Rachel has always been innately curious about people, places, ideas, and the way things work. That curiosity—combined with a lifelong passion for hospitality—has shaped a 15+ year career dedicated to creating distinctive brands, uncovering meaningful consumer insights, and helping restaurants, hotels, and hospitality businesses tell stories that resonate. As Director of Brand Strategy & Communications at Carbonate, Rachel leads concept development, brand positioning, messaging, content strategy, and integrated communications. She is also one of the authors of the annual af&co./Carbonate Hospitality Trends Report, and contributes to the agency's thought leadership—helping translate emerging consumer behaviors into strategic opportunities for clients.

A New York native, Rachel got her start on the agency side at the hospitality-focused PR firm Wagstaff Media & Marketing. She then moved in-house as the Director of Communications & Marketing for Michelin-starred Chef George Mendes, where she drove all aspects of branding, marketing, media relations, and strategic partnerships for the chef and restaurants. She went on to become the first Director of Brand & Marketing for The Bastion Collection, working with renowned chefs including Joël Robuchon and Jonathan Benno, and helping to grow the hospitality investment firm’s portfolio to 10 award-winning concepts across the country. Most recently, Rachel launched her own hospitality consulting practice before joining the Carbonate in 2021. 

Rachel holds a B.S. in Communications and Legal Studies from Northwestern University. A one day kitchen stage at Alinea and front-of-house trail at Eleven Madison Park led her to forgo a planned career in law and follow her passion for hospitality—and she’s never looked back.