Media Contact: lauren_miller@hks.harvard.edu

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – The Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School today announced the appointment of seven Resident Fellows who join the IOP for the Fall 2022 semester. The Fellows bring diverse expertise and experiences in American and international politics, policymaking, organizing and public service for the challenges facing our democracy today.

“At a time when our democracy is being tested, the work of the Institute of Politics could not be more important. I’m proud of the incredible group of Fellows who will join the IOP this upcoming semester to engage our students on these critical issues and enrich our conversations on a pathway forward,” said IOP Director Mark D. Gearan ’78. “Their extraordinary experiences as prime minister, governor, secretary of state, civil rights attorney, Capitol Hill policymaker, organizer, and campaign leader represent the very best of public service and will advance our brilliant mission to inspire Harvard students to lead lives of consequence.”  

Fall 2022 Resident Fellows:

• Raul Alvillar: Executive Vice President, Resolute Public Affairs; New Mexico State Director, Biden/Harris 2020; former Political Director, Democratic National Committee

• Professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall: Professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY); Writer and Civil Rights Attorney

• Stephanie Carlton: Partner, McKinsey & Co; former senior Republican Professional Staff on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee for Medicaid

• Judith LeBlanc: Executive Director, Native Organizers Alliance

• Prime Minister Stefan Löfven: Former Prime Minister, Sweden (2014-2021)

• Governor Matthew Mead: Former Governor of Wyoming (2011-2019)

• Secretary Natalie Tennant: Advisor, State Advocacy on Voting Rights and Elec­tions, Brennan Center for Justice; Former Secretary of State, West Virginia (2009-2017)

“The Fall 2022 Fellows cohort joins us as we navigate unprecedented rulings in the Supreme Court, continued debate over government intervention in public health and safety issues, and the upcoming midterm elections. With these issues and many others in mind, FSG continues to be dedicated not to offering a space not only for discussion, but for students to learn how they can continue to get involved,” said Alexa Jordan ‘23 and Jessica Alexander ‘24, Student Co-Chairs of the Fellows and Study Groups program at the Institute of Politics. “Our seven Resident Fellows each have their own definitions of what it means to be in public service and we look forward to inviting students to work with these fellows, as they continue to determine what political and civic engagement mean to them.”

IOP Resident Fellows immerse themselves in the Harvard community by residing on campus, mentoring a cohort of undergraduate students, holding weekly office hours, and leading an eight-week, not-for-credit study group based on their experience and expertise. This Fall, Fellows will lead discussions on topics such as Southwest, Latinx and LGBTQ+ politics; Republican policy and politics in the U.S. Senate; international institutions and how they work: Native and indigenous organizing;  the intersection of arts and activism in political movements; governing in rural states; and the fight for free and fair elections.  

​​”Harvard IOP’s fellowships foster open conversation and learning across a spectrum of diverse beliefs and experiences which are vital for the future of The American democratic experiment,” said Raul Alvillar. “As a third generation Hispanic American and the son of a single mom, the opportunity to serve as a fellow after working four presidential campaigns is the pinnacle of my professional life. I am especially grateful to join such a great cohort of fellows during one of the most pivotal electoral cycles in modern politics.”

“I’m honored to be selected as a Fall 2022 Fellow.  I look forward to sharing my experience balancing social justice, law and the arts with students and the community, at large. For me, work as an advocate, artist and an educator coincides with my life philosophy of empowering others through service.” said Professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall.

“America needs principled, effective, and inclusive leaders now more than ever,” said Stephanie Carlton. “I’m thrilled with the chance to share life lessons I’ve learned – sometimes the hard way! – with the next generation of America’s leaders.” 

“I am honored to be a part of this program. I very much look forward to get to know and work together with the next generation of leaders, on topics that they find important,” said Prime Minister Stefan Löfven. “I will do my best to contribute to their development, and I am sure they will enlighten me as well.”

“It is a great privilege to spend a semester at Harvard as a Fellow at the Institute of Politics,” said Governor Matthew Mead. "The opportunity to engage students and to share with them some of my experiences and to hear and learn from them is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

“I know the positive impact public service can have on our communities and states,” said Secretary Natalie Tennant. “It is an honor to be a part of the Harvard IOP Fellowship with an opportunity to mentor students and help them develop critical leadership skills. I am looking forward to leading discussions about our current state of election administration, challenges for voters and how we instill confidence in our electoral process.”

Study groups will begin the week of September 19. For more information, you can view the complete bios of our Fall 2022 Fellows at iop.harvard.edu/fellows and stay up to date on IOP programming at iop.harvard.edu/calendar.

About the Institute of Politics

The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School was established in 1966 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Institute’s mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, policymakers, and journalists on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to pursue pathways in politics and public service. The Institute and its 16 programs blend the academy with practical politics and offer students the opportunity to engage in current events and to acquire skills and perspectives that will assist in their postgraduate pathways.