Her Story
About Rachel
Rachel Buller serves as a Policy Analyst for State Senator Henry Stern, representing District 27 in California, a role she has held for over four and a half years. In this position based in Sacramento, she concentrates on judiciary and technology issues, education spanning K-12 and higher education, and a range of environmental work. Buller earned her AA in Political Science from American River College before completing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Service at the University of California at Davis. She is currently in her final year at McGeorge School of Law, where she will graduate in May, and she holds the position of Vice President of the evening section on the Student Body Association. Prior to law school demands, she volunteered extensively with the Veterans Affiliated Council of California, an organization important to her due to family military service. Buller attributes her success to taking advice from others, maintaining a strong support system, and building networks, and she advises young women entering government to negotiate persistently and seek the right decision-makers. She values standing up for causes and people, noting that public policy requires willingness to advocate broadly and innovatively amid multifaceted challenges like AI in technology and education funding.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think taking great advice from people, and having a big support system, and being willing to be that support system for other people. Relying on other people and creating a network is really pivotal.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
This is the most energy you'll ever have and tomorrow you'll have less, and every subsequent day you'll have less, so use what you have now.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't take no for an answer. Talk to the manager, elevate it, most anything can be negotiated. You just gotta go find the right person who can get you to yes, and don't stop to find them. I ended up with a full ride from law school because I refused a 75%, and I said, I need more.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Government is facing some unprecedented challenges in education and technology with AI and technological dominance, as well as economic struggles. These problems and policy issues are more multifaceted than ever. Having a broader understanding is increasingly important, not getting too siloed into one issue. Need to think broadly and innovatively to find solutions.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being willing to stand up, whether that means volunteer for more or speak out against something that's not right. Being willing to put your neck out there for other people or for causes. That's what public policy is.
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