Rachel Harrell, 25, is a recent graduate of Northeastern University, ready to take on the world. However, before embarking on her next academic chapter in Scotland for her master’s degree at the University of Glasgow, she will complete an outstanding summer program that she co-chaired at her alma mater.
WISE: Passion to Project
The program, WISE: Passion to Project, is an offshoot of Northeastern’s women-led entrepreneurial network, WISE (short for Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of Entrepreneurship). WISE is home to several entrepreneurial initiatives, including innovation incubators and mentorship programs for women and non-binary students interested in entrepreneurship at Northeastern University.
In the Spring of 2021, Rachel felt called to apply to be the assistant director of the WISE group she was familiarizing herself with. Shortly after acceptance, her faculty advisor, Betsy Ludwig, the Executive Director of Women’s Entrepreneurship at Northeastern University, approached her about co-creating a program modeled after WISE’s thought incubator for high school teens. In the summer of 2021, the program was officially launched.
For the last four summers, Harrell has continued to direct the program alongside faculty and fellow student teachers. Together, the team has supported over 100 young women and non-binary students with their business ventures as they fostered close interpersonal relationships and a lasting drive to explore and expand on their unique ideas. Students also had the opportunity to live on campus for the two-week workshop, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the college experience.
Getting candid with Rachel with mountain views.WISE: Passion to Project was developed as a safe space where women and non-binary students can get comfortable with the idea of sharing their voices in rooms that can often be male-dominated. As with many business and STEM-related practices, men are at the forefront of performance and visibility. The reality is that, despite the individual personas of the men who dominate these spaces, it takes skill and practice to navigate a male-centered world, as it slowly morphs into a more equitable society for all. Programs like WISE: Passion to Project provide the skills, training, and safe space for individuals to hone their skills, shine their unique light, and foster lasting connections and confidence along the way.
Rachel’s Pursuits
Amidst the challenges and certainty of COVID, Rachel also followed her heart to Scotland for a visit before deciding on an extended backpacking trip throughout Europe. Despite accenting her studies with these international adventures, Harrell remained present and committed each summer for the duration of the workshop.
While Rachel will no longer spearhead WISE: Passion to Project after this summer, she will continue to offer her support and compassion to the WISE team and their continuous initiatives.
Rachel’s open and curious mind has led her down an unexpected and inspiring path. Her willingness
An image of Rachel on one of her backpacking trips!not only to dream but to see it through will take her to even more magical places. With a desire to teach and a track record of supporting others, it’s clear that Rachel will find a way to bring more inspired minds along with her.
Rachel always dreamed of going to Scotland, and she did it! She always wanted to be a writer, and now, after completing her Bachelor’s in English and Journalism, she will immerse herself in some of the finest literary studies at the University of Glasgow. With dreams of continuing to share her learning with others, she'll have a worldly perspective to share. It’s fair to say that Rachel is a powerhouse, and we can’t wait to see where in the world she is and what she’ll be up to next!
