RJ-HS-5

Development Director, Teaching Artist, Touring Company Member
rachel@fwdc.org

Rachel is a northeast Indiana dancer, teacher, and choreographer who holds her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Master of Organizational Leadership from the University of Saint Francis. Rachel’s graduate studies focused on nonprofit organizational management with a personal emphasis on peace, justice, and respect for the unique identity of each individual. Professionally, Rachel’s career has centered on resource development, allowing her to work with members of the northeast Indiana community to help donors connect their time, talents, and treasure to causes they believe in.

Rachel’s passion for dance began at a young age and she has spent her life dedicated to growing as a movement artist both as a dancer and teacher. In her youth, Rachel trained at several studios in the community and pursued dance at the collegiate level. Currently, she dances professionally with the Fort Wayne Dance Collective’s Touring Company and has performed with dAnce.Kontemporary, Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, Three Rivers Music Theater, and Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Rachel is a teaching artist with the Fort Wayne Dance Collective and is passionate about helping individuals of all ages and abilities cultivate a love of movement.

Rachel recently received an Anthony Award (Outstanding Dancer in a Musical) for her role in Matilda and received the Women’s Bureau Empowerment Award in Advocacy for her work in community engagement and education on topics of assault prevention and women’s empowerment. Rachel is a former titleholder in the Miss America Organization and choreographs for the Miss Fort Wayne pageant each year. In her free time, Rachel enjoys yoga, roller-skating, long boarding, knitting, and spending time with her spouse, Rhys, and two corgis, Mae Belle and JuneBug.