Tara Dowdell

President

Tara Dowdell is an accomplished entrepreneur and communications strategist. She is the Founder and President of TDG Speakers, a boutique speakers bureau, and Tara Dowdell Group, a public relations and marketing agency driven by a passion for promoting organizations and businesses that are engaged in social good. In addition to her business ventures, Tara is a respected television commentator and speaker. She appears on MSNBC and PIX11 News where she provides progressive analysis on a range of political, government, and business topics.

Tara’s proven expertise, unique insight, and engaging style have also made her a sought-after speaker. She has addressed several major conferences and events such as the NYU Stern School of Business Women in Business Conference, Big Ideas in Higher Education Conference at Rutgers University, the Southern Women in Public Service Leadership Conference, the Center for American Women and Politics “Ready to Run” Conference, the Colorado Black Women for Political Action 39th Annual Luncheon, and many more.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Tara served as a senior manager at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey where she was responsible for directing the government and community relations strategy for the multibillion dollar redevelopment of the Port of New York and New Jersey. Before joining the Port Authority, Tara was the first Black American and youngest person to serve as Director of Appointments in the Office of the New Jersey Governor. In this role, she led the office responsible for gubernatorial appointments to over 550 statewide boards and commissions. She began her career serving as a District Representative and Scheduler for Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

Aside from her work in government, Tara has a wealth of political experience. She has served in senior positions on several high profile federal, state, and local campaigns. Additionally, she managed an issue-advocacy campaign for Emily’s List, a national Political Action Committee focused on electing pro-choice Democratic women.

Tara’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 2010, she was selected by the American Swiss Foundation to attend their prestigious Young Leaders Conference in Basel, Switzerland. Tara was only one of 25 Americans chosen to participate in the conference. Notably, she also had the distinction of competing for a job on the third season of NBC’s hit show, “The Apprentice.” Tara has been honored by Rutgers Business School, Colorado Black Women for Political Action, the NAACP, and more, and she has been named to the ROI-NJ People of Color Power List several years in a row.

Tara is very active in her community. She is the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of WBGO, a public media and global jazz radio station. She also serves on the board of New Jersey Policy Perspective and is on the Steering Committee for the Center for American Women and Politics “Ready to Run” Conference.

Tara is a graduate of the University of Virginia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.