Community and Religious Activist – Colorado
President and Founder of Colorado Christian University College Republicans
“Never allow anyone to look down on you for your gender, race, religion, or social status. If you have the ability to dream of it, you have the ability to do it.”
Rachael has a B.A. in History with a minor in International Studies and an emphasis in Biblical studies from Colorado Christian University. She is the founder and president of the Colorado Christian University College Republicans Group. Further college leadership experience includes: Alpha and Omega Society, Fat Boys: Homeless Ministry, Campus Prayer Ministry Leader, Crisis Pregnancy Counseling, Air Force ROTC program and Vice President of Seekers Society. She also works with the Lochwood Christian Fellowship Nursery, Sunday School and as a Youth Group Leader. Her current memberships include Planned Parenthood of America, NARAL, Colorado Right to Life and International Foothills Forum.
In high school, Rachael was active in Edgewood Believer’s Fellowship Youth Leadership and TeenPact Youth Government Leadership Program. She was also a participant in State and National level speech and debate competitions.
Rachael hopes to enter law school in August 2008 and then to run for political office in the state of Colorado and for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
How did you become interested and involved in College Republicans?
I became interested and involved in politics through my involvement in community service. As a concern for the suffering in the world came about in my heart, I knew that taking a leadership role in these issues was the only to confront them.
What prompted you to become a leader?
I believe that I have displayed leadership characteristics from a very early age. As the oldest child of four, I was expected to be a leader in my own home as a child. I was prompted to take on official leadership positions due to my belief that positive leadership can change the any problem.
What steps did you take to achieve your goals?
I became involved in as many public service and leadership positions as possible at the given time. It was largely through these positions that I was able to take on a leadership role.
What obstacles have you faced in achieving your goals?
The greatest obstacles for me personally have been poverty and my gender. On some occasions, I was not taken seriously as a leader due to these factors. This was particularly noticeable during my service in the Air Force. My single greatest obstacle came about my freshman year in college when I was raped. This situation not only challenged my personhood, but also my womanhood.
How have you confronted them?
I have confronted these situations by boldly asserting my place in this world and in politics as a woman.
How has your experience been shaped by being a woman?
Being a woman has taught me, that although those around you might believe you are inferior, only you can ascertain your ultimate self worth in this world.
What lessons have you learned from your experiences?
I have learned a great deal about my own capabilities. I have also learned much about the great leaders in history and how they have motivated and influenced people around them.
If you had the chance, would you have done anything differently? If so, what and why?
If I could backtrack in part in my life, it would be the instances where I disrespected my parents. As I mature in my personal development, I realize how valuable their advice really was.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years from now I hoped to be practicing law, involved in politics, and starting a family. In twenty years from now I hope to be a United States Senator.
What advice do you have for young girls who are interested in politics or have leadership aspirations?
To these young girls, I would say never give up on yourself and never allow anyone to look down on you for your gender, race, religion, or social status. If you have the ability to dream of it you have the ability to do it.
