Rachel has led the Service Training and Community Partnerships for Protecting Children teams since October of 2018 and brings a diverse set of skills and experiences to the project. She has 15+ years of strategic leadership experience working in and with the public, private and non-governmental organization sectors.  Before returning to her home state of Iowa in 2018, she lived in Panama City, Panama for 12 years where she collaborated with international development agencies in youth and child advocacy, and founded an organization dedicated to professional development, coaching, and English language proficiency. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and has worked as a Child Advocate, Family Centered Worker, and Case Manager in Iowa, Michigan, and Arizona. She is a curious, humble learner that seeks to amplify voices, recognize privilege, relinquish power, and uplift lived experiences. In 2021, she was awarded the P&S Staff Early Achievement in Administration Award and was chosen to participate in the Iowa State University 2020-2021 Emerging Leaders Academy cohort.