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Rob Lott is a speechwriter for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). He focuses on a range of policy issues from health care, education, and economic opportunity to consumer product and food safety. As a 2002-2003 Dutko Fellow, Rob worked as a research assistant at the Democratic Leadership Council’s Progress and Prosperity Project. After his fellowship, Rob stayed at the DLC, serving in the political department as an editor and staff writer for more than two years. Rob later served as a speechwriter for Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington state in her D.C. office and on her 2006 re-election campaign.
At Tufts, Rob majored in English and minored in Communications and Media Studies. He was as an editor and columnist for The Tufts Daily and an active member of the Leonard Carmichael Society and Massachusetts Campus Compact.
When I graduated from Tufts University, I was uncertain about the next step. I did not know what I wanted to do with my life, what career path to follow, or what work would give me a sense of purpose. When I began my Dutko Fellowship, I knew it was a tremendous opportunity. But all those questions -- and so few answers!
Today, I am still asking myself questions about the future. Over the last five-plus years, I did not find any easy answers, but learned a million and one overlapping lessons. And while my future may not be any more certain, it is a lot less frightening. And I cannot wait.
As a 2002-2003 Dutko Fellow, I served as a research assistant at the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). I was immediately immersed in a host of policy issues – homeland security, health care, state budget crises – that called for innovative governing solutions from reform-minded elected officials and were going to be a big part of the coming presidential primaries and general election. It was exciting to take them on from that crucial intersection where policy and politics meet.
Most importantly, during my fellowship I was blessed with the guidance of many generous mentors. They encouraged me to take on new projects, follow my own curiosity, and find creative ways be a part of the DLC and Washington communities. The Dutko Group exposed us to additional opportunities we would not otherwise have had. And, of course, Deb gave our fellowship life and energy. She empowered and inspired us to maximize our experience, reaching for the sky; she also continues to give us roots, context, a sense of Dan's spirit, and a dear Dutko Fellowship family.
Over the years, it has been a joy to see that family grow: passionate new Dutko Fellows coming to Washington, following their dreams to achieve positive social change, and expanding our amazing network further still.
While my 10-month fellowship concluded in the summer of 2003, the Dutko experience and the relationships it started remain a large part of my life today. I stayed at the DLC, serving in the political department as an editor and staff writer for more than two years. When I finally left, it was just a short move up Capitol Hill to serve as a speechwriter for Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington state in her Senate office and on her 2006 re-election campaign. Today, I serve as a speechwriter for Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).
I have learned much and always in new and surprising ways. Wherever I find myself five, ten or 25 years down the road, I will know that these first steps out the door have been a special privilege.
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