About Me

A woman with blue eyes and hair pulled back smiles into the camera next to her grey and white pitbull

Me and my best boy, Wellington

Hi everyone, I’m Rachael!

I have lived an exciting, creative, and varied life. I’ve sung on stages in Europe, worked on the cutting edge of behavioral economics and social entrepreneurship, and run multiple booths at the NC State Fair.

I’m excited to work in the UX field and use all of my experiences to improve the way that technology and systems work for people!

What I Value

Curiosity

I am relentlessly curious about the world and how it works! I am especially interested in processes and systems and how they can work better for the people who use them. From examining higher education through the lens of underserved communities to trying to reduce waste in the construction industry, I have always worked to improve the world by creating innovative change.

A scene from an opera with nuns and a priest kneeling and praying.

Performing as a persecuted nun during the French Revolution in Dialogue of the Carmelites

Empathy / Moral Imagination

I started my life as an opera singer, a profession that asks you to empathize with and inhabit a variety of characters. I’ve continued to use that skillset throughout my career. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in fields where I have interacted with people from around the world, from a variety of backgrounds, and with a wide range of beliefs. Each has taught me about the world and pushed me to view situations through a variety of lenses.

Genuine Connection

One of the highest compliments I ever received was a friend introducing me to a companion as “someone they could be themselves around.” I truly value connecting with all aspects of someone. Being open to meeting someone where they are has consistently led to a more fulfilling and brilliant life.

Things I Love

Board Games

Since moving to Raleigh, I have become a huge board gamer. I go to conventions. I have a weekly meetup. I nerd out over the design choices and how they help or hinder play. Feel free to ask me about my favorites!

The board of a board games with tokens on it and cards above.

A board game based on Mozart’s Requiem

Volunteering

I enjoy being an active part of the community. I currently serve on the board of the Concert Singers of Cary, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership summit, and Opera on Tap Raleigh. I’ve also served on the board of the Triangle UX Professional Association and the Raleigh Jaycees.

Four people sitting on a bench facing the camera. They are in front of an outdoor shooting range filled with hay.

Volunteering at the NC State Fair

Singing

I am a classically-trained opera singer who still loves to sing whenever I have the chance. I am an active member of the Concert Singers of Cary and a founding member of Opera on Tap Raleigh.

Three women looking at the camera in over-the-top doll costumes

Performing in a children’s opera called the Toy Shop.

A collage of various baked goods, paintings, and drawings

Creating

Whether baking, cooking, painting, knitting or doing something else crafty, I’m at my happiest when I’m making something. I regularly plan dates with friends to spend an afternoon being creative together.

Some of my many projects!