Meet Rachelle Jeanty

Meet Rachelle- She's Going Places

Meet the First Fellow to be Featured on the “20 Questions with… Blog,” Ms. Rachelle Jeanty! Rachelle was a member of the Class of 2019, and completed her CAP Fellowship in the Office of Boston City Councilor, Michelle Wu. Read on to learn: what she’s been up to; “What ‘Leadership’ means to her” and; why she encourages all young people to “get to work”:

“My community has always inspired me. From a little child, I loved being in the community and the supports that it provided me.

This is what continues my fire for politics and public policy.” - Rachelle Jeanty

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What is Your Name, Your hometown and Current city?

Rachelle Jeanty, Randolph, MA

Where did you attend Undergrad & graduate school, and what was your program of study?

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth: Sociology - Bachelors Degree University of Massachusetts Boston: Gender, Leadership, Public Policy - Graduate Certificate Public Administration - Masters Degree

What year did you participate in the CAP Program? Where was your Fellowship, and what did you appreciate about it?

Fellowship: Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu - City Hall I appreciated the staff, fellows, and opportunities that the internship provided. Overall, I learned so much from those around me. The memories and experiences from that time will not be forgotten.

What have you been up to since your time at CAP ended?

Since CAP I went to work for the Elizabeth Warren for President campaign as a Regional Organizer for the South Shore and Cape and Islands. I am now working as an Outreach Director for Educators for Excellence which is a non-profit organization that is fighting for justice within education nationwide. Recently I was appointed to the School Committee for Blue Hills Regional Technical School. I serve on a few boards within Randolph such as the Randolph Resiliency Committee, Mass Cultural Council, and the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition

What events inspired you to get involved, and learn more about politics and public policy?

My community has always inspired me. From a little child, I loved being in the community and the supports that it provided me. This is what continues my fire for politics and public policy.

What policy issues and areas interest interest you?

Some of the policy issues that are most important to me are human trafficking, food security, and anti-corruption.

What does "Leadership" mean to you?

Leadership to me means a person who makes the decision to step up and take initiative in an area that is important to them and is able to influence others to take action about that specific area as well.

In your opinion, what are the major challenges faced by our country, state, or city? What do you think can be done to to fix it? Where would you start?

To me, there are way too many gaps that separate us as Americans, and there are so many variables such as race, gender, pay, discrimination.

What made you want to run for office? You've worked in campaigns before. Tell us about your experience now that your were "the person on the ticket". What was that like for you?

What made me run for office is the need for representation. I felt that it was important to show up and make sure that there was accountability for that seat. For me, running was all about determination, drive, and diligence. It was an empowering time. Deep down, I am so grateful for the support I received from friends, family, and residents but most importantly, it reminded me of the power that I have within me.

People often say that "Elections can often feel like marathons, but winning the race is just the beginning!" What goals do you have for yourself and your constituents in your first term? What strategies that you learned at CAP or elsewhere will you utilize to get the job done?

I plan to learn more about the role and responsibilities. I also hope to build relationships with educations, administration, and families within the Randolph area. Strategies that I have learned would be how to effectively campaign by identifying the different groups of voters in order to achieve winning numbers. Also, I have applied to work with others in order to achieve.

Self Care is important, but not often discussed. How do you decompress after a challenging day or week? Who do you seek out in difficult moments?

Ways that I practice self-care are the following: sleeping, adding a day of rest to my schedule weekly, reconnecting with friends and family, traveling, and praying.

Who are your role models? Why?

My first role model would be my mother who has set the stage really, she is innovative, resilient and a hard worker who loves to joke and have fun. I would also say, any woman in leadership who is bold and about advocacy for the people to me are role models. They give me fuel.

Do you have any advice for young leaders or innovators who are looking to make a change or get involved, but don't know where to start?

Advice for young leaders and innovators is to get to work! Even if you might not know where to begin, connect with an issue that matters to you and the people, resources and opportunities will follow. Own that issue and use that to carry you.

2020 was a year of challenges for so many reasons, and for so many people. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

2020 was a year of self-exploration and applying faith and courage in order to achieve. I plan to take those same principles and apply them to my 2021 with more confidence that I am able to master whatever I truly put my mind to. I also plan to take more time to rest, and learn more about myself.

What have you been doing to keep busy or motivated during this time of social distancing? Did you watch or read anything worth sharing? What advice do you have for those who may be alone or without their support systems nearby?

I have been doing a little bit of everything: uncovering old hobbies, learning how to communicate more effectively with those around me, and spending more time with Rachelle. 'The Battlefield of the Mind' by Joyce Meyer is my current read - so good. Advice is that it's ok to feel lonely at times, we all do but it's also our responsibility also to understand the difference.

What is your go-to comfort food? Who makes it, where do you get it - why is it special?

This is super random but I love a good Tuna wrap with American cheese or Sushi!

What music/artists do you listen to in tough times? What music/artists do you listen to in the good times?

I listen to a little bit of everything but I am big on alternative R&B - artists: Xavier Omar, Masago, Jazmine Sullivan, Blood Orange, Outkast, and Solange

What is weird quirk about you that nobody knows or would guess?

I am can be forgetful at times and I don't remember the small details that everyone can. This is why I write everything down everything

Where can folks contact you, follow you, or learn more about you?

Facebook and LinkedIn: Rachelle Jeanty

Twitter: @jeantyrachelle