Bryce Harlow Foundation

Growing up in Georgia, Phillip credits his early internship in the state Senate with his start in government advocacy. He then worked on a successful congressional campaign, followed by a stint on Capitol Hill, and now works as a government relations representative for International Paper (IP). One of Fortune’s “Most Admired Companies in the World,” IP works with elected government officials at the federal, state, and international levels.

Phillip is pursuing an MBA from the University of Maryland. “An MBA will help me to understand how my work impacts the business – and will allow me to better communicate with business leaders and elected officials when discussing the impact of legislation or regulations,” Phillip said.

He also sees the value of the Bryce Harlow Foundation and is proud to be a Fellow. ““I’m grateful for the mentorship the Fellowship offers,” Phillip said. “The Foundation board members are highly respected individuals, and each of them has likely had a mentor to help them get to where they are today. These connections are so important, especially when starting your career in lobbying.”

An avid hunter and fisherman, Brian Malat likes to be quick on his feet in all he does – even at work.

Brian is a Manager of Government Relations for Van Scoyoc Associates, where he helps clients better understand the appropriations process in Congress, and crafts strategic lobbying plans.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, he is earning a law degree at American University. Brian chose law to learn about creating statutes and regulations and study how courts interpret them in cases at the state and federal levels.

Brian is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow noting, “The mission statement of the Foundation is one I strongly support. Being around like-minded younger professionals has already made a positive difference for my career development. I’m happy to be part of a group leading by example in the lobbying profession.”

Sara Ribakove is passionate about eliminating food waste and preventing obesity in America.

While earning her undergraduate degree in public health at the University of Rochester, Sara founded a chapter of the Food Recovery Network (FRN). Through FRN, she donated leftover food from her campus dining halls to a local soup kitchen. After graduation, Sara worked for the organization in its Washington, DC office.

She continues her dedication through her current role as a Policy Associate at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, where she works to reduce obesity and improve the food environment. Sara enjoys working on food and nutrition policy at the intersection of corporate engagement and legislative policy.

She is also pursuing an MBA at Georgetown. “When advocates and industry build policy solutions together, the results will be more impactful and successful,” Sara said. “This is what the Bryce Harlow Foundation is all about, and why I’m proud to be a Fellow – ethical government advocacy helps lead to sound public policy.”

Originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania and Des Moines, Iowa, Wayne Edmiston served as a Marine for the last 16 years, in part as a combat journalist in Iraq.

After graduating with his bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in communications and media studies, Wayne is now pursuing a master’s degree in policy management at Georgetown University. He is also helping veterans through his work as a Congressional Fellow for the Office of Marine Corps Legislative Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In December, Wayne will become the Chief of the Marine Liaison Office in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he will serve as a liaison for the Marines and will lead international trips with Members of Congress. He hopes to eventually advocate for veterans in rural areas in America.

Wayne is proud to be named a Bryce Harlow Fellow, noting, “Bryce Harlow was a veteran, after being a public affairs officer in the Army. I am proud to serve as a Fellow and continue his legacy of government advocacy for veterans.”

David Gellman loves figuring out what federal policies will mean for local governments.

David is working as an Intergovernmental Affairs Associate at Simon & Company, helping his clients navigate the federal landscape, from getting grant funding to explaining the complex appropriations process on Capitol Hill.

Originally from Miami, Fla., David earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Georgetown University. After graduating, he spent three years working in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Now he’s pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the George Washington University and serving as the Vice President of the International City County Managers Association, an organization for students interested in local government. David has also served as the editor of Policy Perspectives, a George Washington University journal, and is now a contributing author to the publication.

“I’m grateful for the Bryce Harlow Fellowship,” Gellman said. “I am proud to be associated with an organization whose mission is to promote the positive change lobbying can have on people’s lives nationwide.”

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.”