Where did you grow up and how has your background influenced you today?
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and in a Democratic progressive household. One of my first memories was of my mom taking me out of school to watch President Clinton on the campaign trail. My grandfather Gerald Rafshoon was the Communications Director for President Carter and ran his presidential and gubernatorial campaigns. As a child, I heard stories about his experience on the campaign trail, and later how he counseled President Carter during his historical milestone securing the Camp David Peace Accords. When I thought about where to go to harness my interest and passion in politics, I chose GW. My father also was a GW student and remembers protesting the Vietnam War during his time as a student.
During my sophomore year, I started working for a top Democratic fundraiser who at the time was working on Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, expanding my network and opening doors. Being able to succeed in this line of work does come from having access to these types of opportunities. I knew from an early age that I wanted to live a life of public service, but only after going to GW did I fall into the work of communications just like my grandfather. I would not be where I am today without my experience at this school.
"I knew from an early age that I wanted to live a life of public service, but only after going to GW did I fall into the work of communications. I would not be where I am today without my experience at school."
Jaclyn Rothenberg
BA ‘10
Tell us about your current professional role and how it excites you.
Currently, I lead the communications, messaging and media strategy for FEMA. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell says it best: we help people on their worst day, and my job is to make sure we are communicating clearly and effectively with people who need our help during the most intense crises. Most recently, I had the opportunity to initiate and develop the communications strategy for the most significant policy change to the agency's federal assistance program in the last 20 years. Being able to help and reach people during times of need has given me the most rewarding experience.
I also recently had the opportunity to serve as the Senior Communications Advisor to the Special Assistant to President Biden and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, where I advised the administration on communications strategies for building resilience and combating climate change.
What accomplishment are you most proud of personally or professionally and why?
In 2020, I had the opportunity to serve as the Communications Director for the Biden Campaign for the state of Georgia. I was the last communications director to be hired and the last to leave (following the recount). Because of our efforts and my team, we turned Georgia blue for the first time in nearly 30 years.
What is your only-at-GW moment? In other words, what is an experience/opportunity you believe GW provided you access to?
Everyone had an internship. One of my earliest memories on campus was meeting new people and finding out where they were interning throughout the semester. It is one of the unique opportunities that GW offers in that students can find internships on Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, political campaigns, and non-profit and advocacy organizations. If young people have a desire to develop a career in public service or politics, then GW is an excellent school for them.
I loved my internship working for a top Democratic political fundraiser and learning how to staff principals, developing a career in politics and public service. I also remember having Hillary Clinton visit GW during her 2008 campaign and getting to experience the event through my internship and being a student.
What is a fun fact about you that you'd like to share?
My dogs names are Clinton (after Hillary Clinton) and Carl (after Carl Sagan, the astronomer).
Was there a standout course, professor, or organization from your time as a student that inspired your career path?
I was a psychology major, and I apply the lessons of what I learned about "group think" to my job constantly.
What is a piece of advice you would offer to students seeking to pursue your field of work?
Get experience in the field and roll up your sleeves. Explore every facet of communications from media to messaging to digital marketing. Find the piece of it that inspires you and then recognize how communications play a role in everything we do. It is a fun and rewarding career and you will have no regrets. So I encourage students to visit FEMA.gov to explore a career in public service if you want to fight climate change and give back to your community.
How do you give back to the GW community?
I mentor other students, participate in alumni group chats, and encourage people to apply.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the GW community?
GW was a home away from home for me and my friends. I am still close with all of my college friends and am thankful every day for how GW brought us together.