Movers and Shakers offers students lessons beyond the classroom

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With the start of the fall semester comes the much-anticipated Movers and Shakers Mixer, the annual networking event connecting George Mason University students with influential business, community, and government executives at Mason Square in Arlington.

The Movers and Shakers Mixer connects George Mason students with Arlington community members. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Graduate students, like Paul Davis Jr., recognize their educational experience extends beyond the classroom. Davis, the policy director for Fairfax County Board Supervisor Walter Alcorn, is pursuing a master of public administration from the Schar School of Policy and Government.

"When I enrolled in graduate school, I knew I needed to shift my approach to networking from what I did as an undergrad," he said. "Beyond just making connections, graduate school has shown me the importance of seizing opportunities as they arise. The Schar School has been incredible in providing opportunities, like Movers and Shakers, that's enriching my education."

Yanika Khumphaiphuan and Titilayo Owoyemi are pursuing the U.S. Law LLM degree at George Mason's Antonin Scalia Law School. The aspiring attorneys were excited to meet new connections.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Owoyemi met a financial services professional from Northwestern Mutual who shared industry insights and career advancement advice. "I found it incredibly valuable to hear from professionals outside of the legal field and learn more about effective networking," Owoyemi said.

In addition to networking with business and community leaders, students tapped into the George Mason ecosystem. Khumphaiphuan connected with students and faculty from other academic programs.

Similarly, Bethsaida Gizaw, a senior undergraduate studying global affairs with a concentration in Global Governance, connected with Scalia Law School students and faculty and professionals in her field. "As a future attorney, forming meaningful relationships and learning about diverse perspectives are important," said Gizaw, who said she looks forward to other similar events.

Five attendees also won a raffle for one-on-one networking lunches with Arlington leaders.

Susan Cunningham, Arlington County Board member, was among the business, community, and government leaders at the event.

"I enjoyed supporting and connecting with young people," Cunningham said. "The students are amazing! They're so ambitious and forward-thinking. It was a great opportunity to celebrate George Mason's role in the Arlington Community."

Cunningham advises students to take advantage of their unique position. "Stay curious, ask questions, and enjoy the adventure of learning," she said.

Fuse at Mason Square, a 345,000-square-foot building designed with collaborative spaces and emerging-tech labs and offices for business, research scholarship, and community engagement, announced its first commercial tech tenant, Cybastion, and will house George Mason students and employees starting in fall 2025.