pal's Journey from Down Under to All Over As a young girl in a working-class neighborhood of Sydney, Australia, Geraldine Brooks longed to discover the places where history happens and culture comes from, so she enlisted pen pals who offered her a window on adolescence in the Middle East, Europe, and America. Twenty years later Brooks, an award-winning foreign correspondent, embarked on a human treasure hunt to find her pen friends. She found men and women whose lives had been shaped by war and hatred, by fame and notoriety, and by the ravages of mental illness. Intimate, moving, and often humorous, Foreign Correspondence speaks to the unquiet heart of every girl who has ever yearned to become a woman of the world.

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

**###PLEASE NOTE: Even if you RSVP on Meetup, you will need to grab a ticket here https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-metrobar-dc-thursday-january-15-2026 in order to attend###** This event is cross-posted so Meetup RSVPs won't accurately reflect the actual number of attendees; typically there are around 30-40 people in attendance. **What's It Like?** Do you wish you could have more of the kinds of conversations you have late at night where for some reason, you feel safe talking about the things you actually care about? Bring your friends (or come by yourself- most people do!) and spend your Thursday night at an event where you know everyone else is there for the same reason. We'll be offering 'big talk' conversational prompts on them to get you started, and we'll have lots of structure to make sure that you actually talk to people and that it's not awkward. There will be drinks and snacks available for sale! **There is a 1 drink/food item minimum purchase for this event,** so please keep that in mind. **Check-in** for this event will begin around **6:45 pm**. Please do your best to arrive before 7:00 pm so we can begin as close to on time as possible. Skip the Small Talk is dedicated to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone. Check out our safety policy here: tinyurl.com/ststSafety Please see our event [page](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-metrobar-dc-thursday-january-15-2026) for more accessibility info. **Ready to Skip the Small Talk With Us?** **[Grab a ticket](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-metrobar-dc-thursday-january-15-2026)** since entry is on a first come first serve basis and we tend to sell out in advance for these-- once we are out of tickets, we will NOT be able to accommodate folks at the door. metrobar has lots of other fun events going on, too. Feel free to check them out **[here](https://metrobardc.com)**! If you want to be the first to hear about our events before we sell out, feel free to join our mailing list at [Skip the Small Talk Mailing List Sign-Up](https://sendfox.com/skipthesmalltalk) **###PLEASE NOTE: Even if you RSVP on Meetup, you will need to grab a ticket here https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-metrobar-dc-thursday-january-15-2026 in order to attend###** This event is cross-posted so Meetup RSVPs won't accurately reflect the actual number of attendees; typically there are around 30-40 people in attendance.

Come learn how money really works. We’ll cover how to grow it, protect it, get out of debt, and use smart retirement and infinite banking strategies to build long-term security.

Sweat, Sip & Serve: Rock Creek Park Walk & Connect. This is the SWEAT of sweat, sip, & serve. 📍 Location: Rock Creek Park Hiking Trail; entrance through Military Road and Oregon Street ( across from St. John High school) Parking and Meet location: https://maps.apple.com/place?address=Rock%20Creek%20Park,%20Ridge%20Rd%20NW,%20Washington,%20DC%20%2020015,%20United%20States&coordinate=38.959262,-77.053714&name=Marked%20Location&map=explore 📅 Date: Saturday, January 17 ⏰ Time: 10:00 🚗 Parking: Free parking | Free access to the park Join us for our very first Sweat, Sip & Serve meetup—a relaxed group walk through Rock Creek Park. This will be an easy to moderate trail, less than 2.5 miles. Please note: We will meet at 10:00 AM for arrivals, introductions, and mingling. The walk will begin promptly at 10:15 AM. The weather will be cold (around 35°F), so please dress warm, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water. Safety is important—move at your own pace, listen to your body, and be mindful of the trail. We will pace ourselves to stay together, pause along the way, and take a few pictures. While this is our time to sweat and enjoy nature, it’s also a time to connect. The goal is to meet and chat with at least 3 other women during the walk. Weather Backup Plan: Any updates or changes due to weather will be communicated 24 hours prior to the meetup. Please RSVP so we have a general headcount and can plan accordingly. We’ll park/meet at above location. By attending Sweat, Sip & Serve events, you acknowledge that participation in group walks and fitness-related activities is voluntary and at your own risk. Please listen to your body, move at your own pace, and take breaks as needed. This is not a professionally guided fitness or hiking session. Participants are responsible for their own health, safety, and well-being. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for weather and trail conditions. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, please consult a healthcare professional before participating. Sweat, Sip & Serve is not liable for injuries, accidents, or lost personal items— but I will have my first aid kit to support as much as possible. We will pace ourselves as a group and prioritize safety, respect, and support for one another. Please RSVP so we have a general headcount and can plan accordingly. Looking forward to seeing you there 💛.

