Rae Menotti

I would definitely say my commitment to learning has been key. I've had great mentorship along the way and amazing opportunities. It's one of those things where lightning strikes when you're in the right place at the right time with a talented group of people. I've been very fortunate in that regard—being surrounded by brilliant people and having those mentors guide me has made all the difference.

I’ve also learned to treat every “no” as information, not a failure. Each setback pushed me to refine my skills, strengthen my voice, and show up better the next time. That mindset, combined with a strong support system, helped me navigate my career.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to actively seek feedback. Early in my career, a leader took the time to walk me through what I could do to make myself more marketable just starting out in the field, and that insight was invaluable. It taught me growth happens when you're in motion and willing to do the work.

My advice is to trust your voice and don’t wait until you feel “ready” to take opportunities. Ask questions. Seek feedback. Advocate for yourself. And remember that your path doesn’t have to look linear, much less like anyone else’s. Every step adds value. Your experience and your insight are unique and matter.

One of the biggest challenges in higher education marketing is balancing data, technology, and automation with authentic storytelling. With AI and digital tools evolving quickly, it’s easy to lose sight of the real people behind the metrics. At the same time, that’s also a great opportunity. Thoughtful, empathetic content has never been more valuable. There’s a real chance to build trust, elevate voices, and create meaningful connections when strategy and storytelling work together.

The values that matter most to me are integrity, empathy, growth, and community. I believe in doing work that’s thoughtful and people centered. As a leader and mentor, I try to create spaces where others feel supported and seen.

I'm also a lifelong learner—I feel like I've got to keep busy and keep learning. Whether it's earning my master's degree, teaching myself a new skill, or running my freelance business, I'm always pursuing growth, while trying to stay mindful of balance and rejuvenation. Self-care is essential—I love being with family, music, yoga, enjoying nature, or reading in my spare time.