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Rachel is originally from Nairobi, Kenya and joined the GHD program with varied work experience in multiple sectors. Rachel graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia with an undergraduate degree in International Business. She has worked in the private sector with companies such as Wells Fargo, Target, and J.Crew before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. Rachel served as an AmeriCorps with a refugee resettlement agency in Anchorage, Alaska and subsequently worked in higher education as an advisor supporting first-generation students from low-income backgrounds.

Rachel is excited about being in the GHD program because it will allow her to gain a deeper understanding of how cross-sector partnerships can be leveraged to solve the world's most complex problems. Rachel is pursuing the African Studies Certificate and the Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation and Global Development. With her region of focus being sub-Saharan Africa, Rachel is exploring classes and opportunities within the African context related to the growth of the private sector, impact investing, SME growth, particularly related to women entrepreneurship, and cross-sector partnerships in development.

Rachel envisions herself as a development practitioner who will work at the intersection of impact investing and projects related to EdTech, Microfinance, and Renewable energy. She believes in the tremendous social impact that could be achieved through innovative approaches using the resources and expertise of the private sector.

Rachel enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.

Summer Internship Experience

Supporting the Rising Academy Network School Leader Training Program

I thoroughly enjoyed my summer internship with the Rising Academy Network in their Accra, Ghana office. Rising is a low-cost private school network that provides quality education in West Africa and Rwanda. As the School Leader Development and Training intern, I spearheaded efforts that engaged multiple stakeholders in Sierra Leone and Ghana as well as researched different training tools and resources. This culminated in curating case studies highlighting innovative approaches that will support school leaders in achieving their goals. Additionally, I gained exposure to their work in public-private partnerships, witnessed their innovative EdTech, and interviewed the CEO/founder of Rising to discuss the successes and challenges of being an entrepreneur in the development sector.

This internship experience has inspired me to focus on social innovation and private sector development within Africa. I believe that to solve the most complex developmental challenges, innovative approaches that combine cross-sector expertise are essential for creating a substantial impact.

Why GHD?

I chose GHD because it is a rigorous program in a highly ranked and reputable institution. Furthermore, I chose GHD because of the small cohort size and the strong sense of community and support.