Hamza Akhtar
Senior Account Executive
ROKK Solutions

Today’s public affairs professionals are more than communicators; we’re navigators in a complex and polarized environment. Whether helping companies adapt to a shifting regulatory environment or crafting narratives that resonate across cultures and communities, our role is to bridge gaps between institutions and the public, driving credibility and helping leaders make informed decisions.

Hamza’s walk-up song: I’d choose “Feel Good Inc.” by the Gorillaz — for the days you need cool composure with a little edge, perfect for a client pitch or coffee-fueled comms brainstorm.

Cynthia Chen
Manager of Public Policy and Advocacy
Creative West (formerly WESTAF)

For community-based organizations and nonprofits, public affairs professionals play a vital role in amplifying the voices of the communities they serve. For our sector [advocating for the arts], this entails educating policymakers and the broader public about the critical work local artists and arts organizations do in communities, often filling gaps that government and the market don’t address. In the current environment, building support and demonstrating the tangible social benefits of arts, culture and creativity is critical, and public affairs empowers community-based organizations and nonprofits to mobilize their supporters and advocate directly with elected officials at all levels of government.

Cynthia’s walk-up song: “FREEDOM” by Jon Batiste. Batiste is a true artist and musician. I admire his way of working across genre and form, building bridges and his unique ability to translate emotion to art. Plus, this song is just pure joy.

Inderia Falana
Government Relations Representative
City of Minneapolis

There is a shared sense of understanding that comes from similar experiences. I’m excited about the opportunity to build connections with other public affairs professionals within the Fellows cohort and to receive mentorship from senior-level professionals and leaders. This Fellowship represents a chance to grow both professionally and personally, and I’m excited to embrace the opportunities that come with it.

Inderia’s walk-up song: “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys because it celebrates resiliency and strength. The lyrics are inspiring in their encouragement of individuality, confidence and determination. It reminds me that I’m unstoppable and to recognize my inner strength despite challenges and obstacles along the way.

Tenesha Hare
Program Manager, Policy and Legislative Affairs
NAACP

I’m most excited about the opportunity to learn and grow through this Fellowship. It means a lot to be part of a cohort of passionate professionals from across the public affairs field. I’m looking forward to building meaningful relationships, gaining new insights and expanding my understanding of what effective leadership looks like in this space. Being surrounded by people with different experiences and approaches is not only inspiring; it’s essential to becoming a stronger and more impactful leader.

Tenesha’s walk-up song: “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé. As a Southern girl, it speaks to my spirit — resilient, rooted and rising. The song is about reclaiming your peace, standing firm in who you are and refusing to let the world wear you down. It reminds me that no matter where I go or what I face, I carry the strength of where I come from.

Sam Harris
Government and Public Affairs Manager
United Natural Foods, Inc.

Businesses face increasing scrutiny in a world of instant communication and heightened consumer transparency, especially given today’s political climate and polarization. Whether tackling economic development, food insecurity or climate policy, public affairs professionals play an important role in persuading policymakers, building coalitions among stakeholders and shaping legislation that aligns with public interests. Persuasive narratives will help educate and mobilize communities and build trust among all stakeholders as organizations, governments and political leaders work to restore unity and reduce the polarization plaguing our democracy.

Sam’s walk-up song: “Can’t Stop Us” by Macklemore because it’s just a fun song that hypes me up, and it’s all about staying true to “you” and not being controlled by others’ expectations.

Ethan Lott
Director of Advocacy
Construction Management Association of America

I’m most excited about the collaborative learning opportunities this Fellowship provides. As the only public affairs professional at my association, I’m looking forward to connecting with a cohort of Fellows who understand the unique challenges of this work. Having peers at a similar career stage to learn from and grow with will be invaluable, as will learning from the mentors. Having mentors who can provide guidance will help me navigate questions I face while building my own advocacy efforts. I’m also eager to explore the Council’s professional development resources, which will provide fresh perspectives that will help me better serve CMAA’s members and grow as a professional.

Ethan’s walk-up song: “Let’s Go” by Bleeker. The lyrics talk about being a dreamer and true believer but also lacing up and getting ready to make things happen. This resonates with how I approach my work: optimistic, determined and always ready to jump in. It’s high-energy without taking itself too seriously, and that balance of confidence and fun feels like the right vibe.

