Overview

Yasmin Nelson is a senior policy advisor in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office and a member of the Public Policy & Regulation Group. With more than a decade of high-level experience, Ms. Nelson is a trusted policy strategist and advocate, known for designing and executing legislative and regulatory strategies.

Widely respected on Capitol Hill and across the executive branch, Ms. Nelson advises Fortune 500 companies, industry coalitions, nonprofit and global organizations on navigating complex policy landscapes. Her deep relationships with key decision-makers across U.S. Congress, the White House and federal agencies position her to drive impactful outcomes for her clients.

Ms. Nelson is recognized for her ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling advocacy that resonates with stakeholders at every level, from political leaders to multinational corporations. Her career reflects a track record of coalition-building, bipartisan collaboration and delivering results in today's most challenging policy environments.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Ms. Nelson served in senior roles for four U.S. senators and for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance. She has also held strategic leadership roles on presidential and federal campaigns, bringing substantial political acumen and operational insight to engagements.

Credentials

Education
  • University of Maryland, MBA
  • Loyola University Maryland, B.A., Political Science and Writing
Memberships
  • Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, President, 2017-2019; Board of Advisors, 2020-Present
  • Calvary Women Services, Board of Advisors, 2022-Present
  • Pay Our Interns, Board Member, 2022-Present
  • The Black Policy Institute, Board Member, 2022-Present
  • Black Women's Congressional Alliance (BWCA), Advisory Board Member, 2019-Present
  • Women in Government Relations, 2017-Present
  • Financial Services Professionals (FSP), 2015-Present
  • Chief, 2022-2023
  • Madam Policy Podcast, Co-Host, 2021-2023
  • Women's Congressional Staff Association, 2015-2019 
  • PowerSuit Group App, Founder, 2016 
  • University of Maryland Smith Association of Women MBAs, 2016
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Honors & Awards
  • Advocate on the Rise, Women in Government Relations – Excellence in Advocacy Awards, 2023
  • Top Lobbyists, National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics, 2022
  • Top Lobbyist, The Hill, 2022
  • Rising Star on Capitol Hill, Black Women's Congressional Alliance (BWCA), 2018
  • Fellow, Bryce Harlow Foundation, 2017
  • Woman of the Year, The Black Policy Institute, 2022

Publications

Speaking Engagements

News