Bryce Harlow Foundation

Will Brown began his education on a very different path from his political parents. He attended DePauw University in Indiana where he played football, majored in communications, and hosted a radio show. But destiny called, and in 2007 Will moved to DC to enter “the family business,” working on the Hill for five years in various positions. Currently, he works for the National Utility Contractors Association, building the government affairs operations.

Will is pursuing his Master’s degree in Congressional and Presidential Studies at Catholic University. He is grateful for the support and networking opportunities the Bryce Harlow Fellowship provides and believes strongly in the mission of the Foundation. “Lobbying gets a bad-rap,” says Will, “but for every lobbyist on TV, there are a three dozen others trying to make the country better. Lobbyists are essential to the process, helping lawmakers understand the impact of any given vote.”

Aryenish Birdie has been passionate about animal testing since a frog dissection project in 7th grade. In her current role as Regulatory Testing Policy Specialist at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), she channels that personal interest by promoting non-animal testing at PCRM, and translating the science to policy makers and the public.

The daughter of immigrants, education has always been a priority for Aryenish, who received her undergraduate degree in sociology and philosophy. She is now pursuing her MA in Public Management at Johns Hopkins. She was drawn to the interdisciplinary program at JHU, which allows her to take courses in various areas of study in lobbying and policy across the university. This same interest in learning across borders makes Aryenish a terrific Fellow. “The Fellowship brings wonderful opportunities to meet with peers and leaders in the lobbying world,” says Bridie, “I welcome the chance to learn from others.”

Joshua Blume became interested in international issues at age 15 when studying in Germany. He added the lobbying “bug” in college at Utah State during an internship with a lobbyist representing universities with big research programs.  “Although researchers have good ideas, they do not always know how to secure funding for themselves or connect their work with public policy,” says Joshua.  “It was gratifying and even fun to help them reach their goals.” After graduation, Joshua began working in various capacities for Senator Hatch (including that famous role as the Senator’s driver), which led him to his current role with the Senate Committee on Finance.

Since Joshua’s true interest lies in trade policy, he is pursuing his law degree at Georgetown University. Like many other fellows, he recognizes the unique value of the BHF mentorship.  In Joshua’s words, “It has been incredibly valuable to hear different perspectives on opportunities both on and off the Hill, and to have dedicated time with a mentor who has experience in my exact areas of interest.”

Eric Morrissette has been interested in public policy and service since his days as an undergraduate at Syracuse, where he caught the advocacy “bug” and never looked back!  Eric served as a member of the chancellor’s task force on student run television, rewriting the school’s academic integrity policy as a part of a committee on academic integrity, and helped determine how the school’s name and likeness would be used as a part of the trademark and licensing advisory board. During this time, Eric also published work on lead poisoning in low income communities, an initiative that helped change lead policy within the city of Syracuse and was recognized by the Clinton foundation.

In his current role at the U.S. Federal Reserve, Eric manages issues related to Puerto Rico, housing, student loans, access to credit, cybersecurity, consumer and community affairs, as well as outreach to new members of Congress.  Eric is pursuing his MA in Global Public Policy and was recently featured in the recruiting brochure for Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies.  He hopes to emulate Bryce Harlow in his professional pursuits by “doing good work for the American people”.

Jesse Barba, a 2015-16 Bryce Harlow Fellow, got the political “bug” working for the Mayor’s office in his home state of New York. He moved to Washington DC to work on the Hill and is now a Government Affairs Associate at Cassidy & Associates. In his current role, Jesse uses his Hill experience to help translate how legislation and regulations will impact clients, and helps build new strategic relationships.

Jesse is also pursuing a Masters of Art degree in Legislative Affairs at George Washington University. He is taking full advantage of the whole experience — both the coursework, and access to a network of like-minded individuals to help grow his connections and his knowledge. “I can ask classmates questions about their industries to learn more for my clients” says Jesse.

He notes the important role young professionals like the Bryce Harlow Fellows play in lobbying and politics. “As millennials, we are creative and refreshing, and the political process needs that now more than ever,” says Jesse. He is proud to be a BHF Fellow and values the networking component of this too, saying “the Bryce Harlow Foundation fellowship helps me surround myself with people who have been in the industry, who are industry experts.”