As a first-generation queer Latino college student at Harvard, Robert Julien found a sense of belonging and purpose at PBHA as a STRIDE scholar and director of the Native American Youth Enrichment Program (NAYEP). Robert's journey through PBHA exemplifies the profound impact of community engagement and public service, which paved the way for his future endeavors.

After graduating from Harvard in 2014, he continued his commitment to public service as PBHA's Service to Society Fellow, where he focused on helping to connect students to public service opportunities on campus and beyond graduation.

A Career in Congress

Before making his way to Congress, Robert spent several years working on national, state, and local political campaigns, including managing the 2017 re-election campaign for Michelle Wu, a PBHA alum and the current Mayor of the City of Boston. These experiences taught him the power of community organizing and working in solidarity with others. This led Robert to Congress, where he started as an intern in the Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng and then proceeded to serve as a staff assistant to Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, where he further honed his skills in relationship and coalition building. 

From there, Robert secured a significant role as Press Secretary for Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, where he led a $200,000 bilingual communications operation and refined his skills as a crisis communicator. He effectively fostered relationships with national and local media to elevate the Congresswoman's role during President Trump's first impeachment trial. He also led an aggressive communications strategy to help connect constituents with healthcare resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and tackle military sexual violence in response to the case of Vanessa Guillen—a 20-year-old Latina soldier and constituent who experienced sexual harassment at Fort Hood and was later murdered by a fellow soldier. 

He further advanced his career as Deputy Communications Director for Senator Bob Menendez, where he led communications on critical issues such as immigration reform, student debt cancellation, and consumer protections. In 2023, Robert took on the role of Communications Director for the Senator, where he served as a senior spokesperson. In this role, he successfully led the communications campaign that led to the historic confirmation of Dr. Adriana Kugler as the first Hispanic American to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in the institution's 110-year history. His work also involved crisis management and navigating high-pressure situations while advancing legislative priorities important to the people of New Jersey and the nation. 

Today, as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Robert continues to champion public service and advocate for critical policies to help marginalized communities, including Latinos and immigrants in the Houston region and nationwide. His journey from PBHA to Congress is a testament to his dedication and the transformative power of social justice work and community engagement.