The Washington Circle is a committed, bi-partisan group of men and women leaders from many walks of life, who are interested in humanitarian issues. In the 11 years since the Circle was founded by Eileen Shields-West and Trish Malloch Brown, guests have come together to contribute their individual abilities and support to strengthen the lifesaving work of Refugees International on behalf of millions of the world's most vulnerable populations. Mariella Trager chairs the Washington Circle and works hard year after year to garner support and enthusiasm for RI's mission. Circle events are focused on pressing humanitarian issues, and past speakers have included Her Majesty Queen Noor, author and activist Samantha Power, author and former child soldier Ishmael Beah, and Ugandan peace negotiator Betty Bigombe.

UPCOMING EVENTS

None scheduled at the moment.

2012 WASHINGTON CIRCLE EVENTS

In October, the Washington Circle gathered for a luncheon featuring speaker, David Ignatius. Ambassador Arturo Sarukhán and his
wife Verónica Valencia graciously hosted the luncheon at the Mexican Cultural Institute.

View photos from the luncheon.

On March 20th, RI's longstanding network of supporters gathered at the German Marshall Fund of the United States for the Washington Circle. Chaired by Mariella Trager, the Circle has hosted events for the last 11 years to inform the community about displacement issues and build support for RI. Guests enjoyed remarks by RI Board Member and author Roya Hakakian and RI Statelessness Program Manager Sarnata Reynolds. Click here to read more.

View photos from the 2012 Washington Circle.

2011 WASHINGTON CIRCLE EVENTS

The Washington Circle as it celebrated its 10th anniversary with Reflections on Colombia at the Mexican Cultural Institute. Gracious hosts Ambassador Arturo Sarukhán and his wife Verónica Valencia welcomed guests for a luncheon and a briefing by noted journalist, Maureen Orth, and RI Director of Regional Programs Andrea Lari.

2010 WASHINGTON CIRCLE EVENTS

> Screening of Climate Refugees. Featuring filmmaker Michael Nash.

> The Year of Sudan: What Lies Ahead. Featuring Valentino Achak Deng and Michael Gerson.

2009 WASHINGTON CIRCLE EVENTS

Washington Circles in 2009 included a special production of the critically acclaimed play, Betrayed, hosted by Matt Dillon and Sarah Jessica Parker at the Kennedy Center on January 12, 2009.  A talk-back followed the production, and featured writer and journalist George Packer on whose articles in The New Yorker the play is based, along with Director Pippin Parker, RI’s late President Ken Bacon, RI’s Iraq Expert Kristele Younes, and Kirk Johnson of The List Project.
> Take a look at photos from Betrayed

In December, we hosted Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Dexter Filkins at the residence of Cathy Bretzel and featured a discussion on Refugees International's work in Pakistan.
> View photos from Pakistan: Protect People First

Our Spring Circle was held at the residence of His Excellency the Ambassador of Afghanistan, and Mrs. Said Tayeb Jawad on April 7, 2009. It featured a special briefing on Refugees International’s recent work in Afghanistan as well as a kick-off for our 30th Anniversary Gala.