From Capitol Hill to Campus: Beatty, Jeffries and Menendez Debut Georgetown’s Trailblazing Tri-Caucus Fellowship

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) launched the inaugural Tri-Caucus Visiting Congressional Fellowship at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. The event brought together McCourt students, faculty and Capitol Hill alumni and featured a keynote address by House Democratic Leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), a proud alumnus of Georgetown’s public policy program, along with remarks from Congressman Robert J. Menendez, (NJ-08).  Congressman Menendez, is the Vice Chair of Policy of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.  As the first Tri-Caucus Fellow, Congresswoman Beatty will lead a groundbreaking series of academic experiences designed to inform and inspire the next generation of public service leaders dedicated to working across differences and effecting change.

The Tri-Caucus Visiting Congressional Fellowship is inspired by the collaborative legacies of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. This innovative program empowers emerging leaders by drawing on the rich experience of seasoned policy makers like Congresswoman Beatty. Under this semester’s theme —“Empowering Change: The Role of the Congressional Black Caucus in Advancing Civil Rights and Justice”— the fellowship will engage the McCourt community in critical discussions on how strategic, forward-thinking policy for a community can drive progress for all Americans, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.

“This fellowship is a testament to a shared commitment across caucuses to empower one another with our unique perspectives in confronting the pressing issues of our time,” said Congresswoman Beatty, Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus. “Leader Jeffries’s insights and example as a collaborative leader who bridges differences in policy, party, and people to deliver for all Americans will undoubtedly set a powerful tone for our inaugural semester as we inspire and equip future leaders in public service.”

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a proud Georgetown alumnus, thanked the McCourt students in his remarks for their commitment to public service, saying, “All of you are an example of the hope that we have in our ability to power through this moment,” said Leader Jeffries.  “It's the good trouble that people, generation after generation after generation, have gotten into on behalf of the American people — that you will help get into as we move forward — that leaves all of us convinced that our future is still brighter than our past.” 

In his remarks, Congressman Menendez praised the collaborative nature of the fellowship, “This program is a reflection of the belief that we need to have people from different backgrounds to lead this country forward in a way that is reflective of who we are,” said Congressman Menendez. “We know that the Tri-Caucus is part of the foundation of the Democratic party and that this is a blueprint for the type of coalition building we can experience in our nation. The more that we can do together, the more that we can find that binds us, the stronger we will be.”

"The Tri-Caucus Visiting Congressional Fellows program is part of the McCourt School's commitment to inclusion and belief that public policies are more effective when our political and policy decision makers reflect the perspectives and lived experience of the communities they serve,”  said Thomas DeLeire, Interim Dean, McCourt School of Public Policy.  “We couldn’t be more honored to have Congresswoman Joyce Beatty as our inaugural fellowship recipient."

This semester’s programming features study groups and dynamic discussions with thought leaders exploring the intersection of race and policy. Hosted by Congresswoman Beatty, these sessions will showcase how the Congressional Black Caucus has led—and will continue to lead—the development of policies that empower Black Americans and other marginalized communities to achieve the American Dream. Drawing on her extensive policy making experience and leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Beatty will introduce students to strategic perspectives on contemporary issues affecting underrepresented communities and prepare them for impactful careers in policy and advocacy.

Photos can be found HERE.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) has served Central Ohio’s working families in Congress since 2013. She is the Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, co-chairs the bipartisan Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, and is Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus.  Follow us on social to stay updated: X | Instagram | YouTube  | Facebook | Website

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