Rachel Dean

About Rachel Dean

The driving force behind everything I do is my belief in people and our connection to one another. I believe every person deserves to live a healthy, liberated, and fulfilling life, and that we all share a responsibility to build systems that make that possible.Whether I’m leading or supporting projects in education, reproductive health, humanitarian assistance, or youth development at Save the Children, in the Peace Corps, or in my community, my approach is grounded in equity, strategy, and human-centered implementation.I offer a diverse & unique blend of experience across-Program operations and project management -Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration-Donor compliance and budget tracking-Event planning and process improvementSome of the highlights from my recent work include:1. Led end-to-end project management for a maternal & newborn health initiative, ensuring on-time delivery, donor compliance, and cross-team coordination, resulting in a ~30% increase in timely deliverables and consistent execution across two countries.2. Planned and executed large-scale meetings and events for 50+ stakeholders, which elevated team cohesion & external engagement, contributing to stronger project visibility & coordination.3. Co-led development and facilitation of youth empowerment programs during Peace Corps service, which engaged 40+ students from five secondary schools, promoting leadership and peer mentorship in underserved communities.4. Provided operational & coordination support to the 17-member RMNCAH team and across 8 donor-funded global health projects at Save the Children, streamlining internal processes, systems, and workflows. These efforts enhanced team efficiency, ensured alignment on timelines & deliverables, and reduced delays in communication & collaboration.I hold an MA in International Development with a Certificate in Global Health Affairs and a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. I’ve applied skills in leadership, strategic planning, grant compliance, and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) within both global and grassroots contexts, from donor-funded initiatives to mutual aid, while also building cross-cultural fluency through my studies in French and Arabic.I’m especially drawn to mission-driven organizations that advance social justice, community-based solutions, and youth development, where I can contribute to strategic growth, operational excellence, and lasting impact.

Experience

1. Project Manager

   Cradles To Crayons

   Oct 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

Education

• American University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, International/Global Studies

• University of Denver

  Master of Arts - MA, International Development