Rachael Goldenberg grew up in Rochester, New York, raised by a single mother in a family of “powerful ladies.” In high school, she threw herself into any opportunity she could find, playing softball and volleyball, joining the business club, and even helping run the morning TV show. When it came time for college, she chose Wellesley to surround herself with driven, passionate peers. She studied, played softball for four years, and spent a semester in Johannesburg, where witnessing human rights challenges firsthand prompted her to think about making a difference back home.
After graduation, Rachael worked on Joe Kennedy’s first congressional campaign, fuelled by a belief that electing strong, principled leaders is the best way to create real, lasting change. This conviction still guides her today as Chief of Staff for Congressman Josh Harder (CA-09). She is also pursuing an executive MBA at UVA Darden, inspired by her boss’s structured approach to problem-solving.
Rachael sees the tremendous value in the Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellowship, as it helps broaden her network, learn from peers who share her passion for integrity, gain fresh policy perspectives, and continue focusing on public service to keep voters engaged and ensure no one is overlooked.
