Speakers & Banner Bearers
Keynote Speakers
GW Business is pleased to announce the keynote speakers for the 2026 Online, Undergraduate and Master's & Doctoral Commencement Celebrations, taking place May 12–15.
Online Graduate Programs Celebration:
Dr. Subhasish Dasgupta
Associate Professor and Chair of the GW Department of Information Systems & Technology Management
Dr. Subhasish Dasgupta studies how organizations adopt and use technology, with a focus on global systems, culture, and emerging areas like crowdfunding. His research has been published in leading information systems journals. He is also a certified Scrum Master and SAFe Agilist with expertise in software, open-source, and cloud development.
Undergraduate Programs Celebration:
Stephen Yalof
President and CEO of Tanger®
Stephen Yalof (BBA '85) is President and CEO of Tanger®, a leading operator of open-air shopping centers across the U.S. and Canada. A seasoned leader in retail real estate, he brings more than 25 years of experience and has held senior roles at Simon Premium Outlets, Ralph Lauren and The Gap, Inc.
Master’s & Doctoral Programs Celebration:
Michael Akin
President of LINK Strategic Partners
Michael Akin (BA '03, MBA '07) is President of LINK Strategic Partners, a strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and social impact consulting firm. A proud GW alumnus, he brings deep expertise in communications, advocacy and public affairs.
Student Speakers
GW Business is also proud to announce the student speakers for the 2026 Commencement Celebrations.
Online Graduate Programs Celebration:
Federico Patino
Online MBA
Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Federico moved to the U.S. in 2015 and earned an international business degree from FAU before advancing to senior product manager at Convert It Marketing. At GW, he received the Global & Experiential Education Blog Scholarship and participated in a sustainable investment study abroad program in Denmark.
Undergraduate Programs Celebration:
Darshan Dullabh
Bachelor’s in Business Analytics & International Affairs
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Darshan is a dedicated community builder and campus leader, contributing to organizations including Alpha Kappa Psi, the Undergraduate Consulting Group and the Business Leader Development Program.
Master’s & Doctoral Programs Celebration:
Ivo Giulietti
Master of Science in Finance
A Salvadoran Italian finance professional and former semi-professional goalkeeper, Ivo founded a social venture supporting underserved youth and is a Resolution Fellow and TEDx speaker.
Banner Bearers
Cynthia Rosa-Guardado
Bachelor of Science in Business, Concentration in Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Monica Carty
Bachelor of Science in International Business & Finance
May Khin Muang Soe
Global MBA
Flag Banner Bearer
Lakshya Matta
Master of Science in Project Management
Claudia Andres
Master of Science in Project Management