Staff Spotlight: Rachel Hartley
Rachel works on the communications and development team helping the team with getting the good news about Sustainable Northwest to our communities.
“Deep down, I am still the 12-year-old girl who wants to go outside with her infinite love for the Earth and make sure we are treating it fairly.”
How did your childhood influence your decision to work in sustainability?
Attending outdoor school as a sixth grader was truly a life changing experience for me. Although I grew up in Northeast Portland, I didn’t have many opportunities to explore the beauty of Oregon. Until I went to outdoor school.
There, I tested the pH of soil, caught salamanders, and much more. When I returned home, wood cookie still in hand, I couldn’t wait to find new ways to explore my environment in Portland and try more sustainable practices. I demanded that my dad start a compost bin, I convinced my family to go fishing, and I continued to tend to my mom’s garden with her.
As I got older and researched my family history, I discovered I was more connected to the Earth than I ever realized. My grandma also had a green thumb like my mom, my uncle was a cowboy in Arkansas, and my grandfather had a home oil delivery business in Portland. Natural resource conservation and stewardship have always been a part of me and my family.
All of these experiences ultimately culminated into a love for the Earth that I have to this day.
How did your educational and career path lead you to Sustainable Northwest?
My path to Sustainable Northwest began in high school when I worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation. This is where I first explored what Oregon has to offer for the city and its people.
Then I went on to study communications at St. Mary’s College in the Bay Area. After graduation, I returned to Portland. Before landing at Sustainable Northwest, I worked at the Urban League of Portland and the Energy Trust of Oregon.
My experiences here introduced me to the in-depth processes of the nonprofit industry. It was such a joy. But my time here also continued my spark for sharing sustainability. Ask any of my friends who I used to work with. I always tried to convince them to start composting.
Soon, I found myself at Sustainable Northwest, a place that works to care for the Earth in ways much bigger and differently than I have done before. I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it. I’m excited to share and educate the Northwest region on Sustainable Northwest’s projects and mission.
What do you like most about your position at Sustainable Northwest?
I was first intrigued that Sustainable Northwest has many different programs — energy, ranching, water, forestry, wood products — and it fueled my curiosity to learn more about the sustainable world.
By far, however, my favorite part about working at Sustainable Northwest is the people. Everyone is welcoming and creates an environment where everyone can thrive.
Deep down, I am still the 12-year-old girl who wants to go outside with her infinite love for the Earth and make sure we are treating it fairly. Sustainable Northwest, and the people here, give me and that girl a home to do just that.
Passions outside of work: Karaoke, writing poetry, crafting, and candlemaking for my small business, Safe Space Candles
One thing you think is overrated: Silent discos. We should be loud and outward with joy when we dance!
Favorite thing to do on a day off: Taking a walk through the Peninsula Park Rose Garden during the day or watching the sunset there in the evening
Favorite place in the PNW: Seaside, OR
Book recommendation: Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
Cats or dogs? Dogs.
