Every person in the GW Engineering community contributes to the fabric and culture of what makes us great and unique. As an institution of higher education, we often celebrate the achievements of our students and staff. However, without the tireless work of the GW Engineering administrative team, nothing would be possible. From our facilities to our technology to supporting events, the administrative team at GW Engineering keeps our school moving forward. Each month we will highlight one of the members of the admin team in our Local Hero editorial feature. Take the time to meet the people who are at the foundation of our school.
The Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services at GW Engineering fosters academic, professional, and personal growth for all our graduate students. Program Manager, Dawn Ginnetti, is a key part of this process. Read on to learn more about March’s Local Hero, Dawn Ginnetti!
Q: How long have you been working at GW and what is your position?
A: I’ve been at GW and GW Engineering since April 2018—almost seven years. I am a Program Manager in Graduate Student Enrollment and Advising. I advise Ph.D. students and work with GW Engineering’s Center for Women in Engineering.
Q: What led you to this career?
A: I was the first in my family to go to college, and there was so much that I didn’t know. I was lucky enough to have some really wonderful faculty and staff mentors along the way. It made me want to pay it forward and help other students like me.
Q: Why did you choose GW?
A: I love the location and size of the university. It’s large enough to have all kinds of great resources but small enough that it’s easier to navigate and people are very friendly.
Q: What is one thing you wish you’d known when you started working at GW?
A: I wish I knew more about some of the things that other schools were doing for their students.
Q: What is your favorite part about working at GW Engineering?
A: The students. When I think about some of the really cool things that our students are working on, it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “There are those who see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not.” Our students are dreaming of things that never were and asking why not, and I think that’s awesome!
Q: Why would someone want to work at GW Engineering?
A: The people who work at GW Engineering and the students.
Q: What is your biggest work pet peeve?
A: Unnecessary barriers for students.
Q: What’s your ideal way to spend the weekend?
A: Hanging out with my dog and my boyfriend, taking walks in the city, going to concerts, and having dinner at my favorite restaurant, RPM.
Q: What's one of your favorite memories from the past year?
A: My best friend and boyfriend and I saw Bruce Springsteen at Nationals Park last year. We had the best weekend!
Q: Tell us something people don’t know about you.
A: I used to work for Carnival Cruise lines. I was a social hostess, and I lived and worked on three different cruise ships.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: Vinyl Elvis–a mini Daschund. She’s three years old. Very sweet and sassy.