Testimonials

“The Society for International Development is a vibrant and essential professional organization not only for executives but also for young professionals with a passion for international development. SID-Washington also provides to our future generation of development executives valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities that will prepare them to better understand the global development challenges of implementing and managing complex programs around the world.” 

–Alonzo L. Fulgham, COO, USAID

“I am forever grateful for the networking events that the SID-Washington Chapter provides. As a job-seeker, it was not until I attended SID’s 2008 career fair that doors finally opened. The beginning of the fair was packed with unique and tangible career advice from panel discussions by top international development professionals. The second half of the day was devoted to networking and talking with recruiters about job opportunities. At the reception I was able to converse with top-notch professionals, one of them being the President of Devex who encouraged me to apply for a position. Three weeks later I was offered the job of my dreams and I am now very happily employed. I could not thank SID enough for that opportunity."

-Angela Sealy, Assistant to the President, DEVEX

“SID-Washington is a group that brings together academics, development practitioners, representatives from the private sector, government and philanthropy. I value SID-Washington's convening power and its role as the 'town square' for international development. It is the ideal place to try out new ideas and connect with others who are working on similar challenges.”

-Daniel Runde, Head, Partnership Development, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group

“I joined SID-Washington because it offers a collaborative platform for sharing good ideas, strategic relationships and innovative solutions that are critical for developing effective responses to the challenges of globalization.”

-Kristi Ragan, Strategic Advisor to USAID Global Development Alliance, DAI

“I am very grateful to SID-Washington. As a 30-year member of the organization, I applaud SID-Washington’s commitment, year after year, to airing multiple perspectives on controversial and timely issues.  In what can sometimes be a very partisan town, SID-Washington’s proven ability to assemble diverse groups and fine minds to discuss and debate important issues with passion and mutual respect is an enormous contribution.”  

-Larry Cooley, President, Management Systems International

“The Society for International Development is the premiere organization in the United States that is concerned with economic development issues. The quality of programming offered on these issues cannot be matched by any other organization or institution. It is simply superb and highly informative. I have truly enjoyed serving on the Board of this outstanding institution with other distinguished international and economic development professionals.”

-Julius Coles, President, Africare

“If you are an active practitioner in the field of international development, or one that simply cares and has an interest in it, the Society for International Development Washington, D.C. Chapter is a 'must' group for you. No other organization follows the unfolding events of development as closely or completely as SID-Washington. They are an invaluable resource and a strong advocate of the development cause.”

-Jim Kolbe, Senior Transatlantic Fellow, Transatlantic Taskforce on Development, German Marshall Fund

“SID-Washington is the only place is Washington, D.C. where all members of the diverse development community can come together. The Young Professional workgroup in particular brings together professionals working across all of the various donor and implementation organizations. Through the workgroup I have had the opportunity to network with not only my peers but also industry leaders who have been instrumental in guiding my future ambitions and broadening my knowledge of the industry.”

-Anya Solovieva, International Recruitment Associate, Management Systems International

If you have something to say about SID-Washington and would like us to post your testimonial, please send your information to Stacy Whittle, Communications officer, at swhittle@sidw.org.