Alexa Cooley
Want to meet a Comms Manager who brings baked goods to the office?
Oh, you should talk to Alexa Cooley!
Communications Manager
Democratic Policy & Communications Committee
Alexa’s journey on the Hill started in December 2020 – only a day after her college graduation! Since then, she has climbed the comms ladder, making her way up to Press Assistant, and now she was recently promoted to Communications Manager of the Democratic Policy & Communications Committee (DPCC).
In the office, Alexa is known for bringing in yummy baked goods to share with her friends - some even make the migration over from the Senate side to get a bite! Apart from baking, Alexa has many other hobbies, including listening to her favorite music artists (Velvet Underground, Japanese Breakfast, Vampire Weekend), attending shows at DC9 or The Kennedy Center, writing letters to friends, and admiring her cat Cardamom (also known as Cardi).
As a proud Michigander, Alexa is proud to work for Rep. Debbie Dingell, who she has been with since her time as a Staff Assistant. When asked what hill Alexa would die on, she answered, “The House of Representatives needs to stock Vernors ginger ale - the drink of choice for all Michiganders!”
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Alexa's Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Monroe, Michigan
🎓 College: Eastern Michigan University
🌸 Favorite D.C. Memory: Going on four years!
🔗 CNCT with Alexa about…
Writing letters and sending mail!
Jane Austen movie adaptations
Being a proud Michigander
Her favorite baked goods recipes
What does Alexa like about working for the DPCC?
“I am very passionate about Democratic issues and DPCC is the messaging arm of our caucus. I am particularly proud of the work our caucus does on women’s rights. In my role, I get to work with the entire Democratic caucus! I have connections with nearly every office. DPCC has great insight into what our member offices are doing and gets to showcase their work. I got into this work to help people and I get to help people every single day! I’m always just an email away.”
Alexa’s Favorites ❤️
Coffee Spot: Peregrine Espresso
Bar: The Passenger
Happy Hour: Betsy
Lunch Spot: Santa Rosa (duh)
TV Show: Gilmore Girls
Movie: Before Sunrise
Alexa’s Book Recommendations 📚
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
Undaunted by Former Rep. Jackie Speier
My Own Words by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
How to CNCT
“Tried and true - get coffee! Talk about life and career! Get out of the office and walk and talk your way to connection.”
Do you know someone on the Hill who should be our Staffer Spotlight for a week? Send us an email and let us hear their story!
Staffer Advice
From her time in Hill communications, Alexa has garnered valuable experience and advice that she would like to share with younger Staffers:
“Be kind to everyone and always say thank you! Professionally, you’ll be remembered as a friendly face and it eases conversations in the future.With all the hustle and bustle sometimes we forget to say thank you.”
“Never stop learning. There is something to learn from everyone you speak to and you should take advantage of every opportunity to learn.”
Specifically, Alexa notes how she struggled with ‘imposter syndrome’ when starting out on the Hill. To others with the same struggles, she writes:
“You need to take a step back and breathe. Perseverance through tough times and trusting in yourself will take you far. Great people do things before they’re ready… or something like that. Work hard and the people around you will take note.”
- Alexa Cooley