January 28, 2019
Tracy Mlakar leads the Advancement Communications team, responsible for producing integrated communications that promote giving in support of the university’s fundraising campaigns and philanthropic activities. She cultivates and stewards relationships with key stakeholders to inspire a culture of creativity, collaboration and innovation as part of a broader, synchronized, multidisciplinary team of communications and advancement professionals.
In addition to being an alum, Mlakar served as manager of development communications from 2002-04. Most recently, she owned her own communications consultancy firm, Tracy Lyn Communications, working with national and international nonprofits to tell their inspiring stories that help earn funding support, raise awareness and solve societal challenges. One of Mlakar’s clients was the YMCA of the USA, where she wrote and consulted on proposals that totaled more than $88M over five years. Other key clients included the University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences Development, Loyola High School, the city of Ventura and the Motion Picture Television Fund, among others.