Meet Rachael Smith

What's your favorite aspect of working with our team?

I appreciate the wealth of diverse skills and knowledge that team member brings to the table. Working with a team like ours not only fosters a collaborative environment but also fuels our collective ability to generate innovative ideas and address challenges effectively.

What's one goal you hope to accomplish with the team this year?

I want our team to become more of a Community Resource Hub - either through the programs that we offer or through the 4-H INDY Studio space we now have.

What motivates you to do your best work every day?

Working to make an impact on the lives of the young people in Indianapolis is what motivates me every day. The days that I get to spend teaching kids about handwashing or how to move a robot using block coding are always the best days of my week!

What's one unique skill or hobby you bring to the team?

I can come up with a back-up plan at the drop of a hat! If something goes awry in the agenda, I will be there with a solution as soon as it pops into my head.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting in your field?

Keep your eye on the ball - Purdue Extension does amazing things every single day and that can make you feel like you're not offering enough opportunities to your stakeholders. Let other's work inspire your work without deterring your goals.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Marie Curie - as a former Food Scientist, I've always loved the stories of scientific discoveries she made. I would love to talk with her about her experiences as a woman in the scientific community during her time.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would want the ability to breathe underwater. I love all things ocean and would love the ability to stay below the surface long enough to experience more.

What's something you're passionate about outside of work?

I'm passionate about my family! My two little nieces live a few minutes from me and I take every opportunity I can to spend time with them.