NETWORK Lobbyist named among “Washington’s Most Influential People” by Washingtonian

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2022
Contact: Audrey Carroll, acarroll@networklobby.org, 202-601-7875

NETWORK Lobbyist named among “Washington’s Most Influential People” by Washingtonian
Mary J. Novak: “Ronnate brings her passion for protecting the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers to the work that she does every day.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – NETWORK Government Relations Director Ronnate Asirwatham has been named in Washingtonian’s 2022 list of “Washington’s Most Influential People.” The list recognizes the 500 most influential people shaping policy in D.C.

“Ronnate’s leadership and expertise is grounded in a deep passion for protecting the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers” said Mary J. Novak, NETWORK’s Executive Director. “We are so grateful for Ronnate’s ability to educate and engage the NETWORK community while she collaborates with our faith and secular coalition partners to move the needle on critical federal policies.”

“Ronnate keeps the lived realities of migrants and asylum-seekers at the center of her advocacy and NETWORK’s issue agenda,” said Joan F. Neal, NETWORK’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Equity Officer.  “We are called to welcome immigrants and love our neighbors; Ronnate’s Spirit-filled work to shape federal policy lives out that call.”

Prior to joining NETWORK in January 2021, Ronnate had 10 years of federal legislative and administrative lobbying experience, focusing on many aspects of immigration policy and practice including asylum, refugees, unaccompanied children, and Dreamers. More recently, Ronnate has been instrumental in creating the new coalition CARI (Catholics Against Racism in Immigration), organizing NETWORK’s December 2021 event protesting the continued misuse of Title 42 outside of the White House, and briefing Catholic Sisters on how to link their experience serving migrants at the border to federal policy asks.

Read the full article in Washingtonian.

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NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org