Bryce Harlow Foundation

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 2023-24 Fellows Announced  More details on the current class of Fellows may be found HERE.

At its recent board meeting, the Bryce Harlow Foundation announced the appointment of eight new board members and new elected officers. Join us in welcoming them and read all about it here: 2023 BHF new officers and board. Our full list of board members and staff may be found HERE.

The Bryce Harlow Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 Bryce Harlow Fellowship, a prestigious award including scholarship funds and mentoring. We encourage you to please help spread the word, or to apply if you are working full time, going to graduate school part time and are interested in the field of lobbying and government advocacy. The deadline for applying is Sunday, May 1, 2023. For complete information, including a link to the on-line application, please visit our website.

Nick Armstrong grew up in Michigan and came to Washington, D.C. to attend American University for his undergraduate degree. He studied political science at AU, and it was during these years his love of government and politics expanded from an interest into a career.

Today he works as the Manager of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Aids Institute, where he lobbies on behalf of the organization before Congress and executive agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration.  Nick works to build coalitions and find common ground among HIV groups to support and protect health care access for people living with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and chronic diseases.

While he is working in Washington D.C., Nick is also earning a master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan.  He hopes to deepen his public policy knowledge through his degree so he can continue advocating for people impacted by diseases.

Nick is also looking forward to learning more from the Bryce Harlow Foundation network. “The mentoring and peer connections the Foundation offers are so valuable,” Nick said. “I really appreciate the opportunity to meet other lobbyists focused on advocacy with integrity.”

Originally from Irvine, California, Namrata Pujara went to the Ohio State University to study political science and economics. Throughout her college years (and even in high school), Namrata worked with local government, both in Irvine and Columbus. In 2018, she worked on one of the most expensive races of the cycle, a U.S. Senate race in Ohio, and learned a lot along the way.

Today, Namrata works as a Legislative Assistant for the American Academy of Pediatrics, where she works on policy and advocacy related to infectious diseases, vaccines, children with disabilities, and school health, among other issues, to advance child health priorities overall. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in public health from the George Washington University, where she is focusing her studies on learning more about epidemiology and vaccinations.

Namrata is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellow. “The Fellowship gives me an opportunity to meet other like-minded people in DC – lobbyists who understand the importance of integrity in our chosen field,” Namrata said. “I’m honored to be part of this network of professionals.”

Jake Kennedy grew up in San Diego, California and studied political science at Bucknell University, where he minored in environmental policy. Today he works as a Professional Staff Member for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where his portfolio includes policy work related to climate, hazardous waste, and chemical safety. He is also working to earn an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Before his role with the committee, Jake worked as a legislative assistant in former Arizona Senator Jeff Flake’s office. He also worked for a Member of Parliament in London, sparking an interest in government and politics that led him to the U.S. Senate. Jake would like to become an in-house lobbyist one day, explaining some of the regulatory uncertainty in DC to those making business decisions around regulations.

Combining his experience working on Capitol Hill with an MBA and being a Bryce Harlow Fellow will help equip him with the skills needed for eventually achieving that goal.

“Being awarded the Fellowship is an important honor, validating that I’m on the right path and among good company,” Jake said. “The values instilled by Bryce Harlow and the Foundation convey what federal advocacy really means and helps bring conversations about the role of integrity in advocacy to the forefront.” Jake adopted two hound dogs during the pandemic, Sadie and George.

Scott Marks has lived all over the United States, from Connecticut to Arizona and Texas. He first became interested in government during high school, when he was paid to put up campaign signs, an interest that has grown ever since. Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sam Houston State University and is now pursuing a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University.

Scott is currently an Assistant Vice President of Congressional Relations with the Independent Community Bankers of America, where he enjoys helping members understand Capitol Hill and adding insight around what new legislation could mean for them. Prior to joining ICBA, Scott worked as the Government Relations Manager for the Transportation Intermediaries Association, and has also been an advocate for the Fraternal Order of Police.

“With the Bryce Harlow Foundation, like-minded folks can come together to enjoy lobbying in the ‘right’ way, pursuing a higher level of ethics and accountability,” Scott said. “I’m proud to be a part of this community of government relations professionals working with integrity.”  In his spare time, Scott is still trying to find the best Texas BBQ in Washington DC.

The Bryce Harlow Foundation is pleased to announce the 2022-23 class of Bryce Harlow Fellows!  Join us in congratulating them and read all about it here: BHF 2022-23 Fellows Announced. Information about our Fellowship program may be found HERE.

Originally from the Buckeye State, Elle Crader got her start in politics working for former Ohio Gov. John Kasich. She also studied political science at the Ohio State University and grew up with a strong interest in politics and the news.

Today, she works in Chicago as a Legislative Liaison for CHW Advisors/Cornerstone Consulting Services, a traditional lobbying firm.  Elle helps clients advocate for a variety of issues with the state legislature, including criminal justice reform.  She is also pursuing a Juirs Doctor of Law at the Loyola University Chicago to better understand how to create and understand the impact of policies.

Elle is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow. “It’s important to have the Bryce Harlow Foundation promoting honesty and integrity in the lobbying field while helping to build a network of ethical lobbyists around the country,” Elle said.

Truly a woman who does it all, Elle is has two poodles and is also the proud mom of a young baby born during the pandemic.

Originally from Peru but raised in Maryland, Sheyla Guevara cares a great deal about helping people gain access health care services.  A healthcare data analyst for CareFirst, Sheyla she works with people on Medicaid to ensure CareFirst is meeting quality measures as defined in health policies. Looking out for her own health, Sheyla is a devoted fan of fitness and works out every day.

Interested in the bridge between business and health policy, Sheyla is pursuing both an MBA and a Master’s of Arts degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland. Inspired by her Bryce Harlow Foundation mentor, Nancy LeaMond, she is interested in one day pursuing a job in health care advocacy to part of the policy debates as they unfold.

“The Bryce Harlow Foundation has opened so many doors and perspectives for me,” Sheyla said. “I’ve been able to network with Fellows and my mentors even during the pandemic, and that network is so important.”