One of our goals at the Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy is to develop students’ understanding of the intersection of public policy and the markets in order to help prepare them for successful careers, in whichever field they choose. The Psaros Center aims to ensure our programming is multidisciplinary and available to students across all of the schools at Georgetown University. To accomplish this we provide students with opportunities to participate in immersive learning experiences, like the FinPolicy Trek, where they can connect and engage with academic leaders, industry leaders, and policymakers. Additionally, it is a great way for the selected students to engage with our outstanding alumni network who can share their own insights and experiences.
As part of the third annual FinPolicy Trek, Psaros Center FinPolicy Scholars will visit landmark policy and financial offices from May 12 to May 16, 2025. The first two and a half days of the FinPolicy Trek focus on the policymaking side of finance as students meet with senior-level officials at various federal buildings. After taking a train to New York City, students learn about the practice of finance for the next two and a half days as they interact with executives at leading financial services form.
100 Results
Travel Diary
day one
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FinPolicy Trek Takeover
Watch Elise Howard (B'27) take you through the weeklong experience in D.C. and NYC.
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Reena Aggarwal kicked off the 2025 FinPolicy Trek by discussing the exciting opportunities awaiting students.
The Psaros FinPolicy Scholars were joined by Lael Brainard, Ernie Tedeschi, and Denis McDonough to hear about their experiences working at the White House, covering how tariffs function as an economic tool, the supply chain’s impact on inflation, and lessons learned from different economic crises.
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In the afternoon, students met with high level officials from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
These officials shared how their experiences in the private sector impact their approach to public service and the various pathways that lead to careers at Treasury. They also discussed the processes of different units.
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Next, students went to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
Psaros FinPolicy Scholars were able to discuss how the Fed interacts with investment banks and the public, as well as the Federal Open Market Committee meeting process.
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To close out the first night of the FinPolicy Trek, students had dinner at the iconic Bombay Club.
Students were able to learn more about the presence of financial institutions in Washington, D.C. as they spoke with Kathleen Mellody of JPMorganChase, Andy Blocker of Invesco US, and Tom Koonce of Rich Feuer Anderson.
day two
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Psaros FinPolicy Scholars started the morning at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
They met with Commissioner Summer Mersinger, as well as other senior officials from Commissioner Goldsmith Romero’s office, the Division of Enforcement, the Division of Clearing and Risk, the Division of Market Oversight, and the Markets Participation Division.
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Following lunch, students visited the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
They were able to meet with newly confirmed Chair Paul Atkins, as well as officials from the Asset Management Unit, Small Business Capital Formation, and fellow Hoya General Counsel Jeffrey Finnell.
day three
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The Psaros FinPolicy Scholars made a final stop in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Capitol.
While on the Hill, students met with members of Congress who offered candid reflections on their legislative priorities and fielded questions about their respective committees.
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Students were visited by Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Congressman Glenn Ivey, as well as fellow Hoyas Congresswoman April McClain Delaney and Congressman Sam Liccardo.
These representatives also highlighted the importance of public service, providing students with a first-hand perspective on policymaking at the highest level.
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Psaros FinPolicy Scholars and Reena Aggarwal started the New York City portion of the FinPolicy Trek!
To kick us off, students were welcomed by Michael and Robin Psaros. Over a wonderful dinner at One Vanderbilt, students learned about private equity, shared their experiences at Georgetown, and discussed qualities of exceptional leaders.
day four
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The FinPolicy Trek began early at JPMorganChase.
To start their first full day in New York City, Psaros FinPolicy Scholars met with Mary Callahan Erdoes and joined the Asset and Wealth Management Division’s morning meeting where they witnessed the interaction of policy and finance as senior leaders discussed how current policy discussions are impacting investment strategy.
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Students also met with other fellow Hoyas and senior leaders at JPMorgan.
Students heard from two panels where they received valuable career advice including the importance of asking questions and being open to unexpected opportunities.
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Next, students met with Joseph Amato at Neuberger Berman, an all-Hoya panel at BlackRock, and Ken Kencel at Churchill Asset Management.
Students engaged in dynamic dialogue and learned more about asset management, private credit, and AI in financial services. They also gained meaningful insights into possible career paths, company culture, and how experiences at Georgetown University continue to impact alumni lives today.
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Following these visits, students had the opportunity to visit CNBC at Nasdaq.
Students were able to watch the live taping of CNBC’s Fast Money with fellow Hoyas Guy Adami and Timothy Seymour.
day five
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The last morning of the FinPolicy Trek began with the Psaros FinPolicy Scholars visiting Goldman Sachs.
Students heard about the various pathways to careers at Goldman Sachs, how the firm operates as a "45,000-person partnership," and how the skills learned as an analyst are transferable.
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Before catching the train back to Washington, D.C., students also had the opportunity to meet with a panel of Hoyas currently working at Blackstone.
Students were able to connect with Hoya alumni who shared how Jesuit values guide their work and offered meaningful advice on navigating early careers, staying curious, and embracing unexpected opportunities.