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KGITTiG15IC9wkbljaGseO) Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

We’re actively sourcing emotionally intelligent, growth-oriented singles for current matchmaking clients — and this post is your invite to be considered. 📝 This is not a live or in-person event. It’s a matchmaking spotlight — and a chance for the *right* men and women to express interest in being matched. *** ### 🧩 Our Current Roster Includes: * **🏅 A professional athlete in his 50s** — successful and focused, looking for his wife. Limited details available — must be a client for consideration. * **🩺 A 49-year-old doctor in Jacksonville** — grounded, sharp, a proud mom, social and fit, loves golf, and lives life with joy and intention. * **⚖️ A 33-year-old NYC attorney** — confident, romantic, emotionally self-aware. She's seeking an equally successful, ambitious partner who values communication and growth. * **🚀 A 33-year-old Dallas entrepreneur** — financially secure, emotionally mature, and looking for a balanced, soft southern woman. He blends kindness, masculinity, and intention beautifully. *** ### 👉 If you’re interested in being matched: 📲 MEN **Text your name, age, location, a recent photo, and a short message about the kind of relationship you’re looking for to 917-451-6561.** Women up to age 34 may also text if interested in these matches. 🔹 Please note: We do not typically offer complimentary matchmaking. If you're not a current client or approved match, [please be prepared to schedule a consultation. ](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles-form/)

**Quality Employers Hire People, Not Paper.** Networking (Professional Friendships) is the way to get around the black hole of online applications. Career-Confidence.org believes this is the #1 Job Search Strategy. This session will be highly practical. We will teach on ways you can improve your ability to build relationships. **You will laugh.** Nate Barfield, Robert Brandau and possibly one other person will be part of a panel discussion. At the end of this seminar/webinar, there will be a brief Christian story. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- IF YOU ARE NEW TO Career-Confidence.org and want to learn about us via our team, here are some videos that we have done. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our channel and LIKE our videos. -- -- Career-Confidence.org, Laura Hamilton and Robert Brandau both long-time recruiters give you an overview. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas) -- - Doris McMillon of our Board of Directors [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s) -- -- Bruce, Silvia, and Mary Beth talk about the impact of Career-Confidence.org on their job search. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo) -- -- Kim DeWitt Succinctly Talks about our Team [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0) -- \-\-\- Cecilia and Nate – 2 of our Alumni give an overview of Career-Confidence.org. perspective. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA) -- -- Sara's Experience with Career-Confidence.org - Surprise Ending – Pre-Covid [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s)

Socialize, mingle and dance the night away, your memorable one, rubbing your shoulder with DC's party snobs. We gather, grab a drink, grind and grin. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will rotate attendees. So that everyone meets everyone. You would get to meet your future friends/acquaintances/buddies/pals /partner-in-crimes or may be more:) To hang out/go out or do things together. Also, this is an ideal event if you are new in town or not! ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp'!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** We will have specials, including our usual suspect MERtini:) Dress code : Weekend Casual Event is free and 21+ * Come one, come all; YOU COULD FLY SOLO TOO:) This is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Ideal for either you are new in town or not, to make friends and acquaintances * RSVP on Meetup is required. That is how we check you in. * We will have a registration station and check you in. * Cover is $20. **But it is FREE with RSVP.** **Fellas, it is hard to pass on this!** http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/c/0/600_447175488.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/8/c/7/600_447175495.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/2/600_436665186.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/8/8/600_436665192.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/e/8/9/600_433120585.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/f/a/d/600_433120877.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/8/7/600_433122375.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/2/8/e/600_434712942.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/2/9/a/600_434712954.jpeg

Federal Executive GovCon - "Supporting Government Efficiency with Thought Leadership" When: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 5:30 – 8:00 Location: Lost Rhino, 21730 Red Rum Dr, Ste 142, Ashburn, VA 20147 (\*\* NEW LOCATION \*\*) Come network with other local GovCon Executives and enjoy a few free beers on us and engage with our sponsors and Industry speakers. Please register here for your spot and please enter full name and company so a badge will be waiting for you. Sponsorships: 1 of 2 spots are available. DM me to claim the 2nd sponsorship to highlight your company to an invitation-only executive audience.

