As Associate Director of Engagement for Rhode Island Humanities, Rachael focuses on strategic communications and outreach efforts to deepen engagement with the public humanities in communities across the state. She is passionate about communicating the value of public humanities programs both locally and nationally and draws inspiration from the courage of communities willing to use the humanities to address challenging and pressing issues in creative ways. Rachael joined the RI Humanities team in 2016 as Development & Communications Officer, bringing experience in annual giving, strategic communications, volunteer management, social media and marketing, grant writing, and development events.
Under her leadership, the Council has increased its brand recognition; enhanced awareness of the public humanities and its value to Rhode Island’s creative economy; developed engaging marketing efforts for the Council’s initiatives including: Rhode Tour, XIX: Shall Not Be Denied, Culture Is Key, and the RI Civic Health Index among others; and grew the annual Celebration of the Humanities into a successful fundraising event to showcase the value and strength of Rhode Island’s humanities sector. Rachael serves as the editor of RI Humanities’ bi-monthly e-newsletter Humanities In Context which reaches over 4,000 readers each month. In 2022-2023 Rachael led the process with a design consultant to advance the organization’s brand identity to celebrate the 50th anniversary in ways that highlight a deep legacy of leadership of strengthening democracy and enriching communities through the humanities. Her ability to see the big picture of the RI Humanities’ impact and build connections rooted in collaboration serves her well in developing the new engagement role at the Council.
Prior to joining the Council, Rachael worked with advocacy, education, and cultural organizations in Washington, D.C., New Hampshire, and Maine. She holds an MA in Public Humanities from Brown University and a BA in History from Guilford College with minors in Peace and Conflict Studies and Community Studies. Rachael is an avid amateur photographer, writer, outdoor enthusiast, and traveler, and is very often out for walks on a trail or beach with her energetic dog Kensi.
