Molly
O’Brien
Account Director
Lives for that “aha” message. Passionate about students. Ran the LA Marathon. Twice.
Where It All Started
Molly’s passion for education started when she would rush home from school only to make her siblings and the neighborhood kids sit for another two hours in her makeshift classroom in the family garage. Though it did make the days a bit long, she still made sure that everyone was engaged and learning took place. Even for the high-chair bound toddler, who was at times her most engaged student.
In the Early Days
Molly served for over a decade as a senior field representative for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California). As the policy and public relations arm for the senator in Los Angeles, Molly oversaw community relations, public policy and communications in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Molly is adept at working alongside community leaders, nonprofits and elected officials to solve problems, build coalitions and communicate an organization’s goals in an accessible and impactful manner, all while maintaining a strong presence in the community.
Working closely with legislative staff on many important policy issues, Molly enthusiastically dove into political matters surrounding education, charter schools and other issues impacting youth and families in the region. After over a decade in this role, she has built an extensive network of stakeholders and experts in these fields.
In 2016 Molly was nominated and inducted as a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy.
What She Brings to the Table
Molly brings a passion for education issues, experience crafting strategic communication plans and an in-depth knowledge of California’s – and particularly the Los Angeles region’s – political landscape. She is a consummate professional with an insightful understanding of the education landscape, both in terms of policy and communications. She is an excellent writer who can easily explain difficult concepts through an engaging narrative. This makes her an expert in crafting strategic messages for organizations that help them identify and share their unique story.
What Gets Her Up in the Morning
Molly is passionate about children and women’s issues, environmental and civil rights policies and serving others. She loves achieving that “aha” moment in developing messaging, and is driven to help organizations realize their goals so they can focus on serving their students.
In Her Spare Time
Molly has traveled extensively and studied abroad in Florence, Italy where she completed her minor in Italian. She also volunteered at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic, traveled solo to Ireland to meet her ancestors, and went to Belize to snorkel, cave dive, horseback ride and explore Mayan ruins. She has also volunteered for Write Girl, AIDS Project LA and the LA Gay and Lesbian Center. Molly ran the Los Angeles marathon twice, but didn’t particularly enjoy it either time.
Molly earned a Political Science degree from James Madison University in Virginia graduating from the Honors Program, and her Masters of Professional Writing Degree from the University of Southern California.