Paul Alagero - Chief Operating Officer
As Protocol Officer and Government Liaison for the Faith and Politics Institute (FPI), Nelson Watkins is responsible for working closely with Congressional Members, to establish strong relationships with Members and their Staff. Nelson has held several key roles at the Faith and Politics Institute during his 21-year tenure. His current role most aptly reflects his passion for communicating the goals of FPI by providing service to Congressional Offices. Throughout his time at FPI Nelson’s attentiveness and work ethic has been reflected in his transitions from Office manager to Program Coordinator, to Senior Congressional Liaison and to his current role as Protocol Officer and Government Liaison.
Nelson’s expertise as an exemplary, trusted advisor and influencer was evident while serving in an Executorial management capacity for the Multi-million-dollar Estate of a prominent, deceased Georgetown Washingtonian. It was at that time, that he gained a heightened interest in the politics and influencers of Washington. His experience in this managing role influenced his decision to remain in Washington.
A native of Alabama, Nelson graduated from Faulkner University a Christian University in Florence, Alabama where he earned his degree in Business Administration with Concentration in Management in December 1987. He moved to Washington, DC in May 1998 to oversee the management and eventual sale of a multi-million dollar Georgetown Estate. Prior to moving to Washington, DC, Nelson held roles in a wide range of service and hospitality organizations in Alabama working in positions such as Assistant Payroll Manager for the Department of Human Resources and Assistant Front Office Manager and Night Auditor for one of the State of Alabama’s largest State Resorts.
Nelson’s servant heart is evidenced by his devotion to serving at his church as Associate Minister at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, one of the oldest historic black churches in the DMV area under the leadership of Rev. Dr. George L. Parks, Jr. In December 2007, Nelson was officially licensed into Ministry by Senior Servant Emeritus Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. Nelson is also Director of the Charles S. Whitted New Disciples Ministry, Former Vice President, and Chaplain for (PUSH), Pray Until Something Happens Ministry, and the Pastor’s Partners ministry.
Nelson Watkins - Protocol Officer and Government Liaison
Marisa Pryor serves as the Director of Educational Programs for the Faith & Politics Institute. Marisa is a dedicated public servant with extensive experience in government relations, nonprofit and organizational management, leadership development, education, and policy in both domestic and international communities. During her tenure on Capitol Hill, Marisa worked with President Barack Obama's Commission on White House Fellowships to facilitate the fellows selection process and as Administrative Director for US Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR)-- experiences she anchored with coordination assignments on national political campaigns. Marisa's passion for creating life-long learners has included serving as Director of Strategy & Logistics at the District of Columbia Public School Systems and as the Director of Admissions and Family Events at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg, South Africa. Marisa holds a juris doctor degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. She received her bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College. Marisa currently lives in Arlington, Virginia. She can be reached at marisa.pryor@faithandpolitics.org.
Marisa Pryor - Director of Educational Programs
Ikram Osman - Program Coordinator
Hope Myers - Visual Media Coordinator
Madeleine Ouoba - Information Manager and Office Administrator
Kendra Veronica Patterson is a student from East Stroudsburg University. She is studying Criminal Justice with a Minor in Political Science. Kendra’s passion is to attend law school to become an attorney. She is a member of the Women of Color Initiative, an Enrollment Management Chair in Student Government, and conducted a Research Symposium on the importance of women leadership in politics. In addition, Kendra Patterson is an Alumni for The Washington Center when she attended the National Security Seminar in 2023.
Kendra Patterson - Summer Intern 2024
Adrian Garcia, a junior at the University of Central Arkansas, is majoring in Economics. Beyond his academic pursuits, Adrian has gained valuable experience through internships in state government. Known for his dedication to academic excellence and community involvement, Adrian is passionate about understanding economic principles and their real-world applications. With a focus on issues of economic empowerment and social justice, Adrian actively engages in initiatives aimed at fostering positive change. With his drive and practical experience, Adrian is committed to exploring ways to expand economic growth for all communities.
Adrian Garcia - Summer Intern 2024