Elijah Brummond, the 2026 George and Dena Breece Fellow, received the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics Student Advocate of the Year Award during the Top Lobbyist Gala earlier this month.
“It was a humbling experience to be recognized alongside so many incredible individuals who are dedicated to advancing meaningful change through ethical, informed advocacy,” Brummond said on LinkedIn.
Brummond, who has congenital transtibial limb loss, is a sophomore at Drake University studying business law. He began to participate in governmental affairs at the age of seven, through his work with Wiggle Your Toes and the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association Policy Forum.
The Student Advocate of the Year Award, now in its sixth year, recognizes 100 outstanding lobbying, political action committee, and grassroots advocacy professionals for their achievements, leadership, and contributions to the profession. This year, there were a record number of nominations, supported by letters of recommendation from colleagues, clients, members of congress, senior government officials, and former cabinet secretaries.
