Rachel Winters, M.Ed.
About Rachel Winters, M.Ed.
Rachel Winters, M.Ed., serves as the Director of the Office of Student Leadership & Community Engagement at UMass Boston, where she focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. With a background in higher education and community engagement, she brings a unique perspective as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
Current Role at UMass Boston
Rachel Winters serves as the Director of the Office of Student Leadership & Community Engagement at the University of Massachusetts Boston. In this role, she focuses on integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within student leadership and community engagement. She has held this position since 2019, contributing to the development of programs that enhance student involvement and foster a sense of community on campus.
Previous Experience in Community Engagement
Before her current role, Rachel Winters worked as the Director of Community Engagement at Madison House in Charlottesville, VA, from 2015 to 2017. She also served as the Director of Operations at the Madison House Student Volunteer Center at the University of Virginia from 2014 to 2015. Her experience in these positions highlights her commitment to community service and student engagement.
Educational Background
Rachel Winters earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she studied from 2011 to 2013. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance from the same institution, completed in 2010. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in the Higher Education Program at UMass Boston, focusing on social justice and equity.
Professional Skills and Expertise
Rachel Winters possesses a diverse professional background in the non-profit sector, with expertise in areas such as database management, arts management, operations and human resources, grant writing, and program and volunteer management. Her skills support her work in higher education and community engagement, allowing her to effectively lead initiatives that promote student involvement.
Dance and Leadership Experience
In addition to her administrative roles, Rachel Winters has a background in dance, specializing in contemporary, modern, and jazz styles, with proficiency in ballet, hip hop, and tap. She held leadership positions during her studies at the University of Central Oklahoma, including serving as President of the Student Programming Board from 2009 to 2010. Her experience in dance and leadership contributes to her holistic approach to student engagement.