Learn about the Future of Columbia Heights
About Rachel James
Meet Rachel James
Rachel grew up in rural Minnesota on a small dairy farm with a big family. From an early age, Rachel was involved in volunteering and leadership programs. She loved the community connection of the small town. She led service projects, including the Adopt-a-Highway campaign and nursing home visits. Rachel was a statewide leader in 4-H and Future Leaders of America. Her family regularly utilized the local food shelf and free lunches at school. Rachel is passionate about helping provide food security to families in our community.
Education
Rachel went to college in Minneapolis, living in a busy downtown apartment. She studied Business Administration and Urban Ministry graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was a salutatorian. Rachel loves the arts and culture of the big city. She visited the Guthrie often and even caught some Twins games at the old Metrodome for their $3 student days. During college, she married Leo and they enjoyed living in South Minneapolis for 8 years.
Career
Rachel’s career has been in non-profit leadership, churches, and higher education. She served at a multicultural church on the Southside of Minneapolis and developed programming for the neighborhood children. In her non-profit experience, Rachel managed a staff team of 15 and an organization that connected with 50 partner organizations to work ecumenically with teen leaders from Hmong, Liberian, African American, and white backgrounds. Rachel received her Master’s degree from Bethel Seminary in Community Ministry Leadership, graduating summa cum laude. She worked as an adjunct professor at her undergrad alma mater and a staff member at Luther Seminary.
Columbia Heights Resident
Rachel moved to Columbia Heights in 2010 to rent an apartment, with her husband Leo and their 2 children. She immediately fell in love with this small town in the big city! Columbia Heights has all the opportunities for connection and community service as her hometown, along with the diversity and opportunities of an urban center. Upon buying their house in Columbia Heights in 2011, Rachel quickly signed up as a block captain and hosted the National Night Out block party for her neighbors. This was the beginning of her volunteerism and leadership in Heights!
Rachel has worked at First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights for 8 years as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. You can find her most days walking around Silverwood Park with her family or visiting the Columbia Heights Library for a good science fiction book.