Bryce Harlow Foundation

From an early age, Matthew Mariani was drawn to the political discussions shaping society. After learning that finance and teaching were not the right careers for him, Matt took a leap of faith and moved to Washington, D.C. He landed an unpaid internship on Capitol Hill, which introduced him to the world of advocacy and the path suddenly was clear. Informed in part by his time as a teacher, he began working at a children’s advocacy organization, which became the foundation for his work in child health policy.

His current role is the Director of Federal Advocacy at the American Academy of Pediatrics, focusing on improving children’s health and well-being. For Matt, building partnerships with policymakers, health professionals, and advocacy groups energizes his work. Matt is also pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at George Washington University, a degree he hopes will add depth to his understanding of policy, and complex legislative and regulatory issues.

Being selected as a Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellow strengthened Matt’s commitment to advocacy, offering both professional growth and a sense of community. His mentorship experience with Lori Reilly has been particularly impactful, especially in understanding how policy and law intersect. The Fellowship has connected him with peers, offered invaluable insights into ethical advocacy, and underscored the importance of having thoughtful, engaged professionals in government affairs.

Kevin Keane, President and CEO of the American Beverage Association, began his career in journalism, covering the Wisconsin government beat with curiosity and dedication.  Drawn to straightforward conversation and strong opinions, Kevin moved from journalism into government service as a press secretary for Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. It was there he caught the advocacy bug, discovering the satisfaction of making a difference every day.

Over the past two decades, Kevin has seen advocacy evolve. The once-clear lines of political ideologies have blurred, making the landscape more unpredictable. Success now requires nimbleness, deeper listening, and understanding perspectives that don’t fit neatly into traditional categories. Kevin sees this complexity as an opportunity, believing that strong advocacy is rooted in relationships, listening, and the ability to adapt.

As CEO, Kevin is helping his team to be ready for any challenge. “Growth happens when people step outside their comfort zones.” Kevin says. “Today’s emerging advocates don’t fit into the traditional mold and that’s a strength. They challenge established thinking and offer fresh perspectives.”  For Kevin, mentorship is a two-way street, a belief that drew him to the Bryce Harlow Foundation.

Serving on the Foundation board allows Kevin to help shape the next generation of leaders while continuing to learn himself. “It’s about fostering growth, encouraging dialogue, and ensuring new advocates have the skills to navigate an increasingly complex landscape,” Kevin says. “I continue to be inspired by working alongside both the rising stars and my dedicated colleagues on the board.”

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.