Advocacy in Action: From the Front Lines

Living With Cystic Fibrosis

“It’s an honor to be an advocate,” says Laura Bonnell, founder of The Bonnell Foundation. “We are the government—people are. If we don’t fight for fair laws that help the people they’re meant to serve, who will?”

In this episode, Laura is joined by five passionate advocates—some seasoned, some new—who recently traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with lawmakers. Together, they share their personal experiences, insights on advocacy, and why storytelling and persistence matter in influencing policy.

The conversation highlights:

How to build relationships with legislative staff

The role of personal stories in driving change

The importance of staying organized and adaptable

Advice for those who can’t travel but still want to advocate

The emotional and rewarding aspects of standing up for what matters

Plus, we're joined by a lineup of experts working at the intersection of science, innovation, and policy:

Dr. Andy Kocab, VP of Research at ONL Therapeutics, shares how biotech is advancing treatments for retinal diseases. Contact: [email protected]

Harold Chase, Director of Government Affairs at NSF, discusses his journey from Senate staffer to global health policy leader. Contact: [email protected]

Thomas T. Moga, a veteran patent attorney and Fulbright Scholar, explains how intellectual property law impacts innovation. Contact: [email protected]

Dr. Brandon McNaughton, CEO of Akadeum Life Sciences, offers insight on entrepreneurship, biotech breakthroughs, and customer-focused design. Contact: [email protected]

Stephen Rapundalo, President of Michbio, reflects on bridging science, business, and public service. Contact: [email protected]

This episode is a powerful reminder that advocacy takes many forms—and every voice matters.

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