Tara Dowdell

Tara Dowdell is a powerhouse entrepreneur and highly sought-after political commentator and communications strategist who makes regular appearances on MSNBC, CNN, and Pix11 News. She has built her career championing organizations and businesses engaged in social good as Founder and President of boutique speakers bureau TDG Speakers, and Tara Dowdell Group public relations and marketing agency. If you’re looking for a dynamic, strategic thinker, or just someone who gets things done, Tara Dowdell’s your go-to—breaking barriers and setting the stage for others to follow.

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 engaged in social good. In addition to her business ventures, Tara is a respected television commentator. She has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, and PIX11 News where she provides analysis on political, government, and business topics.

Tara’s proven expertise and engaging style have also made her a sought-after speaker. She has addressed several major conferences and events such as 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, Colorado Black Women for Political Action 39th Annual Luncheon, and more.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Tara served as the Senior Manager of Government and Community Relations for the international shipping arm of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. 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 Political Action Committee focused on electing pro-choice Democratic women.

Tara’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Most recently, she was awarded the 2023 Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award by the Women’s Transportation Seminar – Greater New York Chapter. She is an alumna of the American Swiss Foundation Young Leaders program in Switzerland. Notably, after being selected out of over a million applicants, she also had the distinction of competing on NBC’s “The Apprentice.” Tara has also been honored by Rutgers Business School, Colorado Black Women for Political Action, the NAACP, and more, and she has been named to the business publication, ROI-NJ’s, ROI Influencers: Power List several years in a row.

Tara is also 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 and serves on the board of New Jersey Policy Perspective, a nonpartisan think tank. Additionally, she 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.