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WTS Metro Phoenix member Rachelle Giles is this year’s ATHENA Young Professional Award recipient. She has built her career around leadership, mentorship, and community service. For her, the recognition is both an affirmation and a responsibility to continue creating opportunities for others.
Originally interested in medicine, Rachelle discovered public policy as another way to help people through North Dakota Girls State, student government, and work in the North Dakota Governor’s Office. Her experience spans state and municipal government, a U.S. Senate office, and political campaigns. She joined Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs in 2013 and has continued her commitment to helping people navigate complex systems.
Among her proudest accomplishments is helping create a program connecting college students interested in transportation careers with industry professionals and employment opportunities. More than 85 percent of participants secured internships or entry-level positions, and several later advanced into leadership roles.
Leading the Arizona Association of Providers for People with Disabilities through COVID-19 reinforced her belief that effective leadership requires listening, clear communication, and trust. Her team helped providers access accurate information, strengthened communication with the state, and identified policy changes needed to sustain essential services.
Rachelle’s mentorship approach emphasizes practical guidance and space for others to develop their own judgment. She encourages organizations to give women meaningful responsibility, sponsor their advancement, and explain the unwritten rules that help them succeed.
Her advice to emerging leaders is simple: start showing up before you feel fully qualified. Whether joining a committee, volunteering, or attending a city council meeting, participation can open unexpected doors.
Ultimately, Rachelle hopes to be remembered as kind and useful: someone who made complicated issues understandable, brought people together, and helped others find their place.
We encourage members to visit the WTS Metropolitan Phoenix website to read Rachelle’s full interview and learn about her leadership journey, mentorship, and commitment to serving her community.
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