Staff Spotlight: Jorrun Kuehn

Jorrun Kuehn joined Rapp Strategies as an Assistant Account Executive, bringing a background in writing and editing, marketing, project management and community engagement. A 2024 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in Communication Studies, she is eager to begin her career in public affairs.

“I’m glad to have joined the collaborative and hardworking team at Rapp Strategies. I was looking for a small, fast-paced environment with lots of opportunity to learn and contribute, so this role is a great first step in my professional career.”   

Before joining Rapp Strategies, Jorrun worked in the Alumni and Parent Engagement Office at Gustavus. There, she contributed to fundraising and outreach campaigns, worked directly with alumni and donors, and led the development of the 2023-2024 yearbook.  

In her junior year, Jorrun spent a semester working directly with Transit Team Inc., the largest paratransit provider in Minnesota, to design targeted marketing strategies for its mechanic recruitment program.  

At Gustavus, Jorrun was also a fellow in the Public Deliberation and Dialogue program, where she facilitated discussions among community members about issues of common concern, guiding participants to share their unique perspectives with the goal of making community-based decisions.  

“Rapp Strategies gives me the chance to work on a variety of projects and delve into the facets of strategic communications that I developed a passion for in college. I look forward to helping clients confront the communications challenges and opportunities of today.”  

What motivated you to pursue a career in strategic communications?  

From a young age, I developed an interest in writing and storytelling, which translated into my Communication Studies major in college. I enjoy the challenge of finding the best way to communicate a message and got hooked on comms after taking a Public Discourse class during my sophomore year. Opportunities to conduct research, manage real-world projects and design compelling creative content solidified my decision to pursue strategic communications.  

What is your favorite professional experience?  

In my role at Gustavus’s Alumni and Parent Engagement Office, I was able to engage with alumni and donors at philanthropic and reunion events as a student host. Hearing about the diverse experiences of community members was an interesting and rewarding part of my job.  

What is one habit that makes you more successful?  

I like to journal as often as I can. Writing down my thoughts and goals helps me stay focused, organized and is a great way to clear my mind. It allows me to sort through my ideas, reflect and become a more creative problem-solver.  

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

I was always changing my mind, but would often say teacher, author or scientist. 

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?  

As president of the Yearbook Committee at Gustavus, I worked with a team of student volunteers to assemble the 2023-24 yearbook over the course of the academic year. The project was hard work and took ten months to complete, but holding the printed hard copy over a year later was so satisfying!  

What is one thing about you few people know?  

I love to sing and have been involved in choirs my whole life. Last year, I went on tour with the Gustavus Choir and had the opportunity to sing in some amazing venues throughout the Midwest.  

What is the best advice you have ever received?  

Let go of things you can’t control and focus on what you can.  

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

Everyone is on their own path — don’t compare yourself to others.  

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

I am always listening to music and use Spotify a lot, particularly during my commute. 

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

I spent January of 2023 traveling through Vietnam on a study abroad program. The trip coincided with Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It was an incredible celebration to take part in, with lots of fantastic food, street performers, music and fireworks. I enjoyed exploring both the busy cities and rural deltas of the country, and I made some amazing friends along the way!