Alida Mitau recently joined Rapp Strategies as an Account Executive, bringing a background in writing and editing, marketing, strategic communications and relationship management.

“I’m thrilled to join such a strong team of writers, thinkers and all-around great people at Rapp Strategies! I wanted a small, fast-faced and collaborative environment that would allow me to focus on writing, editing and strategic planning, so this role is an ideal fit for me.”

Before joining Rapp Strategies, Alida worked as a channel marketing specialist for Piper Sandler, where she developed and implemented marketing and communications aligned with the strategic direction of the firm. From supporting a successful website redesign and firmwide brand refresh to developing ads and email campaigns, Alida gained experience in tailoring complex content for a variety of audiences across different mediums.  

Before Piper Sandler, Alida worked in development and communications for the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, where she supported the production of 10+ nationally circulated research reports on policy and practice in the Chicago Public Schools, with coverage from 26+ news outlets including NBC Chicago, The Atlantic and The Chicago Tribune. Her work included writing, editing, design, media relations and strategic outreach. She also served as chief liaison to the Consortium’s investor council of 15 major foundations raising $500,000 annually.

“I love problem-solving and wordsmithing, so it certainly feels like I’ve come to the right place. I’m looking forward to helping a variety of interesting clients tackle their communications challenges.”

What motivated you to pursue a career in strategic communications?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to writing and editing. To this day, I voluntarily edit friends’ grad school papers, application essays and other writings. I nerd-out on developing the most compelling way to say something, and I truly believe that effective communication can make a huge difference in how an organization, as well as an individual, manages difficulties and relationships. I decided to pursue a career in strategic communications to leverage and further develop my writing and editing skills in a professional setting.

What is your favorite professional experience?

Within the first few months of my first full-time job at the UChicago Consortium, my boss left for another opportunity, and my direct manager went on maternity leave. The organization was juggling several influential research projects at the time, and hiring was put on the backburner. This opened a variety of opportunities for me, and I enjoyed plunging headfirst into the work. I was forced to step up, build relationships with key stakeholders and contribute to strategy development in ways that I would not have been able to otherwise at that time. I couldn’t be more grateful for that experience.

What is one habit that makes you more successful?

Going for a walk outside nearly every day. I find that walking in the fresh air helps me be more present, think through the day’s problems and events and find new inspiration.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A fiction writer! I always loved books, and I wanted to craft magical stories like the ones I loved reading as a kid.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Receiving the 2021 Employee of the Year award at the UChicago Consortium.

What is one thing about you few people know?

I’m good at memorizing song lyrics unintentionally. I know most of the lyrics to most of the songs in my parents’ relatively extensive CD collection. If I’ve heard a song a few times, I can usually pick up the lyrics. I almost always have a song in my head, and sometimes I don’t even know the song or the artist — just something I’ve heard in stores or elsewhere.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

It’s cheesy, but I think I’ll go with living in and enjoying the moment because you can never be sure what’s next.

What is one piece of wisdom you would give your younger self?

Pay more attention to your own desires and internal compass than what others want from you.

What is your favorite or most-used app on your phone? Why?

The NYT Games app. The somewhat instant gratification/dopamine hit that comes with solving a crossword puzzle is just too addicting

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

I had the opportunity to go to Cape Town, South Africa last year for one of my best friend’s weddings (she is from there). The landscape was breathtaking — we took a tour one day and saw a beautiful view of where the Indian Ocean meets the South Atlantic. The food was spectacular, and there is so much to explore!