Ben Melano
Deputy Director, Federal Affairs
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

I’m excited to connect with both the other Fellows and the mentors who are just as passionate about this work as I am. There’s a lot that we can learn from each other, especially when we come from different issue areas or perspectives. I’m also looking forward to the chance to grow, share ideas and gain the tools to be even more effective in advocacy.

Ben’s walk-up song: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. For me, public affairs is about showing up with energy and confidence, and “Uptown Funk” delivers that vibe from the first beat. It’s upbeat, charismatic and impossible to ignore.

Linda Pham
Manager, Government Affairs and Public Policy
S&P Global

One of the biggest challenges I see in society today is the erosion of trust in institutions, including government, business and media. As the role of business continues to expand and face greater scrutiny, public affairs professionals have a responsibility to help organizations engage in ways that are authentic and aligned with public expectations. This work goes beyond responding to policy developments. It requires sustained effort to foster credibility, encourage meaningful dialogue and communicate with clarity. Especially in times of uncertainty, these efforts are critical to rebuilding confidence and strengthening the connection between institutions and the people they serve.

Linda’s walk-up song: “Thunder” by LISA (also known as Mook from The White Lotus). As someone who shares LISA’s Southeast Asian roots, it’s meaningful to see that kind of presence on a global stage. “Thunder” is a reminder to lead with intention, challenge expectations and be a force of nature when it counts.

Roberto Rosas
Director of Global Advocacy
The Institute of Internal Auditors

In my career so far, I’m most proud of helping shape our advocacy team virtually from scratch. The texture of this experience and its timing gave me a different vantage point and skills that I will carry with me. My longer-term, “North Star” goal is to leverage my experience in global policy, language skills and knowledge of national security and geopolitics to help clients navigate geopolitical risks. I’m taking steps toward this goal by learning a sixth language and getting a second master’s degree in national security policy.

Roberto’s walk-up song: “Mais Que Nada,” versions by Sérgio Mendes and by Jorge Ben Jor. What I like most about it is the exciting, unmistakable chorus; it’s super catchy and has a roller-coaster-like crescendo that develops in a smooth, natural way. I’ve always loved samba and bossa nova, and you can hear the influences from both genres in the song. I like that this song is energizing but not overpowering.

Lein Soltan
Advocacy Manager
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), USA

Trained as a biologist, I view the world as an ecosystem where every organism of every size and at every level of the food chain plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy environment. This is how I approach the political environment, where public affairs plays a key role in effecting change at many levels — from grassroots advocates to policymakers, activating each level of the political ecosystem is critical for the success of any initiative. It’s all about finding the sphere in which we have the most influence and activating the right levers to advance our goals, while also understanding how that sphere interacts with those around it and ensuring that we are working collaboratively to maximize our impact.

Lein’s walk-up song: “Uprising” by Muse. It is a powerful resistance anthem and a reminder that we as a people ultimately have the power.

Joshua Thomas
Senior Manager, Federal Government Relations
The Home Depot

I’m looking forward to learning from the Foundation Fellows and awesome mentors. Collectively, we represent various types of businesses, nonprofits and industries and also hold different perspectives on attaining success in public affairs. I’m excited to share and learn best practices that transcend sectors. In the same vein, I’m also looking forward to joining the Public Affairs Council community and expanding my professional network.

Joshua’s walk-up song: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. This song automatically puts you in a good mood. It’s catchy, upbeat and reminds us to stay confident.

Christina Valentine
Government Relations Analyst
Plains All American Pipeline

In today’s complex and polarized policy landscape, public affairs serves as a crucial connector, breaking down technical information across different stakeholders and helping organizations align their interests with the public good. Effective public affairs work rebuilds trust through transparent communication and meaningful engagement, creating sustainable solutions by connecting business and policy interests with community well-being.

Christina’s walk-up song: Beyoncé’s “My House.” It reminds me that I deserve to take up space and make my voice heard, especially in environments where perspectives like mine have historically been underrepresented. Whenever I need that extra boost of confidence before an important meeting or presentation, this song helps me channel that same energy that Beyoncé embodies: unapologetic strength, creativity and determination.