Derek Campbell’s journey into public service began in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where early life experiences ignited his passion for advocacy and public policy. Raised by a single mother, Derek witnessed firsthand the challenges of growing up with limited resources. His interest in policy was sparked during Wisconsin’s 2011 legislative session, when a proposal to roll back collective bargaining rights sparked widespread protests. This event left a lasting impression, introducing Derek to the power of advocacy. Another pivotal moment occurred when Derek had the opportunity to attend a rally for President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. Meeting the president, someone he admired, cemented his belief in the potential for government to bring hope and positive change.

Derek attended the University of Wisconsin, where he majored in political science and held internships at the Wisconsin State Capitol. After graduating, he joined Governor Tony Evers’ administration, advancing to senior policy advisor and gaining a deep understanding of state government. Eager to expand his expertise, Derek moved to Washington, D.C., after being appointed Wisconsin’s State Federal Director, where he represents the state’s interests in federal matters including advocating for Wisconsin’s federal priorities and maintaining relationships with federal agencies and Congress.

Derek is pursuing a Master’s in Policy Management at Georgetown University. He is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow and is especially eager to learn from experienced mentors. Derek’s long-term goal is to continue serving the public good, with aspirations of working in the highest level of intergovernmental affairs in Washington. ”I am committed to giving back to my community, “ Derek said. “I didn’t get here alone. I want to be part of the solution, helping others see government can be a force for positive change.”

Nabin Dhimal’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of lived experience. Born in Nepal, Nabin spent the first 14 years of his life in a refugee camp, stateless and without access to many basic rights. This profoundly shaped his career and life goals. When his family was resettled in the U.S., he became the first in his family to graduate high school and college—a major milestone that broke barriers for him and his community.

Growing up without citizenship, Nabin was keenly aware of the obstacles facing refugees and stateless individuals. This motivated him to fight for those who are often left behind, and it also sparked his passion for advocacy as the way to effect change. Today, Nabin is a Program Manager at Lutheran Community Services Northwest, a nonprofit organization focusing on refugee resettlement. His role holds special significance as he was once a client of the same organization, relying on their services when his family first arrived in the U.S.

Nabin is also pursuing a Master’s degree in International Migration and Refugees at Georgetown University. “The Bryce Harlow fellowship provides me with a valuable network of mentors and peers in advocacy, all committed to making an impact in the world through public policy,” said Nabin.

He sees the Bryce Harlow Fellowship as an essential stepping stone in his journey and hopes to continue focusing on policy and education for refugees and stateless individuals around the world. Nabin’s passion for creating systemic change — at a grassroots level or working on global policy — exemplifies how those who have faced the greatest challenges often have the most to give.

Nomi Small’s journey into public service began as a park ranger.  This developed into a passion for fighting poverty and food insecurity, which led to her current role as the Network and Events Coordinator for the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). Nomi is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at George Washington University, focusing on public policy and social impact.

At FRAC, Nomi organizes national conferences, equipping advocates across the country with the tools they need to combat hunger. “Bringing advocates together is incredibly fulfilling,” Nomi shares. “It’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and working toward real, systemic change.”

Nomi values the Bryce Harlow Foundation’s bipartisan approach and mentorship opportunities. “The Fellowship has opened doors to a network of people who are just as committed to public service as I am,” Nomi said. “It’s helped me sharpen my skills and better understand the complex policy landscape.”

Nomi’s dedication to advocacy and public engagement goes beyond her day job. Nomi is actively involved in her local community, helping oversee elections in Arlington County, VA.  This hands-on involvement reinforces her belief in the power of grassroots efforts to drive policy change.

Growing up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Annie Webb discovered her passion for civics, thanks to a standout 7^th grade teacher who made the world of government and policy click. That early spark has now grown into a dynamic career as Associate Vice President of Government Relations at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.  Annie is also pursuing an MBA at George Mason University

Her current role focuses on advocating for financial security policies that help people gain access to tools critical for financial wellness. Annie’s dedication to creating bipartisan solutions has already contributed to the successful passing of two major retirement security bills.

Annie is honoured to have been being selected twice as a Fellow, as the Foundation’s principles of integrity and honesty are core to Annie’s work.  “The mentorship from industry leaders has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally,” Annie said. “Their guidance helped me expand my skills today and think strategically about tomorrow.”

Ajay Lucas’s journey is one of resilience and a deep commitment to advocacy. Born in Mexico, Ajay migrated to the U.S. as a child, facing the harsh realities of crossing the border with his siblings. Growing up undocumented in Los Angeles, he quickly learned the challenges of navigating life in a new country. These experiences fueled his passion for understanding and improving the systems that affect immigrant communities and drive economic opportunity.

Despite significant obstacles, Ajay pursued his education with determination and is now working toward a master’s degree in public policy at the University of Southern California. Ajay serves as the Senior Manager of Public Policy for UNITE-LA, collaborating with businesses, government leaders, and community advocates, to develop policies that create economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

Ajay views the Bryce Harlow Fellowship as a valuable opportunity to expand his network, refine his advocacy skills, and gain insights that will help him make a broader impact. His long-term goal is to run for office, where he aims to represent California’s diversity and drive meaningful change in areas like immigration policy, economic equity, and workforce development.

