Staff Spotlight: Kaylee Tracy

Kaylee Tracy, who recently joined Rapp Strategies as an Assistant Account Executive, brings a strong background in writing and research, rhetorical analysis, and cross-cultural communications to our team. A 2018 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in political science and a minor in organizational communication, Kaylee says she looks forward to supporting our clients in accomplishing their goals.

“I am tickled to have found a workplace that ties together strategic communications, public policy and serving communities,” Kaylee says. “Learning from coworkers and meeting such a variety of clients makes me all the more excited for the time ahead.”

Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Kaylee worked in a role split between internal communications and refugee aid for ReachGlobal in Berlin, Germany. Living cross-culturally, she acquired a knack for making insightful observations and asking questions – both of which flow into her consulting style. After recently moving back to the states, she has realized the value of viewing communications through a cultural lens when communicating about complicated issues.

Kaylee’s professional experience hasn’t all been spent abroad; her college communications courses opened up opportunities to work with non-profits in the Chippewa Valley in assessing external communications and developing strategic events.

Working as a legislative and workforce development intern at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, Kaylee played an integral role in developing advocacy-related communications and advancing workforce projects in the region.

“I’ve enjoyed serving as a resource to others in the past – whether that be as a sounding board for leadership during times of transition or gathering resources for businesses – and view my new role as an extension of that.”

What motivated you to pursue a career in strategic communications?

Even as a kid, I was curious about how communication can drive societal change or shape public understanding. A professional pursuit of that used to feel like a pipe dream, but as my curiosity continued to be fed and intertwined with a value of working collaboratively for the good of a community, strategic communications surfaced as an excellent fit.

What are you most looking forward to at Rapp Strategies? 

Being in a work environment where learning is integrated into all that we do.

What has been your favorite professional experience?

My most recent position in Berlin takes the cake. The humbling challenge of figuring out how to function in another language and continually rubbing shoulders with people who think differently than myself left a deep imprint on my professional and personal life.

When you’re not working, what can you be found doing? What are your favorite hobbies?

You will probably find me visiting a jazz club, watching older movies with say, Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire, or attempting to keep up on my German.  

What is one thing about you few people know?

I once was stung by 29 bees at once. (Yes, ouch is right!)

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Enter into new roles and places first and foremost as a learner.

Who is your biggest role model/mentor?

I’ve learned a lot from two married, previous coworkers of mine just by observing how they humbly respond to challenges or reflectively think about the world.

What is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

This summer I had the opportunity to go to Venice, Italy a couple times. The second you reach the lagoon and see the surrounding architecture, you start to breath lighter in awe of its beauty. I wouldn’t mind spending a chunk of my life there.

What is one accomplishment or quality you are most proud of?

I placed fourth in the Wisconsin State FFA Prepared Speaking Contest in 2014. (Okay this happened way back in high school but I’m still rather proud of it!)