February 18, 2021

It’s time to meet the faces behind SHE Counts! ? Over the next few months, we will be showcasing our board members so you all can learn a little bit about the wonderful women who make SHE Counts what it is!

• Name: Rachel Lakose
• Tell us a little about YOU!:
I am adopted and originally from Texas, but moved to Iowa when I was little with my adoptive family. I went to school originally for art and music education but took a comfortable corporate job when the economy fell out while I was a freshman. I think that was one of the best things I could have ever done, as it allowed me to really explore where my heart was, professionally. After 10 years of doing hobby work with graphic design, I decided to make that my career. I will be graduating in May with my Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, and am very proud of this accomplishment! I have been married to my husband Jeremy coming up on 8 years, and we have two kids together, Gwen (6) and Toby (4). We also have a cat named Lucy and a pup named Sadie. I work for Total Choice here in Grinnell as the lead graphic designer. I have the best work family, ever–you can definitely

tell that they care about their employees, their clients, and their community. I love traveling. I enjoy hiking through historically significant areas, all the way from Pikes Peak/Effigy Mounds here in Iowa to more remote places like ancient Mayan ruins in Belize. I love music, painting, and videography/photography, as well!

• Why did you want to be a part of SHE Counts?
I wanted to take on a leadership role when it comes to supporting and empowering women, especially here in our communities We live in a society where women are still sometimes considered second-class, and while we’re seeing women’s issues be elevated on the national stage, we need to make sure we’re taking care of our own local communities, too. Even the very basic female needs: tampons, pads, and similar feminine hygiene products can be hard to come by. I am excited to be a part of SHE Counts because I get to play a key role in helping empower local girls and women to be strong and independent women who have access to the care, education, and resources they need to succeed.
• What excites you most about SHE Counts?
Our Feminine Hygiene Drive has been really well received, and it is super exciting to think about the impact that our community’s generosity will leave on those who need these products most. I also love that we support higher education through multiple programs that both prepare and support the learning of local young girls in more advanced subjects like math, as well as help provide financial assistance to local seniors entering post-secondary education. The luncheons that SHE Counts has traditionally held to help empower first-generation girls planning for college is something that I’m particularly excited about being a part of, as well!