8-2-2016

To Whom This May Concern:

With the utmost enthusiasm, I would formally like to express my interest in
an employment with Berger Hirschberg Strategies. After tireless research, I was
intrigued by the companies two-prong approach to both the political and non-profit
sector. Our nations political system has always fascinated me. My ultimate career
goal is to become a political strategist who identifies progressive people of color to
run for office: cultivating a platform focusing on the needs of underserved
communities, developing a strong strategic communications plan and identifying
donors to ensure a successful campaign. My life mission is to ensure diverse bodies
are represented in the legislative and executive branch.
I am a senior at Howard University where I currently study Strategic, Legal,
Management Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in
Political Science. At Howard, I am a distinguished scholar in the School of
Communications Annenberg Honors Program. I am currently working on my senior
thesis analyzing the imperative role that social media played in the 2008 election
in swing states. I plan to pursue a joint J.D. and Masters of Public Policy.
I have extensive experience in public service and nonprofit organizations. I
have interned in the Office of the Democratic Whip: the Honorable Steny Hoyer,
the Department of Justice: Office of Public Affairs, the Office of Senator Gillibrand
and Edelman. In addition to my internships, I have had the opportunity to engage
in worthwhile fellowships. In February, I was a Hope Fellow for the Democratic
National Committee. I am currently a fellow for the Center for American
Presidency and Congress. Additionally, my education and professional development
through the Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute (PPIA)
has further equipped me with the tool box needed to be successful when
presented with evolving responsibilities. At PPIA, I executed a policy analysis
project for the Government Accountability Office, completed quantitative research,
and wrote policy briefs. PPIA provided a rigorous course load including: Public
Analysis and Communications, Quantitative Methods, Economics in Public Policy,
Social Movements Policy, Police Oversight and Administration, Criminal Law,
Criminal Justice Policy, Negotiations, Gender Equity, and Economic Disparities in
the Evolution of Anti-Poverty Programs. Furthermore, in 2013-14, I served as the
national spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). I traveled across
the country representing and advocating for 4 million youth. I also had the
opportunity to work with BGCAs resource development team to activate
transparent communication between donors and the organization.
Through my experiences and passion for the political process, I believe I
would be an excellent candidate for a position at Berger Hirschberg Strategies. I
possess the skills needed to ensure that tasks are executed with the greatest care
and critical thought.

Sincerely,
Kiana Knolland
316-804-0715
kianaknolland@gmail.com