From Campaign Trails to Capitol Hill: A Journey of Leadership and Mentorship
Can you tell me about your career path that you’ve taken that’s led you to where you are now?
My path is a bit unconventional. I graduated undergrad in 2015, I was unsure about what I wanted to do and I also struggled with finding a job. I eventually landed a job working on a school board campaign. It was a big election cycle during that time. While working with the campaign I met with a lot of congressional campaign staffers, and I caught the political bug. I met with a lot of staffers to learn about how I could obtain a career on the Hill.
All those meetings led to a meeting with Lee Lilly, the Legislative Director for my hometown Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-01). He expressed that it might be a good idea to (walk the halls) and express an interest in an internship. So that’s what I did. I went to the local library and printed about 100 resumes. At that time, I only had one blazer and a pair of slacks. So, I got dressed and went to the hill (House side) and knocked on doors introducing myself to staffers with the hopes of getting an internship. I had a few on-the-spot interviews which eventually led to my first internship opportunity.
There I struggled with obtaining a permanent position. I eventually ended up interning with three offices. Two in the House and one in the Senate. I decided I needed to get a (real job). So, I left the Hill and went to work at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. I worked at the Chamber for a while until I was laid off. It was at that point I decided to go to Law School.
While in Law School I had a lot of great opportunities including being a Fellow with the Congressional Black Caucus Institute (CBCI). That opportunity eventually led me to return to the Hill as a Legal Fellow with Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20). It was there where I really learned what it meant to be a staffer. I had issue areas, took meetings, briefed the Congresswoman, and introduced legislation.
After I graduated, I was hired as a Legislative Assistant with Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-01). I was a Legislative Assistant for about 6 to 7 months. Due to some movement in the office, I was elevated to Legislative Director shortly after.
Describe a challenging or rewarding project that significantly influenced your growth as a professional. How did you handle the challenge and how did it shape your approach to legislative work?
I would say a rewarding “project” that has helped influence my growth has nothing to do with policy actually. Helping others achieve their goals of working on the Hill has been one of my most rewarding achievements. Mentoring interns, junior staffers and students means a lot to me. We must make sure we bring up more people after our time on the Hill and government is over. Especially since we live in a city where people can talk the talk but not walk the walk.
In your role as Legislative Director, strong leadership is essential for keeping the team motivated and focused on the office’s agenda, especially when navigating numerous issues. Could you share some strategies or techniques you employ to inspire and motivate your team, ensuring that everyone remains committed to achieving the office’s objectives despite the challenges they may face?
I try to motivate my team by giving them autonomy. I work with very smart and capable professionals. They know the issues, the district, and the stance of the Member. I am there to guide them with strategy, planning and implementation.
The Hill can be a confusing and intimidating place. It has changed overtime. I try to instill in my team that they do belong and that they are very capable of doing and getting the work done. To me that is half of the battle.
Which specific policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about, and how do you stay informed and engaged in those areas?
I have handled a lot of issues over time. However, A few I currently handle are Agriculture, Energy, Natural Resources, Finance, Banking and Tax. I stay up to date by reading Politico and other news articles, meeting with stakeholders, following thinks tanks and Government Agencies and meeting with other staffers.
What do you believe sets Capitol Hill apart as a unique work environment, and how do you navigate its challenges in your everyday work?
I believe what sets Capitol Hill apart is the access. On the Hill we have access to resources, information, and executives. This is a fast-paced environment. Knowing where to find answers is currency here. So, knowing where to go to find the answers is vital to anyone’s success. How I am able to navigate it is by building a coalition of support. You must have friends within CRS for quick research, the Whip, Leader’s office, committee staff for insight into floor activity, legislation and stakeholders who are experts on specific issues.
Leadership often involves guiding and mentoring others. Could you share a specific example of how you’ve supported the professional development of your team members, helping them grow in their roles and excel in their skill sets?
I think it is important to train for leadership. At any time, it can be the “next man or woman up” in any role in a congressional office. I think providing team members with access to your network and knowledge base is helpful in development. I try to always connect team members with people in my network who are in areas where they have interest. I also give them access to resources I have used to help me navigate the systems, customs, and procedures of Capitol Hill.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Geek
Networking – Labor
Writing Skills – Strong
Working on the Hill – Honorable
Leadership Connect – Resource
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