Kankakee, IL – The City of Kankakee has a new Community Outreach Coordinator. Rachel Schramm has joined the Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA) as Miya Graham’s successor under the leadership of Executive Director, Barbi Brewer-Watson.

“The Community Outreach Coordinator is significant to the ECDA team’s work that has a positive impact for the City,” states Director Brewer-Watson. “Rachel understands how data and communications play a vital role in managing our current grants while also applying for new ones in today’s competitive world. We are excited to have her join the team!”

Rachel’s duties entail turning civic engagement and collecting quantifiable data that will be used to report and monitor ECDA grants. The more data collected, the better informed the ECDA team will be to address the needs of the community and appropriately direct federal funds.

Rachel is a 2018 and 2020 graduate from Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communications with a minor in Legal Studies. Rachel then completed her MBA with a nonprofit concentration. Prior to joining the City’s team, she worked as a Graduate Assistant and Adjunct Professor at ONU overseeing their public relations program. Rachel also served as the Project Manager for their student-run agency, Inspired Strategies Agency, which is currently a partner with the City of Kankakee to create learning opportunities and internships.

Rachel has served on the Kankakee County Chamber Ambassadors committee and the Kankakee Riverfront Implementation Team (KRIT). She will continue to serve on both committees in her role. Rachel also interned at Riverside Healthcare in their Foundation office, the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and one of the largest nonprofits in the nation, Compassion International. Rachel says she is passionate about seeing the City of Kankakee thrive and looks forward to the opportunity to establishing more relationships and connecting people in the community.  

"I'm so incredibly excited to join the team at the ECDA and City of Kankakee. My passion for this community has grown over the past few years as I've had the opportunity to become more involved. The passion I've seen from others in this community who want Kankakee to thrive has inspired me greatly,” said Community Outreach Coordinator, Rachel Schramm.

“Rachel began her relationship with the City of Kankakee as a college intern. Almost immediately, she became a shining star and excelled in her role as a leader and professional. As we move Kankakee Forward, I will continue to prioritize our young people by creating opportunities for them to have access to the City’s talent as they seek to develop workforce skills. I am extremely pleased the City is able to provide Rachel this opportunity to start her career and I am confident that she will succeed in her new role,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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