Bryce Harlow Foundation

The Bryce Harlow Foundation recently announced the 2019-20 class of Bryce Harlow Fellows. Join us in congratulating them and read all about it here: BHF 2019-20 Fellows Announced

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Marlon studied at the University of Kansas where he intended to study engineering. He fell in love with making social change after getting involved in organizations on campus like student Senate, and changed his major to communications studies.

After graduating, Marlon worked on state, local, and Federal campaigns (including the last four presidential races). Under the President Obama administration he served in the White House Office of Public Engagement and is currently a founding partner at the public engagement firm 270 Strategies.

Marlon is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University, with a goal of gaining a better understanding of policy to help address social justice issues. The Bryce Harlow Fellowship taught him about the legacy of ethical lobbying and advocacy. “I was most impressed by Mr. Harlow’s spirit of bipartisanship, and how he worked with both sides of the aisle to do public good,” Marlon said.

Minnesota native Kayla attended Dartmouth College where she majored in linguistics and Native American Studies. After graduating, she worked as a linguist with Native American tribes to create indigenous immersion curricula, which helped spur her active involvement in politics and advocacy.

Kayla’s next move was to work on an Indigenous media team for the Global Coordinating Group, as Indigenous advocates from around the world prepared for the 2014 World Congress on Indigenous People. She also studied for and received a master’s degree in human rights law at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London before coming to Washington DC to work for the Native American Finance Officers Association. Kayla now works as a Senior Public Affairs Advisor for the Native American Law Group at Holland & Knight LLP.

Kayla is currently pursuing a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. She hopes that obtaining a more thorough understanding of the law will help her be a better advocate. “I am honored to be a Bryce Harlow fellow,” Kayla said. “The foundation shines a light on what it means to be an ethical and effective advocate.”

Erin Fernandez, a Tampa native, graduated from the University of South Florida. Although Erin was not planning to pursue a career in politics, everything changed with the 2008 recession. After seeing first hand the impact it had on her family and community, Erin decided to major in public advocacy and move to Washington D.C. after graduation to advocate on behalf of the people and businesses affected by the crisis.

Shortly after moving to D.C., Erin began working for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), where she still works today as a PAC Specialist. Erin also built the NextGen Program and Leadership Club for NADA, designed to encourage and teach young business leaders how to engage in political and legislative advocacy. “These programs give young leaders in the retail automotive industry the tools needed to understand and impact policy decisions,” Erin said. “I wanted to help others gain the advocacy skills and infrastructure I wish I’d had to help my family.”

Erin attends George Washington University, where she is pursuing a Masters degree in Political Management. Erin is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow saying, “Mr. Harlow’s reputation of integrity and always staying true to your core values resonates with me.”

Kevin was born and raised in Hamilton, Massachusetts and attended Boston College where he majored in Political Science. After graduating he packed his bags, and moved to Washington D.C., hoping to begin a career in politics. Kevin’s first internship at the International Franchise Association evolved into six-year stint working on their government relations team. In 2017 he moved to the Household & Commercial Products Association, where he serves as Director of Federal Government Relations and Public Policy.

Kevin is pursuing a law degree at American University, hoping to expand his understanding of the legislature and learn the substance of legislative craftsmanship. He is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow. “Mr. Harlow’s work was noble: he was invested in the process of setting sound public policy.” Kevin said. “He heeded the call of public service when he could make an impact, and also had a very important role in explaining government to business. This is a great career example for all of us today.”

A native of Arlington, Virginia, Jarrod was introduced to politics at a young age, working as a page in the U.S. Senate during high school. Jarrod went on to attend the University of Virginia before taking a leave of absence partway through his schooling to work on several political campaigns at the local, state and Federal levels. He eventually returned to school while also working in the Virginia state legislature.

After graduating, he took a job at the Application Developers Alliance before assuming his current role as the Advocacy and Public Affairs Manager at the Association for Career and Technical Education. Jarrod is pursuing a law degree at American University, hoping it will give him the legal and foundational background to continue working in public policy.

“The Bryce Harlow Foundation fellowship has given me the opportunity to learn from a terrific mentor and network with other outstanding fellows,” Jarrod said. “I hope to carry on the Bryce Harlow legacy and am proud to work in lobbying. For those who follow in Bryce Harlow’s footsteps, it is an honorable, honest profession—it allows me to positively influence the public policy process.”

Ata was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and spent his childhood growing up in both the United States and Turkey before moving to New Jersey at age 13. Later, at Rutgers University, Ata found he had an interest in political science and public policy. This interest was further sparked by a summer internship in Washington D.C. with former Congressman Dan Burton, and Ata graduated with a double major in History and Political Science. After graduation, he worked as an intern for the 2008 Obama campaign.

He studied in England and received a master’s degree in International Relations at the University of Cambridge before coming back and settling in D.C. Ata worked as a paralegal and translator before becoming a Trade Policy Analyst at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP. He also was involved in grassroots efforts with the Turkish-American community and served a stint as the President of the Turkish Policy Center. He is currently a Law Clerk in the trade group at White & Case LLP.

Ata is pursuing a law degree from Georgetown University, and his long-term goal is to continue working in international trade. He calls Bryce Harlow a role model for younger people pursuing careers in advocacy. “Those of us just entering the profession of advocacy could learn even today from the example of Mr. Harlow’s ethics and integrity,” Ata said.

The Bryce Harlow Foundation announced its honorees for the upcoming 2019 Annual Awards Dinner. Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC) will receive the Bryce Harlow Award and Donna Harman, President & CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association will receive the Business-Government Relations Award.   Read all about it here: BHF 2019 Honorees Announced.

Susan moved from her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri to attend Indiana University, where she earned a double major in Arabic and Anthropology. Although Susan had never really considered policy advocacy or lobbying as a career choice, her first post-college internship at UPS changed everything.

Susan’s internship was in the UPS public affairs office, working on international trade issues. She then moved to a job at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as part of their Middle East team, representing member companies’ interests in that region. Her next move was back to UPS as Manager of International Public Affairs, where she has been for nearly four years.

Susan is pursuing a Master’s degree in International Commerce and Policy at George Mason University. She chose this degree for its versatility and uniqueness, as it combines elements of international relations, business, and public policy. Her experience as a Fellow has been very positive. “While of course I welcome the financial support, it means so much to have access to strong mentors and be a part of such a wonderful cohort of Fellows,” Susan said.

John D. Dingell Jr., a Michigan Democrat who, as the longest-serving member of Congress in U.S. history, used his considerable power in the House of Representatives to uncover government fraud and defend the interests of his home state’s automobile industry, died Feb. 7 at his home in Dearborn. He was 92.  Mr. Dingell was the 1996 recipient of the Bryce Harlow Award and we mourn the loss of this great man. More information may be found here.