Lead the Movement
for American Greatness

Join a year-long fellowship that empowers rising leaders to shape the future of liberty and opportunity in America.

About The Program

The Nestpoint Foundation’s Freedom Fellowship equips America’s brightest cultural leaders: grassroots advocates, veterans, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creatives, to shape
a bold future. 
 
Each year, we select 10 to 15 rising leaders who embody the American Dream and are committed to advancing liberty, opportunity, and individual responsibility.

What to Expect

The Freedom Fellowship is designed to accelerate your professional growth and amplify your impact. Over the course of a year, Fellows participate in a series of high-level experiences that provide training, exposure, and connection:

Dallas kickoff summit

Develop communication and media skills through hands-on workshops with leading strategists and storytellers.

Washington DC experience

Engage directly with national leaders in government, media, and policy while attending our signature gala.

Spring capstone

Present your long-term vision in a setting that challenges and refines your leadership path. 


Ongoing engagement

Stay connected through regular strategy calls, media support, and access to an elite network.

Whether you’re in public service, business, media, or advocacy, the program helps you define your path forward with confidence. Fellows receive exclusive access to influential figures in politics, business, and tech, all with travel, lodging, and training fully funded.

2025 Inaugural Fellowship Class

Kadhim Al-Wael

A former Iraqi resistance leader and U.S. military advisor, Kadhim Al-Waeli embodies the American Dream. After escaping Saddam Hussein’s regime and gaining asylum in the U.S., he dedicated his life to service—first helping refugees, then serving alongside U.S. troops in Iraq as a cultural advisor. He later became a respected military analyst and now runs for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District. Kadhim’s story is one of courage, patriotism, and unwavering belief in liberty.

Vanessa Faura

Vanessa Faura is a nationally recognized leader in civic engagement and coalition building. As Strategic Director at the RNC, she launched the Republican Civics Initiative across 19 states and addressed the nation in prime time at the 2024 RNC Convention. A former Charlotte City Council candidate and gubernatorial appointee, Vanessa is a Peruvian-American who has shaped grassroots movements and empowered communities through education, outreach, and public speaking.

Katie Bowen

Katie Bowen, MPS, is a veteran public affairs strategist and former State Director in North Carolina for the 2024 presidential election. With degrees from Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and UNLV, Katie blends communications expertise with policy insight. She has worked in conservative advocacy and international affairs, traveling to over 50 countries to study political systems. Katie is passionate about advancing American leadership at home and abroad.

Joannah Hollis

Joannah Hollis, a proud Georgian, embodies global vision and local roots, forging connections in international business and policy. With a background in commercial real estate and residential development, she navigates market dynamics and global trade with finesse. A lifelong advocate for conservative values, Joannah serves on the Georgia Republican Party Foundation’s Board of Governors, driving economic growth and diplomacy. Her passion for conservation and hunting rights reflects her commitment to liberty and heritage.

Alex Pelbath

Col. (Ret.) Alex Pelbath is a decorated Air Force pilot, leadership consultant, and veteran of multiple combat deployments. He commanded the final evacuation flight from Kabul in 2021, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Academy’s “Sully” Sullenberger Award for Courage. Now a leadership coach and pilot for Southwest Airlines, Alex continues his mission of service while raising two children with his wife, Lynden.

Jordan Pace

Rep. Jordan Pace serves District 117 in South Carolina’s House and chairs the South Carolina Freedom Caucus. A staunch advocate of fiscal restraint, government accountability, and local empowerment, Jordan brings experience from both the education and real estate sectors. A Christian, husband, and father, he remains focused on shaping policy that protects freedom and serves the people of South Carolina.

Matthew Crouch

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Matthew Crouch is a Marine Corps veteran, Olmsted Scholar, and former Senior Military Fellow to the Atlantic Council. After 26 years of service, including combat tours and command roles, he now serves as Assistant Director of Grassroots for Heritage Action. A Naval Academy graduate and father of seven, Matt left the military early to enter the political arena and defend the Constitution at home.

Drew Teitelbaum

Drew Teitelbaum is a national security alumnus and business executive with experience in the White House, Treasury, and DHS during the Trump administration. Founder of Nakhla Atlantic and Director at Allegiant Travel Company, Drew is passionate about infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and conservative governance. He serves on the Vegas Chamber's Government Affairs Committee and the Nevada Republican Club Board.

Berny Jacques

Rep. Berny Jacques represents Florida’s 59th District and brings a strong legal and community-focused background to the legislature. A former prosecutor and civil litigator, Berny has advanced major reforms in education, public safety, and criminal justice. He chairs the Careers & Workforce Subcommittee and mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters, staying rooted in his mission to build a safer, stronger Florida.

Paulina Havelka

Paulina Havelka is a longtime conservative advocate and former District Court Judge in Mecklenburg County. She has led at the grassroots level, including as President of the Mecklenburg Republican Women’s Club and on the Meck GOP Board. Her legal expertise and leadership in North Carolina’s Republican circles reflect her deep commitment to justice and Republican principles.

Camera Bartolotta

Sen. Camera Bartolotta, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Monongahela, represents Pennsylvania’s 46th District with grit and heart. Elected in 2014, re-elected in 2018 and 2022, she serves as Senate Majority Caucus Secretary, championing first responders, domestic violence victims, and economic growth through impactful laws. From securing workers’ compensation for PTSD to expanding job training and protecting fresh water, Camera’s reforms strengthen communities. She co-chairs the Senate Gas and Oil Caucus and founded the Film Industry Caucus to boost Pennsylvania’s economy.

Brent Crane

Rep. Brent Crane is a business owner and Idaho legislator, representing Idaho District 13A, who has spent decades in service to his state. At 19, he took over Crane Alarm Service, which now operates in seven states. Elected to the Idaho House at age 32, Brent served as Assistant Majority Leader and now chairs the State Affairs Committee. His leadership reflects deep roots in family business and public service.

Ready for the next step?

Apply to the Nestpoint Foundation Freedom Fellowship program

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