Staff Spotlight: Marisa Morris

Marisa joins Rapp Strategies as an Assistant Account Executive, bringing a background in government relations, public policy and higher education. She graduated from Drake University with a degree in Law, Politics, and Society and a dual major in English. She moved to Minneapolis last September to pursue her master’s degree at the University of Minnesota, focusing on education policy.  

“Joining such a smart, driven, collaborative team has been amazing. My dream job is to read and write all day, and I get to do that on behalf of our incredible clients. In every role, I think about who I want to learn from next, and I couldn’t have found better teachers than my colleagues at Rapp Strategies.”  

After serving her alma mater as an admission counselor, Marisa launched her career on the Dentons Davis Brown lobbying team in Des Moines, Iowa, representing clients at the State Capitol. She developed new processes and strategies for tracking complex, fast-moving issues through the legislative process. In addition to planning grassroots advocacy days, coordinating client engagements, and otherwise keeping all the planes in the air, she enjoyed writing a government affairs and policy analysis blog.

As an undergraduate, Marisa worked on regional economic development issues at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, where she coordinated events for presidential candidates during the 2020 Iowa Caucus season, helped plan the annual D.C. fly-in, and engaged with local business leaders and elected officials.  

At Iowa Confluence Water Trails, Marisa conducted community outreach and gathered input on emerging plans to invest in infrastructure safeguarding central Iowa’s waterways. At Drake University, she joined the Law, Politics, and Society department chair on a research project investigating institutional resilience in the face of the changing higher ed landscape.  

“Working at Rapp Strategies blends my experience in the public affairs arena with my passion for storytelling. I look forward to honing my strategic communication skills and familiarizing myself with the Minnesota political landscape.”   

What motivated you to pursue a career in strategic communications?  

I remember asking for, and receiving, a dictionary for my 10th birthday. I’ve been a huge nerd about words and language ever since. As a high school debater, I learned how to organize my ideas and advocate for a specific position. I’ve been so fortunate to have experiences and mentors that nurtured this passion throughout my education and early career.  

What is your favorite professional experience?  

Flying to Washington D.C. for the annual Des Moines regional advocacy trip was an amazing experience. It was a full-circle moment to attend as a professional after helping plan it as an intern. 

What is one habit that makes you more successful?  

I’m a bit obsessive about my planner. Seeing everything on paper keeps me on track.  

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

I honestly wanted to be the tooth fairy. Once I got more realistic, I planned on a career in medicine before finding my niche in public affairs.  

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?  

Completing my undergraduate honors thesis during the pandemic.  

What is one thing about you few people know?  

I’m a lefty! 

What is the best advice you have ever received?  

My dad always tells me, “The world is run by people who show up.” 

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

No one has a crystal ball. Everyone is making the best decisions they can with the information they have, just like you. 

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

I use an app called Music League to organize a fantasy football-style competition with my friends. We each submit a song based on a unique category each week and vote on the best one! 

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

I spent January 2019 in South Africa on a university study abroad trip. We traveled to Johannesburg, Durban, and the South African countryside learning about religions in the area. The trip expanded my worldview in so many ways.