Sarah Sapirstein is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through her work in the field of public policy. As an Executive Vice President at ENS Resources Inc., Sarah’s focus is on public water policy—a sector that intersects with critical issues like climate change, infrastructure, and public health. She advocates for public water agencies in California, helping them navigate the challenges of water security in a changing climate.  More than just a job, Sarah finds deeply fulfilling to help her clients navigate the challenges of water security in a changing climate.

Growing up in Northern Virginia, Sarah was always close to the political pulse of Washington, D.C.  She studied at the University of Vermont and is now back in the DC area, pursuing a Master’s degree in Policy Management at Georgetown University.

Sarah’s involvement with the Bryce Harlow Foundation for the past two years has been a key part of her growth in professional advocacy. The Foundation helped her find role models and a welcoming community, encouraging networking, connection, and mutual learning. Sarah credits the Foundation with providing a platform to learn from others who have walked similar paths, offering her both inspiration and practical guidance as she continues to develop her leadership skills.

Ferdous Dehqan’s journey is marked by resilience and a deep commitment to public service. Born in Afghanistan and raised in Queens, New York, Ferdous identifies as an Afghan American, drawing on his diverse background to shape his passion for public policy. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Georgetown University, Ferdous views his studies as more than academic—they are a means to contribute to the greater good.

With a rich background in advocacy, Ferdous has served as Legislative Director at the Afghanistan-U.S. Democratic Peace and Prosperity Council, representing the Afghan Parliament before the U.S. Congress. Now, as a Policy Analyst at Wise Capital Strategy, he focuses on domestic policies, including trade communication and environmental law. Ferdous sees climate change as an existential threat and is dedicated to environmental policy, alongside his interests in national security and emerging technologies like AI.

Ferdous’s drive is rooted in personal experiences, particularly his grandfather’s role as a senator in Afghanistan, and the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which deepened his resolve to ensure such events are managed with integrity. His values of transparency, accountability, and decency closely align with those of the Bryce Harlow Foundation, making his fellowship experience particularly meaningful. Ferdous appreciates the mentorship he’s receiving through the Foundation, viewing it as invaluable in shaping his approach to government relations and broadening his professional network.

Outside of work, Ferdous is passionate about reading about foreign policy, further fuelling his drive to contribute meaningfully to the world of public policy. His long-term goal is to play a significant role in shaping national security, foreign affairs, and environmental policy, using his unique experiences and values to make a lasting impact.

Mark Borges’ journey from the rural landscapes of Oakdale, California to his current work in public affairs is driven by a deep connection to the environment and a passion for strategy. Growing up surrounded by the beauty of Yosemite National Park and other natural spaces, Mark’s early experiences instilled a profound appreciation for the outdoors. This connection led him to pursue a degree in environmental science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he realized how vital it was to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.

Mark’s professional path began with the prestigious Capital Fellows Program, where he worked in the California Natural Resources Agency. This experience ignited his passion for environmental policy and advocacy, and after a successful year as a staffer for the Secretary of Natural Resources, he transitioned to Lucas Public Affairs, a women-operated firm in Sacramento. Here, Mark helps clients in the energy and climate sectors. His advocacy also extends to his involvement with the LGBTQ+ community, where he actively works to build the bench of tomorrow’s LGBTQ+ leaders.

As a Bryce Harlow Fellow, Mark is grateful for the mentorship and support he has received. Mark’s goal is to work on the front lines of public policy, focusing on environmental protection and serving underrepresented communities. His long-term vision is to become an excellent public servant, driven by his commitment to making a meaningful difference in policy and advocacy.

Alex Melillo’s career is a testament to the power of cross-cultural understanding and the importance of trust in global relations—two values that deeply resonate with the Bryce Harlow Foundation’s mission. Raised in New Jersey, Alex’s passion for Japan began at just nine years old when she started learning Japanese, and this early interest grew into a lifelong commitment to U.S.-Japan relations. After earning her undergraduate degree, she spent a decade in Japan, where she worked in education and with the American Chamber of Commerce, bridging cultural and commercial gaps between the two nations.

Now in Washington, D.C., Alex works at The Asia Group, where she provides clients with detailed research and analysis on market and regulatory trends in key industries in Japan, focusing on pharmaceutical and healthcare policy. Outside of her professional life, Alex is completing her master’s in international policy at GW’s Elliott School and is an avid runner, which keeps her grounded amid a busy schedule of work and school.

Alex is grateful for the guidance and insights she has received from her Bryce Harlow Foundation mentors, advising her on navigating the complex world of policy and advocacy, especially in the healthcare industry space. Having found her dream job—combining her love for Japan, policy, and advocacy—Alex proves that persistence and passion truly pay off when following your path.

The Bryce Harlow Foundation recently announced it’s incoming class of Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellows.  Please join us in congratulating them and read all about it here: BHF 2024-25 Fellows Announced.  More details on the current class of Fellows may be found HERE.