Rachel Dauer
Communications Specialist & Emerging Talent Manager
Background
Rachel Dauer is energized by listening to people share their passions, and she loves creating connections through meaningful conversations, building relationships across the community. As Communications Specialist for Piper & Gold Public Relations, Rachel is adept at taking in broad perspectives and information and crafting it all into a compelling story that makes an impact.
Rachel’s background in corporate communications, event planning and volunteer coordination fuels her ability to connect stories to purpose, shining a light on her clients' good work. She’s skilled at identifying what makes a project special and crafting messages that help the story shine.
She previously worked in corporate philanthropy and as a strategic support associate for Jackson National Life. She was the volunteer coordinator and events intern for the Sparrow Foundation, assisting with the largest annual fundraiser for the region’s largest health system. A native of Kawkawlin, Michigan, northeast of Bay City, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in public relations from Michigan State University.
Rachel is invested in ensuring empathy, transparency and kindness are prioritized, and she strives to be the person who people come to in search of a listening ear or a fresh perspective both personally and professionally.
When she’s not amplifying her clients’ passions, Rachel is feeding her own — reading mystery novels, seeking out new music artists, and even writing a bit of her own music at her home in Kalamazoo. You also are likely to find her watching thrillers (“Jaws” is such a favorite, she has a room in her house devoted to the 1975 Spielberg classic) and sipping an Aperol Spritz.
Results
- Acted as an events director for MSU’s Love Your Melon Crew, a group dedicated to bringing awareness and support to families affected by pediatric cancer, planning 45 advocacy projects and recruitment events.
- Supported the donation of $350,000 to 111 Feeding America Food Banks nationwide — the equivalent of 3.5 million meals — during the COVID-19 pandemic through Jackson National’s Zoom for Food campaign.
- Graduated with a 4.0 GPA, member of Lambda Pi Eta National Communications Association, and 2020-2021 Schalon Scholars award winner.
