Rachael’s approach to innovation coaching starts by looking inward, helping students define their unique interests and shaping them into a contribution to share with the world. As an Emmy-winning producer and journalist, she shapes these personal stories by building real relationships based on trust and respect. With College Prep 360, Rachael helps students articulate and apply who they are, encouraging the belief that you're the only person who can be you.

As a documentary producer, Rachael's work has premiered on Netflix, Prime Video, and the History Channel, including NASCAR Full Speed, Toys That Built America, The Envoy: Senegal, and Emmy-winning Variety's Power of Women. Previously, she spent half a decade at CNN where she produced and wrote for millions of viewers across digital platforms. 

Rachael's mentorship work includes UNC's nationally ranked School of Journalism and Media, reviewing portfolios and strategizing career paths with journalism students. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, she volunteered with an English fluency program, meeting weekly with a graduate student in Kyiv. She also coached competitive swimming across various ages and skill levels, with an emphasis on overcoming fear and teambuilding.

A born-and-bred Tar Heel, Rachael completed her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Peace, War, and Defense at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (she also studied Carolina basketball, contributing nominally to the 2017 national championship). Her love of swimming has evolved into learning to surf, and she's always chasing the next place to explore. She is based in Brooklyn.