ORIGIN
STORY
GlobalWIN was founded on a simple but powerful idea: meaningful relationships drive progress
Nearly two decades ago, our co-founders Helen Milby and Melika Carroll recognized an opportunity to create something different in Washington. Both had built successful careers and networks across politics, government relations, international affairs, and innovation policy, but they saw a gap in the existing landscape. There were few spaces where women working across these sectors could gather in a way that felt truly authentic, collaborative, and relationship-driven.
What began as a series of small dinners and salon-style conversations quickly evolved into something much larger.
From the beginning, GlobalWIN was intentionally designed to feel personal rather than transactional. The organization grew organically through trusted relationships, thoughtful programming, and a shared belief that bringing smart, accomplished women together creates lasting impact – not only professionally, but personally, too.
As GlobalWIN expanded, so did its reach. Early supporters and board members helped transform the organization from a small founding network into one of Washington’s premier bipartisan convening communities focused on innovation, technology, and public policy. The addition of international programming and partnerships with embassies and global leaders further broadened the organization’s mission and perspective.
Today, GlobalWIN convenes leaders from Capitol Hill, the Administration, global technology companies, public affairs firms, trade associations, and the diplomatic community through more than 50 programs each year in Washington and around the world.
While the organization has grown significantly since its founding, the spirit that drives GlobalWIN remains unchanged. At its core, GlobalWIN is still about creating space for genuine connection, meaningful dialogue, and bipartisan collaboration among leaders shaping the future of innovation.
As you think about the progress from the beginning of GlobalWIN until now, what's one piece of advice you'd give to women who want to become that next generation of leaders?
“Go up to people you don't know. Introduce yourself. Have the confidence to do that. If there's someone standing alone in a room, go talk to them. That's still something I have to remind myself to do. But every time I do it, it pays off. So part of it is just showing up and being present.”
— Helen Milby
“I would say: you absolutely do not need to do any of this alone. And you should practice asking for help. Those two things are connected. I am where I am because of Helen's support—there's no question about that. So I think it's important to understand that you are not alone in your career.”
— Melika Carroll
When you think about how far GlobalWIN has come, what progress have you seen in your own lives and in the women around you?
“I completely agree. The ceiling is still out there. This work transcends just being 'for women.' It's about all of us helping build stronger leadership and stronger communities..”
— Helen Milby
“The truth is, this organization is still necessary. We still need it. What gives me hope is that we've seen progress firsthand. We've supported young women on the Hill and in government, and then watched them grow their careers and come back to serve on the board. That gives me a lot of hope.”
— Melika Carroll
What inspired you to create GlobalWIN, and what gap did you see in Washington that you wanted the organization to fill?
“We started to feel that we could do what others were doing… but differently. More organically. And, hopefully, better, to be honest. That part feels really special. It never feels transactional. We genuinely like partnering with people.”
— Helen Milby
“The culture of the group is incredibly welcoming. I'm not even sure I can fully explain how that happened, but it matters. It feels like a place where people genuinely ask, 'How do we help each other? How do we help everybody?' And not every group feels that way.”
— Melika Carroll