Volunteers collect, store, and deliver donated furniture and other household items, free of charge, to needy families in the Annandale, Bailey’s Crossroads, and Culmore areas. The furniture is stored in a building donated by Annandale United Methodist Church. ACCA receives requests for furniture through Fairfax County human services staff and specialized agencies, churches, and schools. ACCA churches and community volunteers take turns providing teams of volunteers to work at the warehouse located at 6935 Columbia Pike on Saturday mornings. [https://accacares.org/furniture/](https://accacares.org/furniture/)

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Venezuela’s Future—and Ours,”** an analysis of how the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela will affect that nation, the U.S., and the rest of the world, with Ernesto Castañeda, Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future) .] On January 3rd, after a long military buildup, the United States used special forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas, Venezuela to stand trial here on criminal charges. The development marked a major turning point in our relationship with Venezuela and the rest of Latin America and raised a host of complex questions, not just for Venezuelans living inside and outside that country but for American citizens and other nations of the world. Coming to the stage to break down what all of this means is Ernesto Castañeda, a scholar of Latin America who has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks on immigration policy and has given dozens of interviews to media outlets around the world in the wake of the U.S. raid. In a talk offering informed perspective on the latest news developments, Professor Castañeda will discuss various theories about why the U.S. conducted the operation to get Maduro out of Venezuela. He’s put our nation’s current plans for Venezuela into context by touching on previous U.S. military interventions in Latin America and beyond. Professor Castañeda will look at the implications of recent events for U.S. politics and U.S. citizens and what such developments tell us about the balance of power in the United States. He’ll examine the distance between decisions made by the White House and public priorities, touching on how it all relates to our immigration policies and our views about peaceful protest and democracy. He’ll consider how the Venezuela raid and our actions since have altered relations between the U.S. and other nations and provide scenarios about what the future might hold. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Join Nextgen Birders for a fun-filled day of birding at **Lake Fairfax Park** followed by a board game session at the **Northern VA Bird Alliance (NVBA) HQ**! Feel free to join us for the **morning walk**, the **afternoon game session**, or **both**! ***Agenda:*** * **9:00 am - 11:00 am:** Birding around Lake Fairfax Park * **11:00 am - 1:00 pm:** Board games and trivia at NVBA HQ ***Morning Birding Detail*s** (Lake Fairfax Park) * **Meeting Spot:** Main parking lot (near the restrooms and playgrounds) * **Address:** 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190 * **The Walk:** We will walk a portion of the trail along the lakeshore, looking for waterfowl and other birds of interest. * **Trail Note:** The trail includes both paved and unpaved sections. We highly recommend wearing **closed-toed shoes**. ***Afternoon Board Game Details (NVBA HQ)*** * **Location:** National Wildlife Federation Building (approx. 12 mins drive from the park) * **Address:** 11100 Wildlife Center Dr suite 100, Reston, VA 20190 * **Games:** We will have multiple sets of **Wingspan** as well as bird-themed **trivia** and more! * **Refreshments:** Light snacks and drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring a festive treat to share! ***Additional FAQs:*** * **Parking:** Parking is **free** at both Lake Fairfax Park and the NVBA HQ. * **Metro:** The closest Metro stop is **Wiehle-Reston East** (Silver Line). Please note that both locations are a sizeable walk from the Metro, so taking an Uber or bus from the stop is likely the easiest option. We look forward to seeing you there!

**✨ Join Us at Nunu's Thai Dishes!** Join your DTs family and friends for delicious food and great conversation following our **Thursday night Happy Hour** at **Nunu's Thai Dishes**, 1100 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170. 🌶️ **Authentic Thai flavors**, a cozy atmosphere, and a menu full of exciting dishes await! 🔗 [Check out their menu here](http://www.nunusthaidishes.com/) If possible, please RSVP on our **Facebook** or **Meetup** pages so we can let the restaurant know how many people to expect. We will have a few extra seats available for last-minute joiners, but we get a big crowd, so please let us know! We don't want to leave you sitting at the bar!

Laser tag with the

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.