Areas of Expertise: project management, writing, engagement

“I’m proud to support KnowledgeWorks and its efforts to spread personalized learning because I believe this approach will inspire all students to become the lifelong learners and engaged citizens we need to make all our systems more responsive and equitable.”

In her role, Rachel Wells manages projects in KnowledgeWorks’ partner states to support the successful implementation of personalized, competency-based learning approaches and policies.

Throughout Rachel’s career and in her volunteer efforts, she has worked to make systems and civic institutions more responsive to the communities they serve by building understanding and promoting participation. In her previous role as manager of strategic partnerships and development, Rachel researched potential resources needed to further KnowledgeWorks’ mission and supported the cultivation and stewardship of philanthropic opportunities.

Prior to joining KnowledgeWorks, Rachel served in public engagement and communications roles with a regional sewer and stormwater utility and an energy company. Earlier in her career, Rachel was a journalist in central Illinois, where she covered local and state government for daily, weekly and monthly print publications. She is an active volunteer with her neighborhood community councils and other regional nonprofits.

Rachel earned her master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in English from Bradley University.