Influential Woman · Healing Arts (Massage Therapy and Energy Work) - Retired; Management, Press and Public Relations (progressive non-profits) - Retired
Rachel Dale
Retired - Former Private Practice Owner (Massage Therapy and Energy Work); Retired - Former Executive Director, Press & PR Director (progressive non-profits), Retired
Saint Petersburg, FL
Her Story
About Rachel
My professional journey has been what I call a "career wander" rather than a career path, which I find fits women much better. I started in progressive nonprofits, serving as Executive Director of the Common Cause chapter in Maryland, then moved into press and public relations roles at Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington and the American Public Health Association. In the second half of my career, I practiced hands-on healing, through a private practice in massage therapy and energy work, for about 30 years until I retired in 2017. What I feel best about in both careers is helping people in need. In my non-profit career, that required attention to details and firm public advocacy. Hands-on healing required compassion and consistent focus. These two careers gave me the breadth of focus and service that suited the breadth of my interests and abilities. Now, at age 77, I continue to explore a variety of interests and serve in a variety of ways. I volunteer as the English grammar editor, writer and producer of English study materials for Toratah (a regendering of biblical texts); and I organize, manage and attend in-person and online events to protect our democracy from a possible authoritarian takeover.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a firm belief that women can succeed in the world when we focus on the work that our hearts tell us is right for us. I learned from the US feminists of the late 1960s: Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Bella Abzug, Molly Yard, and others. When people asked, "So you want to be just like men?" we replied, "No. We want to be and thrive and succeed like women." I still ask myself, "Who am I as a woman? What do I want to be and do in the world? How can I find or make the space to do it?" When there's an obstacle, I look for a way to jump over it, go around it, or dance with it--as women do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever got was to listen to my heart, my desires, first and then follow or make a path to do what my heart desires.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women entering the healing arts, whether it's hands-on healing like massage, or nursing, or medicine, remember to draw on your inner strength. You know a whole lot more than the world thinks you know. For women entering the world of service through public policy, keep checking with your own values and never betray them. Betraying your values for short-term gain will get you long-term regret, or even disgust.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is finding a way to lift people up and make lives better. I have no bandwidth for self-absorption. It is often said of those who choose non-profit careers that we thrive on "psychic rewards" more than material compensation. That's certainly true for me. I've made a comfortable living doing what makes me feel good about my work. That's all I need.
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