Rachel Noerdlinger facts for kids

Rachel Noerdlinger, born on November 14, 1970, is an American public relations expert. She has worked for many years as an advisor to the National Action Network. This group is led by civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton. She also served as a top assistant to Chirlane McCray, the First Lady of New York City. Later, she became a leader at a company called Mercury Public Affairs.

Early Life and Education

Rachel Noerdlinger was adopted by Peter and Judy Noerdlinger. She is a graduate of Mills College, a college for women in Oakland, California. She earned her degree in 1992.

Noerdlinger once wrote about her thoughts on transracial adoption. She later shared that her views changed after she had her son, Khari.

Rachel Noerdlinger's Career in Public Relations

Rachel Noerdlinger is the President of her own company, Noerdlinger Media. She started her career by interning at The Terrie Williams Agency. This was a well-known public relations firm for African-Americans.

While there, she worked with attorney Johnnie Cochran. She later became his public relations advisor. She also built a strong connection with one of Cochran's clients, Al Sharpton.

Working with Rev. Al Sharpton

Noerdlinger's company has worked on many important cases. These include the Sean Bell case and the Jena Six case. She also helped with the Megan Williams case.

She was the Press Secretary for Rev. Sharpton's 2004 run for President. She has also had a weekly segment on his radio show. People have called her "the public relations force" behind Rev. Al Sharpton. She has advised him and the National Action Network since the late 1990s.

Other Important Clients

Noerdlinger Media has worked with many other clients. These include The Cochran Firm and Sunshine Sachs Public Relations.

Noerdlinger has also worked on many high-profile cases about criminal justice reform. These include the case of Eric Garner in New York and Stephon Clark in Sacramento.

Chief of Staff to Chirlane McCray

On January 20, 2014, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Noerdlinger to a new role. She became the Chief of Staff to New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray. This position had not existed before.

Noerdlinger took a leave of absence from her role in November 2014. She stepped down later that month. In December 2014, Roxanne John replaced her.