Before Tracey L. Schroeder even started her first full-time job, she had a clear vision: someday, she’d work for herself. The “how” wasn’t clear yet, but her determination was unwavering—and she was ready to figure it out.
After earning dual undergraduate degrees in English Literature and Psychology from Miami University, Tracey launched her career in Chicago advertising, where she quickly thrived. Following her father’s advice, she pivoted to pursue both law and business degrees, earning her JD from the John Marshall Law School and her MBA from Dominican University. Although her first experience at a law firm fell short of expectations, it ultimately fueled her return to her true passion: marketing, communications, PR, and events—this time with the added advantage of legal expertise.
With leadership roles at renowned organizations like Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the American Board of Medical Specialties, Tracey built an impressive career in marketing and communications. She even pioneered a dual attorney/marketing role, blending two worlds most people wouldn’t dare to tackle simultaneously.
Since 2019, Tracey has been an active contributor to the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI), serving on its newsletter committee and eventually stepping into the Editor-in-Chief role. As the Communications & Marketing Officer, she’s spearheaded initiatives in social media, email marketing, event planning, and publication management—all while merging her two passions seamlessly.
Tracey credits the WBAI with helping her find her community and giving her the confidence to embark on this journey. “I couldn’t have done this without the unwavering support of the WBAI,” she says. “It’s an incredible honor to work alongside such accomplished women, who have taught me so much and continue to inspire me every day. Watching them break barriers and champion women’s rights motivates me to push myself to do more and to do better.”
Now, Tracey is thrilled to announce the launch of Schroeder Communications, where impactful storytelling meets strategic branding. Tailored for law firms, businesses, and nonprofits, Schroeder Communications reflects her 20+ years of combined legal and marketing expertise.
Whether building projects from scratch or racing to meet a tight deadline, Schroeder Communications is here to make your life easier and your business shine. Tracey’s creative solutions and thoughtful strategies ensure her clients succeed—because at Schroeder Communications, excellence is the standard, and results are the goal.
Word.
Get in touch:
Email: Tracey@schroedercomms.com
Url: schroedercomms.com
This article was originally published in the WBAI Winter 2025 Newsletter on page 11.