Rachel Means

Rachel Means is a higher education professional dedicated to fostering civic engagement and inclusive community building. She is the IOP Program Coordinator for the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics, where she supports civic engagement programming for students while building strategic partnerships across campus and the broader community. With progressive experience spanning program management, policy research, and community engagement, she has developed expertise in program development, grant administration, and stakeholder engagement. Previously, she served as Coordinator of Research Administration and Conference Planning at Duquesne University's School of Nursing, where she managed grant processes and tracking for faculty research, coordinated major conferences, supported graduate students in navigating grant proposals, and oversaw professional development initiatives. Rachel holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public and International Affairs, with a concentration in Policy Research and Analysis. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (Summa Cum Laude) from Duquesne University, along with a minor in Sociology and a Pre-Law certificate. She brings a multidisciplinary perspective spanning politics, faith-based community engagement, and civic education, grounded in an understanding of how these areas intersect to advance social change. 

Beyond her professional work, Rachel is deeply committed to community service and social justice. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and serves in various leadership roles within the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where she creates and facilitates youth outreach and development initiatives across Central Pennsylvania, manages social media for multiple organizational accounts, and supports productions for annual conferences and worship services. She currently serves as the Harrisburg District Youth Missionary Society Secretary. In all she does, Rachel seeks to lend a helping hand, support others, and create meaningful change across communities.