Paul Brathwaite MPP’93 L'96 P'26: A Life of Connection and Service

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Paul Brathwaite (MPP '93 L'96 P'26) has always believed in the power of connection. From chance encounters in the halls of Congress to lifelong friendships forged on the Duke quad, his journey highlights how the threads of human interaction weave a tapestry of personal and professional success. A widely known and well-regarded figure in Washington, Paul brings more than two decades of government relations experience to sectors ranging from financial services and healthcare to media, education, and non-profits. His ability to navigate the intricate world of public policy, coupled with his ebullient spirit, has earned him accolades like the Washington Government Relations Group's "Lobbyist of the Year" and nine consecutive appearances on The Hill’s "Top Lobbyists: Hired Guns" list.

In a warm and insightful conversation with Maggie Stroud, Sanford’s Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Paul reflects on his time at Sanford, his impressive career in public policy, and the importance of "leaning in" to opportunities. This recurring theme underscores his approach to life and work. He credits Sanford with equipping him with the analytical tools to tackle complex policy issues and introducing him to an invaluable network of driven individuals. “Sanford gave me a magnificent network of people,” he says, recalling how his time at Duke prepared him to lead initiatives ranging from domestic policy issues  to engagement in international  affairs. . In fact, as another example of his focus on service, Paul continued to contribute to Sanford’s mission after graduating as a member of the Sanford School Board of Visitors (2007-2013).

This commitment to leadership was evident during his tenure as the executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), where he worked for all 43 members under the guidance of chairs such as Elijah Cummings, Mel Watt and Eddie Bernice Johnson. Paul reflects on the lasting impact of these relationships, emphasizing how collaboration and community continue to shape his personal and professional life.

Sanford and the Foundations of a Storied Career in Public Policy

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Even before arriving at Duke, Paul had already begun charting his path in public policy. As an undergraduate, he was awarded a prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship through the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, which allowed him to participate in a summer program in public policy at UC Berkeley. That experience, designed to cultivate future public service leaders, opened the door for him to pursue a master’s in public policy at one of more than 20 graduate programs. He chose Duke, drawn to Sanford’s rigorous curriculum and dynamic faculty.

He paints a vivid picture of his time at Sanford (before also getting his law degree at Duke), recalling "working and taking classes in econ and stats and ethics, and how the Congress works," and learning about "the intricacies of how policy matters in people's lives." This foundation, he says, has been instrumental in his ability to navigate the often turbulent waters of policymaking. He emphasizes the importance of Sanford's focus on interdisciplinary learning, noting that "public policy drives every sector of our government, every sector of our country, every sector of our world: healthcare, transportation policy, economic policy, it's all public policy."

His career path, a testament to his ambition and commitment to public service, is a winding road that led him from the U.S. Department of Labor to the Congressional Black Caucus and eventually to co-founding his own government relations and public policy firm with his wife, Sonya (also a Duke graduate who he met while at Duke when they were both resident advisors). He describes the Congressional Black Caucus as "the best job [he's] ever had in Washington," a role that placed him at the center of critical policy discussions and allowed him to interact with influential figures like Colin Powell, John Lewis, Nelson Mandela, Condoleezza Rice, Muhammad Ali and then-Senator Barack Obama. Paul recounts these experiences with humility and wonder, recognizing the significance of being present at pivotal historical moments.

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"I remember when President Obama, who was running for the United States Senate at the time in a contested primary, came to meet with the members of the Congressional Black Caucus," he shares. "And to think that that person then becomes not only a member of the Caucus who I get to meet and know in that setting, but becomes President of the United States of America, it's a big deal." He laughs as he remembers how some members were skeptical of Mr. Obama's chances while others were unwavering in their support. "Half the members were like, 'Yeah, we believe you, you can do this!' and half the members were like, 'Hmm, this is going to be really, really tough.'"

Mentorship and the Power of Respect

This anecdote highlights Paul's ability to recognize and appreciate the potential in others, a quality that has undoubtedly contributed to his success as a mentor and leader. He speaks passionately about the importance of mentorship and using his platform to elevate those around him. He recounts a story about a recent encounter with a former staff assistant who is now a chief of staff, highlighting the lasting impact of simple acts of kindness and recognition.

"He said, 'You'd be surprised how many people just walked right by me like I was invisible,'" Paul recalls. "And I said, 'Well, that's just not how I was raised, nor is it how I operate.'" He emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their position or perceived importance, a lesson he carries with him today.

Giving Back and Planting Seeds of Change

This commitment to helping others extends beyond his professional life. He shares an anecdote about being contacted by someone working with a literacy organization seeking advice for a fundraiser, illustrating his willingness to "give [his] time and efforts if [he] can help somebody." He again draws inspiration from one of his mentors, the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, who "always talked about giving your best and just showing up for people." Paul recounts how Mr. Cummings would often say, "90% of life is just showing up, taking your body to a place, and the other 10% is what you do when you get there."

Paul's dedication to service is deeply ingrained in his approach to his work. Whether brainstorming with a local literacy organization or advising international health companies, he emphasizes that impact isn't always measured in legislative victories; sometimes, it's about planting seeds of change that will bear fruit for future generations.

"Not everything has to be a bill that gets passed by the House and the Senate in order for it to make an impact in people's lives," he explains. "Some of the companies that we get to work with, some of the organizations and foundations we get to work with are making amazing differences positively in communities, both here and abroad."

A Family Legacy of Impact

He cites examples of working with university groups, health companies developing life-changing therapies, and even an "international partnership in Cote D’Ivoire around cocoa farming." These diverse experiences, he says, allow him to "advise them about, okay, how about if we take this effort and marry it with what this person or this group is doing and then work with that third-party and let's see what happens here as a test case in Baltimore?"

This collaborative approach, coupled with his belief in the power of small actions, is reflected in his eloquent statement: "People who we may never meet may reap the harvest of the seeds we have planted."

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This commitment to nurturing the future is also evident in his personal life. Paul, echoing Congressman Cummings's words again, sees his two sons – one a junior at Duke and the other a freshman at Yale – as "living messages to a future we will never see." He invests deeply in their growth, offering guidance and support while encouraging them to challenge the status quo. He beams with pride as he talks about his sons, sharing how his mother, who always emphasized the importance of education, now asks her grandsons the same questions she used to ask him: "Did you get your paper done? How did you do on your exam?"

Paul's story is a testament to the transformative power of education, the importance of building strong relationships, and the enduring impact of public service. It's a reminder that Sanford graduates, armed with sharp minds and a deep-seated desire to make a difference – to "lean in and engage" – are shaping the world in remarkable ways. His journey, woven with threads of connection and commitment, serves as an inspiration to the entire Duke community.