With two working class parents, Rachel grew up understanding the power of hard work and the value of unions. She proudly attended public school and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and later, a second degree in biology. In 2018, she was elected to the Will County Board and as a county board member, Rachel helped secure long-term clean water for the 800 families living in Fairmont. Due to her hard work and perseverance, Will County became the second county in Illinois to adopt the Greenest Region Compact. She continues to advocate for affordable housing, recovery homes, housing for the homeless, an end to systemic racism, and the creation of opportunities for jobs with livable wages. In 2020, Rachel ran for Congress (IL-11) and secured an impressive 41.8% of the vote in the Democratic Party primary. Rachel is also Catch Fire Movement’s advisory board member.