Rachel Young
About Rachel Young
Rachel Young serves as the Executive Director at IDEO, where she has worked since 2022, following various leadership roles within the company. With a background in design and education, she has contributed to significant projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy and community resources.
Work at IDEO
Rachel Young has held multiple positions at IDEO, starting as a Design Lead from 2016 to 2019 in the San Francisco Bay Area. She progressed to Senior Design Lead from 2019 to 2021, followed by a role as Senior Director in 2021 for eight months. In 2022, she became the Executive Director, where she continues to work in a hybrid capacity. Throughout her tenure, she has guided various projects, including the creation of a digital platform for libraries and a digital literacy intervention for children with Down Syndrome.
Education and Expertise
Rachel Young earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Wells College, studying from 2000 to 2003. Her educational background supports her expertise in design and strategic initiatives. She has developed a digital app and in-person curriculum for high school students, showcasing her commitment to education and community engagement. Additionally, she co-authored 'A New Edition of the Little Book of Design Research Ethics,' contributing to the discourse on ethical practices in design research.
Background
Prior to her roles at IDEO, Rachel Young worked at KIPP Foundation as a Senior Creative Manager from 2009 to 2013 and as a Recruitment & Selection Coordinator from 2007 to 2008. She also served as the Director of Engagement at Character Lab from 2013 to 2016. Her early career included teaching positions, such as a Sixth Grade Teacher with Teach For America and a Summerbridge Teacher at Breakthrough Collaborative. This diverse background in education and management has shaped her approach to design and leadership.
Achievements
During her career, Rachel Young has secured long-term partnerships for projects valued at $10-15 million annually, demonstrating her ability to foster relationships and drive project success. She has achieved a project win rate of 50%, one of the highest at IDEO, indicating her effectiveness in client engagement and project delivery. Her work has included crafting strategic narratives for market-facing initiatives and determining speaking strategies for conferences and panels.