Rachael Rider joined the Travois housing development team as project assistant earlier this summer. She helps complete and submit applications for Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) and other funding opportunities, and she offers additional support to our clients and service providers. We already have one “Rachel” (read about her here), but Rachael Rider is our first Rachael with two As.
1. What attracted you to Travois?
It is a great atmosphere and positive environment, where there is a high concentration on working together as a team. I’m surrounded by intelligent, creative and kind individuals who work extremely hard. It is very fulfilling to know every ounce of work has such a transforming end result. The intrinsic benefit of helping to provide families with safe and affordable housing is incredibly rewarding. It is also really nice to be able to bring my son with me and know he’s in great hands in the employee daycare. Travois is truly a great place to be!
2. What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Bachelor of Science degree in communication.
3. How do your past experiences help you in your current position?
I hold a teaching degree in the state of Kansas and have been involved within many aspects of education in different low-income areas. I was able to see various perspectives on life and the adversity so many people endure without them having the chance to voice their stories. I’ve seen firsthand the impact growing up in poverty can have on one’s decisions and future.
Through my work with NYDEC, I gained an understanding of the complexity of developing a grassroots nongovernmental organization (NGO) in a country where there is electricity for only three hours a day and limited resources. It has taught me many valuable insights and how to overcome challenges when it seems there are no other alternatives. The use of new and ever-changing technology and communication skills has played an important role in everything from day-to-day operations to further research for the development of future projects.
4. What did you want to be as a kid? A journalist by day, a detective by night and an artist on the weekends. Apparently, I thought adults didn’t require sleep.
5. What is your favorite memory from when you were a kid? As a competitive, yet not what you would call an “athletic kid,” I once beat my entire gym class in the 100m dash. After that, I never won another race. If you’ve ever watched the Seinfeld episode of Jerry having to re-race his grade school competitor, then you know my nightmare.
6. Which family member are you most like? I’m not sure whom I am most like, however, I TRY to be most like my mom. Those who know her know why. She is the most selfless, creative, caring and genuine person I know.
7. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet? Our 7-year-old son, Brock, just got a Red Fox Lab and named him Cooper. He is very sweet, yet playful and energetic enough to keep up with Brock.
8. What is your favorite meal? Coming from an Italian family rich in delicious recipes, I have to say my grandma’s passed-down recipe of sauce, spaghetti and meatballs. My favorite restaurant would be Francisco’s.
9. What is the best gift you’ve ever received? What is the worst? The best gift was given to me when I graduated college. My mom gave me my grandmother’s class ring that I proudly wore as I crossed the stage. The worst gift was one that was intended for one of my brothers, a G.I Joe doll. In retrospect, G.I Joe made a nice companion for my Barbie dolls and had cool clothes.
10. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be? Duct tape, and then hope I could cut it without the use of scissors.
11. If you could witness any event, past, present or future, what would it be? The Women’s Suffrage movement — I’m so thankful for strong women who have led the way.
12. What talent do you wish you had? Being able to rap.
13. Do you have a bad habit you want to break? Trying to rap along. It’s never going to happen.
14. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? Go to the park with my family, read books and just enjoy life.
15. Do you like to play or watch sports? What teams do you root for? I’ve been married to a teacher and a coach for almost 9 years and have been able to see my fair share of athletic events, especially football games. When I am able to pick a sport to watch, I try to watch one that involves less contact. Haha! I love watching the KC Royals, college basketball, tennis and the Olympics. We have a countdown to the 2016 Olympics! (400 days and counting) 🙂
16. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City? There are so many fun things to do in KC, it’s hard to pick. I’ll choose one that I do almost everyday. We are fortunate to be surrounded by many different beautiful parks and walking trails. My family and I take walks almost every night and enjoy the scenery. Coming from living in a rural area for the past 8 years, little things like nice sidewalks and fresh cut grass are things we appreciate.
17. What do you like about Kansas City? What do you dislike? I like the diversity of all the different neighborhoods and areas; the culture of the city and all of the amenities it has. I dislike that there are not any nice mountains to view and hike up or a warm, sandy beach.
18. What kind of music do you like? I’m always in the mood for Frank Sinatra, anything from the 1980s and 1990s, Coldplay, and Noah and The Whale.
19. What is your favorite book from childhood and favorite all-time book? From childhood: “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch and my all-time favorite: “The Greatest Salesman in The World” by Og Mandino.
20. What is one thing you would like Travois staff and clients to know about you? My favorite quote is by Voltaire: “ The most important decision you will ever make is to be in a good mood.”