Bryce Harlow Foundation

Mary Katherine (MK) Kirlin’s path to energy policy wasn’t linear—it was shaped by curiosity, ambition, and a drive to make an impact. Now the Legislative Affairs Manager at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), MK has blended her passion for advocacy with a commitment to shaping the future of energy and environmental policy.

Raised in Chevy Chase, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., MK grew up surrounded by politics and policy. Her interests extended beyond legislation—she was a competitive athlete in tennis and squash and led volunteer efforts through Operation Smile. For college, she attended Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas for her undergraduate work, pursuing her law degree at American University.

While preparing for the LSAT, she joined the National Mining Association as a Government Affairs Specialist, immersing herself in lobbying and policy work. This experience solidified her passion for energy and environmental issues, and MK’s transition to NRECA was a natural fit.

Being awarded the Bryce Harlow Fellowship has been a pivotal experience for MK, introducing her to a network of passionate advocacy professionals. The fellowship is deepening her understanding of advocacy, reinforcing her drive to create lasting change, and energizing her for the possibilities ahead.

Zack grew up in Westchester, NY in a family of passionate liberal activists—his mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother were all involved in progressive politics. “I was raised knowing that politics is not just about laws—it’s about people and change,” says Zack.

Zack’s political journey took off during his senior year of high school when he interned for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. He continued to volunteer for campaigns throughout his college years at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, where he double majored in public policy and music.  After graduation, the natural next step was Capitol Hill, and Zack is now a Senior Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari.

Zack is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Security Studies at Georgetown University, a degree program he chose because “I’m not just studying security — I’m studying how to prevent war and maintain a safe world,” he said.

Being selected as a Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellow was a defining moment for Zack. He values the Fellowship for its community of like-minded, ambitious individuals, its mentorship, and the concrete impact it has on planning a successful career in public service.

For Wei Li Werner, public service is more than just a career, it’s a deeply held commitment. As a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and a Master’s student in Government at Johns Hopkins University, she thrives in the fast-moving world of policymaking, where each day brings new challenges and opportunities to make an impact.

Raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Wei Li grew up with a deep appreciation for government service, thanks to her mother, who spent 35 years as a county public servant. That early exposure to the power of civic engagement shaped her path. She always knew she wanted to be in Washington, D.C., working on policy, and she made it happen, attending George Washington University and diving headfirst into internships with congressional offices, NGOs, and government relations firms.

An internship with a House member during her freshman year gave her a firsthand look at how government functions. She quickly realized that the intersection of policy, advocacy, and problem-solving was where she belonged. Now, as a Legislative Assistant for Senator Tim Kaine, she manages a diverse policy portfolio and especially enjoys the intricacies of appropriations. Wei Li describes her work as both demanding and deeply rewarding and views it as being part of something bigger, where every decision could make a difference.

As a Bryce Harlow Fellow, she’s gained invaluable mentorship from Frances Creighton, a former Senate Chief of Staff and now an industry leader. His guidance helps her navigate both professional and academic challenges, reinforcing her commitment to ethical advocacy and public service.

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Christina Ingram began her professional journey working as a constituent services representative for Congressman Bobby Scott. Listening to the struggles of constituents and helping address their concerns ignited an unexpected interest in public service and policy. Christina’s natural problem-solving skills led her to join Congressman Scott’s Washington, D.C., office where she spent the next several years immersed in critical issues such as healthcare, defense, and women’s advocacy.

This experience honed her ability to tackle complex problems and reinforced her desire to help effect meaningful change. Christina decided to further her education and enrolled at American University where she is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy with a concentration in healthcare.

Christina’s focus on healthcare policy is fuelled by a personal connection — her mother’s late-in-life diagnosis of diabetes, which deepened her understanding of the challenges patients face. Today, as Senior Manager at Breakthrough T1D, Christina combines her personal and professional experiences to advocate for research funding, treatments, and policy solutions.

Christina describes being selected as a Bryce Harlow Fellow as both humbling and energizing, giving her an opportunity to build new relationships and refine her advocacy skills, especially in her chosen career of helping people untangle healthcare and public policy issues.

Rachael Goldenberg grew up in Rochester, New York, raised by a single mother in a family of “powerful ladies.” In high school, she threw herself into any opportunity she could find, playing softball and volleyball, joining the business club, and even helping run the morning TV show.  When it came time for college, she chose Wellesley to surround herself with driven, passionate peers. She studied, played softball for four years, and spent a semester in Johannesburg, where witnessing human rights challenges firsthand prompted her to think about making a difference back home.

After graduation, Rachael worked on Joe Kennedy’s first congressional campaign, fuelled by a belief that electing strong, principled leaders is the best way to create real, lasting change. This conviction still guides her today as Chief of Staff for Congressman Josh Harder (CA-09). She is also pursuing an executive MBA at UVA Darden, inspired by her boss’s structured approach to problem-solving.

Rachael sees the tremendous value in the Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellowship, as it helps broaden her network, learn from peers who share her passion for integrity, gain fresh policy perspectives, and continue focusing on public service to keep voters engaged and ensure no one is overlooked.

Arsene Frederic is a Program Associate at Arabella Advisors, working in their advocacy group to help clients in public health, technology, and sustainability. He’s also a fourth-year PhD student at Howard University, studying Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies with a focus on the intersection of education, workforce development, and technology.

Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Arsene’s career was shaped by a deep curiosity about education, and how technology influences the way people learn. After earning his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and continuing his studies at American University, Arsene discovered his passion for creating systemic change.  “I realized that I wasn’t just interested in what happens in the classroom,” said Arsene. “I wanted to design systems to train and empower people on a larger scale.”

As a Bryce Harlow Fellow, Arsene is fully engaging in the program’s mentorship and networking opportunities to help him refine his leadership style and advocacy strategies. “The mentorship has been invaluable,” Arsene said. “My mentors’ expertise in navigating complex policy challenges helps me think critically about how to position myself and my work for greater impact. The relationships I’m building through the BHF are equipping me with the tools and insights to turn my vision into reality.”

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

Patrick Fox is an Education Policy Advisor for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), where he focuses on higher education and special education policy. Growing up in Jefferson Parish near New Orleans, Patrick’s career has been shaped by a passion for problem-solving and a drive to improve education systems on a large scale.

Patrick’s journey began in the classroom, earning a degree in collaborative education with certifications in K-6 and K-8 special education. Teaching gave him the tools to help individual students thrive, but it also left him asking bigger questions. “I knew how to teach a kid to read,” he recalls, “but I didn’t know how to teach a whole city to read. That’s what led me to education policy—I wanted to understand how decisions are made at scale and how to make them better.”

His pursuit of answers led him to earn a master’s degree in education policy, and a move to Capitol Hill, where he has spent six years representing Louisiana and crafting policy solutions to systemic challenges. The Bryce Harlow Fellowship is helping Patrick plan the next steps in his career. “To me, advocacy is problem-solving in action, and I’ve learned so much from mentors who’ve transitioned from the Hill to advocacy roles,” Patrick said.  The Foundation has also connected him to peers and leaders equally passionate about building public trust and driving meaningful change.

The Bryce Harlow Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 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 4, 2025. For complete information, including a link to the on-line application, please visit our website.

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.”