ABOUT

Rachel Smith is a communications strategist based in Sacramento, California, with more than 20 years of experience crafting and executing high-impact public relations campaigns. As the founder and owner of WordSmith Communications since 2017, Rachel specializes in message and content development, media relations, and community engagement. She has partnered with a diverse portfolio of clients—including Ford Motor Company, Blue Shield of California, Covered California, and California Women Lead—helping organizations elevate their stories, strengthen their influence, and authentically connect with the audiences they serve.

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Before launching her firm, Rachel spent a decade as Vice President and Media Relations Director at a statewide public affairs agency, where she led public relations strategy and media outreach for corporate clients, political campaigns, and nonprofit organizations. Her expertise also spans public speaking, event management, and the development of community-centered campaigns that drive measurable impact. She is known for her ability to cultivate meaningful media relationships and secure top-tier placements that significantly enhance brand visibility and engagement.

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In 2019, Rachel was honored as a Sacramento Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipient, recognizing her leadership, entrepreneurial growth, and contributions to the region’s communications landscape. She has since served as a mentor for the Sacramento Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday program, a national initiative supporting women professionals through guidance, connection, and career development.

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Rachel holds a degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, with a minor in U.S. History. She is passionate about applying her communications expertise to mission-driven organizations supporting mental health, youth, and veterans - and helping communities thrive through strategic, heartfelt storytelling.