Rachel is from Connecticut and attended Marist College, in New York, where she carried a 4.0 grade point average. She majored in political science, with a goal of attending law school and possibly pursuing a career in environmental law.

During her high school years, she was selected to testify before the Connecticut House of Representatives about a bill of rights for students with hearing loss; she also received numerous academic, community and sports awards and honors. In college, Rachel has already become involved in numerous activities, including Habitat for Humanity, an advocacy political group, and fundraisers for people with AIDS.

Throughout her career, she completed an internship in NY Representative Sean Patrick Maloney's district office, and was Student Director and Choreographer for Night on Broadway, a show that raises money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. In addition, she joined the club tennis team at Marist. During Covid quarantine, she was an essential worker at a living facility for older adults.