Her Story
About Rachelle
For as far back as I can remember I have always had a passion for writing. Being able to convert that lifelong love into nearly two decades of journalism has been one of my greatest gifts.
When I'm not in editor mode, you'll find me walking the shores of Lake Huron searching for beach glass or searching for the next great adventure with my family. I live in Michigan with my husband, our young daughter, and our dogs and cats — our home is that great mix of chaotic and cozy and I wouldn't trade for anything. Michigan's beautiful seasons and landscapes are a constant reminder of my passion for the outdoors.
I'm also genuinely passionate about food — not just the eating part, but understanding nutrition and how what we put into our bodies affects how we show up in every area of life. In a career that demands a lot, I've learned that taking care of yourself isn't optional. Cooking has become one of my favorite ways to slow down, get creative, and be intentional about my wellbeing.
At the core of everything is a commitment to growth. I believe in constantly learning, pushing past comfort zones, and becoming a better version of myself — as a leader, a mother, a partner, and a person. That drive is what got me here, and it's what keeps me going.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachelle
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received didn't come from a mentor or a boss — it came from an author. Many years ago I had the pleasure of listening to a presentation by Reshma Saujani (founder of nonprofit organization "Girls Who Code") while attending a convention. She highlighted lessons from her book "Brave, Not Perfect" and it cracked something open in me that I didn't even realize was holding me back.
For most of my life, I operated from a place of perfectionism. I waited until I felt fully ready before raising my hand in class. I second-guessed my instincts and I played it safe when perhaps I should have been playing it bold. Saujani made the case that so many women are conditioned from a young age to be perfect rather than brave — and that perfectionism, as comfortable as it feels, is actually the thing quietly keeping us from reaching our potential.
The shift for me was understanding that bravery isn't the absence of fear or self-doubt — it's the decision to move forward anyway. You don't have to feel ready. You don't have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to try, stumble, and try again.
That reframe changed how I lead and how I approach opportunities that scare me a little. Some of the best moves in my life came from saying yes before I felt ready.
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