DawnMarie Kuhn
Graduate Student
Fordham University
This month, AAPC caught up with student member, DawnMarie Kuhn. DawnMarie was AAPC’s 2017 Foundation Scholarship recipient.
AAPC: Tell us about where you’re enrolled and what you’re studying.
DawnMarie: I am currently a Graduate Student at Fordham University. I am studying Elections and Campaign Management.
AAPC: Tell us about your career in political consulting. What are you working on now?
DawnMarie: I worked on my first campaign when I was a senior in high school, back in 2004. Since then, I have worked on many local and state campaigns. Last year I had the opportunity to work on my first presidential race. I was on the New York Students for Rubio Executive Board; it was a great opportunity for me to learn presidential campaigning during a groundbreaking year.
At the beginning of this year I opened a political consulting firm. My company Right View Strategies LLC, is a full-service campaign consulting firm; specializing in strategy and campaign management. I am based on Long Island, New York. I hope to continue to learn and grow in this industry. Having the opportunity to be a consultant is a dream come true. I am so happy to have the chance to do something I truly love.
AAPC: What was the best session you attended at the Conference and why?
DawnMarie: I really enjoyed “Mail Isn’t Dying, It’s Thriving”. I found the information pertinent for today’s modern campaign. The session provided helpful information regarding emerging trends and targeting while using direct mail. The information I learned is going to be very useful for my firm. I really enjoyed the insight and commentary from the panel.
AAPC: Why did you feel that attending the Pollie Conference would be beneficial for your career?
DawnMarie: I knew the connections I could make at an event like this would be priceless. At the Conference, I was able to connect and network with so many people. For someone entering the consulting world this is really important. I enjoyed learning from top industry leaders and was able to learn a lot of new information; some of which I have already applied to my business.
AAPC: What was the most important thing you learned at the Conference?
DawnMarie: I learned how valuable networking is. I am so glad I was able to connect with other political consultants and industry professionals. I received great advice, made tons of connections and left with some new friends.
AAPC: What advice would you give students who are hoping to start their own business?
DawnMarie: Seek advice and develop relationships with people who have been there and done that. I was surprised by how many people offered me advice when I was trying to open my firm.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Foundation Scholarship, courtesy of AAPC’s Foundation Scholarship Program. Apply here for the opportunity to attend the 2018 Pollie Awards & Conference in Nashville, TN.
Our newly launched Member Spotlight feature puts you in front of the AAPC community so that you can expand your personal and professional network! We encourage all AAPC members, new and veteran, to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with other members. To be featured in our next Member Spotlight, contact Angela Pubal at apubal@theaapc.org.
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