Michael Akin

A happy guy. Strategic Communicator, Community Builder & Stakeholder Engager. President @LINKStrategic. Believes in hugs.

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

We wrapped Day 1 of the @LINKStrategic Team ReCharge with a phenomenal DC river cruise! Thanks to @dmanihp and @citycruises for hosting a spectacular night! As you can see, our lil’ captain had a great time ❤️

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

Proud of raising a kid who can hang till midnight at a black tie gala, then get up the next day to rock the monster truck rally! 🤣

Life has many dimensions and we’re determined to explore them all!

#WorkLifeBlend ❤️

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

Few things I enjoy more than making breakfast for the family on a “quiet” weekend morning. Yes, sometimes you need to break out the wedding china just because 😊

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

@LINKstrategic was proud to support the @BloodCancerUtd #LeukemiaBall26.

Over $2 MILLION was raised in this room TONIGHT, to advance research, treatment, and care.

It was extra special to have my family with me this evening. Like too many families, ours has been impacted by cancer.

Tonight was an investment in the future ❤️

Thanks to the entire Blood Cancer United Mid-Atlantic team, the hilarious Vanessa Bayer, and to all who came out to support!

#BloodCancerUnited #LINKglobal

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

It’s a Bikes ➡️ Black Tie type of Saturday!

Looking forward to a great night for a great cause at the @BloodCancerUtd Gala!

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

Wendi, Carole and I had a spectacular night at the @fonarboretum Friends of the National Arboretum Spring Soirée!

I’ve been in this city for 27 years, and new things continue to reveal themselves…such as this stunning bonsai & penjing garden/museum.

This is a special place, and I’m thrilled that Jeanne Braha is helping to lead it into its next chapter.

[Team LINK @LINKstrategic]

Two weeks ago, our president @dcmichaela delivered the commencement address to the @gwbusiness. But this isn’t just an ICYMI post. Our team has been reflecting on his address — and the story that led to it.

As a student, @GWtweets played an essential role in shaping Michael’s vision about how we can better serve our communities with authenticity. LINK’s identity began to take meaningful shape because of what he learned and experienced there.

So, today, we’re again celebrating the commencement address because we’re proud of Michael and we’re proud to be part of a business culture that constantly motivates us to change the world for the better. And, in a moment that feels overwhelmed by cynicism, we’re deeply excited that Michael has inspired a new generation of business leaders to see—and create—a more hopeful, empathetic, and kind shared future.

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

Extended birthday celebrations for the lil' man with a much needed family weekend at @SalamanderVA.

Sure, it rained most of the weekend ☔️

But, that didn't dampen things one bit!

Did this time away "fit"? Of course not.

Were there 100 reasons we could've found say no? Of course.

But, as a family, we've decided that the most hectic times are also the most important times to prioritize each other. The nice hotel stay is not the most important part of this (though we do love this place). Rather, it is the joint decision that investment in each other is the best possible place we can spend our time. ❤

#WorkLifeBlend

[Team LINK @LINKstrategic]

#TeamLINK was proud to support the Washington, DC Economic Partnership’s (@WDCEP) activation at ICSC in Las Vegas last week—helping spotlight why Washington, DC continues to be a premier place to invest, grow, live, work, and play.

With a focus on attracting new opportunities and economic growth to the District, it was exciting to see leaders come together to tell DC’s story and showcase the momentum happening across our city.

It was also a personal privilege for our President, @DCMichaelA, to introduce former DC Mayor @TonyWilliamsDC at the DC Reception, as he welcomed @MayorBowser and reflected on her impactful leadership and tenure.

#LINKglobal

[Team LINK @LINKstrategic]

This #MemorialDay, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. Their courage will never be forgotten.

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

Doesn’t matter how early the wake up 😴 or how long the flight ✈️, one thing I’m not gonna miss is my boy’s birthday.

Work is important; so is life ❤️

Happiest of birthdays to the little guy who lights up our whole world 🌎

[Team LINK @LINKstrategic]

#TeamLINK has had the pleasure of engaging with @ITGA_ORG for nearly 20 years, as a partner, a presenter, and via our President @DCMichaelA's service on the board.

It’s been a powerful week at @TAMU in College Station for this year’s #ITGA conference.

We helped to convene three panels with university and civic leaders from @HowardU, @udc_edu, @City_of_Seaside and @CSUMB, including dynamic discussions with President Maurice Edington, Rashad Young, Greg McDanel, and Matthew S. McCluney, regarding campus development, strategic planning, city management, and how anchor institutions can foster community and economic vitality.

It was great to bring together partners looking to positively shape the future landscape of higher education and the shared communities in which we operate.

