Professional Affiliation

Chief Global Policy and Advocacy Officer, HIAS

Expert Bio

Rachel leads HIAS’s global policy and advocacy to advance the rights and protection of refugees and other displaced people. Working to influence leaders in Washington, DC and around the world, including in government, UN agencies, and the private sector, she helps communicate the organization’s global impact and thought leadership to bring tangible change to the lives of people HIAS serves.

Rachel previously served as HIAS’s VP, International Policy and Relations and as VP, International Programs, where she expanded HIAS’ global impact, particularly across Latin America and the Caribbean. In prior roles she led research and advocacy on refugee legal rights, gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ protection, and multifaith engagement.

Before coming to HIAS, Rachel co-founded Turkey’s first legal clinic for refugees and litigated race and gender discrimination claims in federal court in New York City. She received her BA from McGill University and a law degree from the University of British Columbia.