WebinarThe New Contours of Hiring in an Economy Under Siege
The COVID-19 pandemic and sharp economic recession has produced dramatic crosscurrents in the labor market. It has brought mass unemployment at rates not seen since the Great Depression, with tens...
BY Michael Stahl | August 5, 2020
July Virtual ConferenceThe Racism of False Assumptions in the Office
“You don’t look like a lawyer” was a comment often heard by the Black female attorneys interviewed by Tsedale M. Melaku, a sociologist and author. Melaku had originally wanted to...
BY Emily Nonko | July 27, 2020
Tarrah Cooper Wright
Rise Strategy Group
Tarrah Cooper Wright
Rise Strategy GroupTarrah Cooper Wright is an expert communications and media relations strategist. As Partner of Rise Strategy Group, Cooper Wright works with clients to harness the potential of social and electronic media for business development, reputation management, and crisis communications. Formerly, Cooper Wright was the Managing Director at Mercury, a leading global, bipartisan public strategy firm, where she was responsible for the business development and strategic communications at the firm’s new Chicago office. Prior to joining Mercury, Cooper Wright was the Press Secretary for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Cooper Wright, a Chicago native, began working with Emanuel in 2010 as the Deputy Press Secretary of his mayoral campaign, where she served as a primary spokesperson and assisted with crafting, managing and communicating his strategic vision and priorities for Chicago. As Press Secretary, Cooper Wright served as the Mayor’s day-to-day spokesperson, executing the communications strategy, as the Mayor oversaw Chicago's status as a world-class city. She was also responsible for the message development of major Chicago events such as the 2012 NATO Summit, the 2015 National Football League (NFL) Draft, Chicago Gourmet Food and Wine Festival, and the 2015 James Beard Awards. Prior to her time as Press Secretary, Cooper Wright worked in the Obama Administration at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington D.C., where she helped to manage the Department's messaging, priorities and actions for numerous national incidents including the H1N1 epidemic, the December 25th and Times Square attempted bombings, the Haitian earthquake, and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In 2008, Cooper Wright worked on the Obama-Biden Presidential Campaign in the pivotal state of Florida. She recruited, trained, and managed community leaders and volunteers, who actively worked to mobilize the community and increase voter contact. Also, Cooper Wright was responsible for the execution of numerous community events, which successfully enhanced the campaign’s visibility and community involvement throughout the region. Cooper Wright began her career as a general assignment reporter at KOMU-NBC 8 in Columbia, Missouri. Cooper Wright is committed to a number of community organizations including Breakthrough Urban Ministries and the Primo Center for Women and Children where she serves on the board. Cooper Wright is also a member of Loyola University’s Council of Regents, The Economic Club of Chicago and The Business Leadership Council. Cooper Wright graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia, with a degree in Journalism.
RECENT CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES ARE SAYING
"Great discussion about leadership, accountability, transparency and equity. Thanks for having me, From Day One."
- Florangela Davila, KNKX 88.5 FM
"Timely and much needed convo about the importance of removing the stigma and providing accessible mental health resources for all employees."
- Kim Vu, Remitly
"The From Day One Conference in Seattle was filled with people who want to make a positive impact in their company, and build an inclusive culture around diversity and inclusion. Thank you to all the panelists and speakers for sharing their expertise and insights. I'm looking forward to next year's event!"
- Kayleen Perkins, Seattle Children's
"We really enjoyed the event yesterday— such an engaged group of attendees and the content was excellent. I'm feeling great about our decision to partner with FD1 this year."
- Katy Romero, One Medical
"I had the pleasure of attending From Day One. My favorite session, Getting Bias Out of Our Systems, was such a powerful conversation between local thought leaders."
- Michaela Ayers, Nourish Events
"We always enjoy and are impressed by your events, and this was no exception."
- Chip Maxwell, Emplify
"I had the distinct pleasure of attending From Day One Seattle. The Getting Bias Out of Our Systems discussion was inspirational and eye-opening."
- Angela Prater, Confluence Health
“From Day One provided a full day of phenomenal learning opportunities and best practices in creating & nurturing corporate values while building purposeful relationships with employees, clients, & communities.”
- Vivian Greentree, Fiserv
“Thank you for bringing speakers and influencers into one space so we can all continue our work scaling up the impact we make in our organizations and in the world!”
- Trisha Stezzi, Significance LLC
“The panels were phenomenal. The breakout sessions were incredibly insightful. I got the opportunity to speak with countless HR leaders who are dedicated to improving people’s lives. I walked away feeling excited about my own future in the business world, knowing that many of today’s people leaders are striving for a more diverse, engaged, and inclusive workforce.”
- Jordan Baker, Emplify
“Inspiring speakers and powerful conversations. Loved meeting so many talented people driving change in their organizations. Thank you From Day One! I look forward to next year’s event!”
- Sarah J. Rodehorst, ePerkz
“De-stigmatizing mental health illnesses, engaging stakeholders, arriving at mutually defined definitions for equity, and preventing burnout—these are important topics that I’m delighted are being discussed at the From Day One conference.”
- Cory Hewett, Gimme Vending Inc.
“Thank you From Day One for such an important conversation on diversity and inclusion, employee engagement and social impact.”
- Desiree Booker, ColorVizion Lab
"Last week I had the honor of moderating a panel on healthy work environments at the From Day One conference in Atlanta. I was so inspired by what these experts had to say about the timely and important topics of mental health in the workplace and the value of nurturing a culture of psychological safety.”
- Alexis Hauk, Greengate Marketing