We're excited for what’s ahead at #ITGA2027 in Raleigh, NC at @UNC.

#VisitCollegeStation
#Aggieland
#HigherEducation
#LINKglobal

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

The International Town Gown Association conference hosted this week by @TAMU and the city of @CityofCS did not disappoint!

A true pleasure to present not 1, not 2, but 3 times at this global gathering of city/county (town 🌆) and higher ed (gown 🎓) leaders.

The sessions we curated with @udc_edu, @HowardU and Seaside CA brought best practices & interactive discussions to the conference stage 🎤.

An incredible visit to the @GeorgeHWBush Presidential Library, some Texas BBQ, fellowship with my ITGA board colleagues, and hugs with friends old & new made for another great #ITGA @itgaonline event ❤️!

#LINKglobal

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

Whew. It’s amazing what you can fit into three days in Vegas when sleep becomes optional 🤣

As a true believer in #WorkLifeBlend, this trip combined both in the most beautiful way.

LINK rocked ICSC, both helping to position DC as THE place to do business, and opening up new global opportunities for our firm and the region in the process.

And, was able to squeeze in some much needed fellowship with dear friends & family ❤️.

#LINKglobal

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

When I returned home recently from a work trip abroad, this little king was waiting for me at the door. But this time, he was carrying the crown 👑.

Turns out he and Mommy had planned a little celebration for “Michael Akin Day” 😭. This is an honorary day that was declared years ago in DC by the Council for some of my community work. It was a one time thing…but my family celebrates it each year like an actual holiday 🤣🥰

Life can be hectic. Gosh I’m lucky to have this family. Makes it all worth it ❤️

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

Here is the video of my Commencement Speech today for the The George Washington University School of Business.

I thought long and hard about what messages I wanted to convey to these impressive graduates - the current and future leaders of our business community - and to the families, faculty, and staff who have invested so much in them.

After much thought, much advice, and many drafts, I settled on a message of kindness, hope, and of lifting up as we rise.

We could all us a bit more of this. ❤️

I believe with my entire being that it IS possible to Do Well AND Do Good; it is my hope that this message resonated with those launching their next chapters.

As always, I truly welcome feedback on this message.

Thanks you, The George Washington University, for this opportunity!

#GWCommencement #gwsbgrads26 @gwbusiness @GWtweets

[Michael Akin @DCMichaelA]

Still processing today. Will post official photos and a video link when they are ready, but for now here are a few moments from a truly special afternoon.

Deeply honored to be asked to be the Commencement Speaker for the The George Washington University School of Business (@gwbusiness), and to help celebrate such a special day for the students, families, faculity and staff who have worked so hard for this moment.

Having my family with me made a remarkable day even more meaningful.

#GWCommencement #GWSBgrads26

#Grateful ❤️

[Team LINK @LINKstrategic]

What an evening! #TeamLINK was proud to support @RAMWdc's RAMMYS Honors Cocktail Reception at the historic Watergate Hotel last night, celebrating visionaries and changemakers who help shape DC's hospitality industry.

Congratulations to our brilliant partners at @TheEventsDC and @StratusFirm on their well-deserved recognition — and a special honor to @MayorBowser, recipient of the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award. Your bold leadership and passionate dedication to our restaurant community has inspired so much positive change in the Nation’s Capital!

Here's to the leaders who make our restaurant community one of the best in the entire world! #TheRAMMYS #RAMMYS2026 #DCRestaurants #WashingtonDC

[Team LINK @LINKstrategic]

@LINKstrategic and TCMA for @ReaganITCDC and in partnership with Nina Albert, @DMPEDDC, had the honor of hosting the dynamic District of Conversation International Trade Dinner. Together, we welcomed more than 130 leaders from across the District, the country, and around the world.

The evening’s hosts, @DCMichaelA, @CEOJohnPDrew, and @JamalHoltz, complimented by the #RRBITC’s culinary team, set the stage for a balanced and brilliantly crafted guest experience—making it more you’re your typical DC gathering. From local changemakers to global executives, the evening’s stunning setting and engaging format offered shared dialogue and candid conversations ensuring that guests left with new relationships that could fuel real economic growth and international collaboration. 

For the dinner, we were especially honored to welcome the distinguished Ireland Gateway to Europe delegation escorted by @DublinWTC in coordination with World Trade Center Washington, DC, whose presence underscores the strength and importance of cross-border partnerships and exemplifies the power of programs like the DC’s Global Soft Landing

Today, we are grateful and still recounting the moments from this special evening.  A night where conversations turned into connections, and connections into lasting impact.

#DistrictOfConversation #InternationalTrade #GlobalPartnerships #DCEconomy