WoSV

Rachel E. Cooke is an innovative communications professional who has shaped out-of-the-box storytelling strategies for brands and nonprofits. Rachel has played a key role in product launches for McDonald’s USA; has developed successful multi-media projects to reach Millennials and GenZ and most recently is helping to drive the social impact narrative of Khan Academy.

Prior to coming to Silicon Valley and Khan Academy, Rachel worked for the national nonprofit Advocates for Youth, and the global PR agency Golin. Rachel hails from Washington, DC and is a graduate of The George Washington University.

What’s a challenge you’ve faced and how did you get through it?

About 7 months ago, I left my previous organization where I had been for 7 years. It was the longest I have been in any job — and I was great at my job! I had seniority, was paid well and was respected for my work. Of course, with time comes comfort and a bit of complacency. I was fortunate to grow and tackle exciting projects there, but I was becoming burnt-out with the political scene and I was itching for a new challenge. To be honest, I had been putting off the decision to move from D.C. for quite some time. It was my hometown after all and I was more than a bit scared to take the leap elsewhere.

But then, I was offered this amazing position at Khan Academy. I faced a pretty big dilemma — stay with my job and the life I’ve built for myself or take that leap across country?

I took the leap, and although I’m still finding my footing, I’m happy I did. There’s one quote that I keep going back to on the days I’m unsure if I made the right decision: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” Fear will keep you safe, but it won’t let you fill your sails.

What’s something you’ve done that you’re really proud of?

I’ve actually been pretty lucky in that I’ve had amazing professional experiences throughout my career. I was able to coordinate thousands of dollars of scholarships for McDonald’s employees looking to go to college. I’ve been able to work on an animated series for young people that makes them feel less awkward about their bodies and growing up — it now has 19M views on YouTube. I produced a play about women’s reproductive rights that traveled the country. I got to give MJ Rodriguez from Pose the biggest hug when she interviewed for an LGBTQ-focused series that I created. And now I get to help create access for education to anyone, anywhere. Looking back on it, I’m proud that I’ve been able to make a real, positive difference in people’s lives through my work. I just hope I get to keep doing that.